The first thing that strikes you when you enter the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch is the picture-perfect view.

This three-star hotel, situated on top of a hill just outside the historical town of Stellenbosch, offers visitors a priceless birds-eye view of the Stellenbosch Winelands that include rows and rows of lush green vineyards, farmlands and - towering above it all - the majestic Helderberg mountains.

Panoramic view aside, the hotel is also flanked by two world class golf courses (the De Zalze golf course and the Stellenbosch golf course) and is only a stones throw away from top wine estates, beaches and the oak-lined university town of Stellenbosch.

The hotel's architecture has been designed to frame the breathtaking scenery on its doorstep: The reception area, restaurant and rooms all boast stunning vantage points from which to observe the world outside.

Guests stay in private apartments, each with their own parking bay and tastefully decorated in earth tones, with white linen bedspreads and dark wooden furniture. Stylish, yet understated prints in wooden frames adorn the off-white walls.

Amenities in the apartments include a lounge, balcony, complimentary toiletries, air-conditioning, satellite television and a mini kitchenette.

This small Winelands hotel is refreshingly big on personalised service: Everyone, from the restaurant to the reception staff, makes an effort to make you feel right at home. An example of the hotel's attention to service is the expansive service directory placed in each hotel room.

The directory provides guests with the phone number of almost every single shop, restaurant, wine farm and tourist attraction in the Stellenbosch region. It also offers a host of other services at your fingertips.

Guests in need of pampering can phone reception and have a beauty therapist come to their hotel room to administer a variety of inexpensive treatments. Or why not phone to book a horse ride, a baby sitter or a romantic flight in a hot-air balloon.

The hotel is also a great getaway option for families. In addition to their babysitting service, the hotel has a variety of board games, toys and sporting equipment available at reception.

Children can run wild on the hotel's lush lawns, play on the monkey bars or splash in the hotel's pool and paddle pool. Activity gift packs and holiday activity programmes are available in season. The hotel is also a stones throw away from a range of exciting family orientated destinations like Monkeytown and the Cheetah Encounters Project at Spier.

The Protea Hotel Stellenbosch is ideal for laid-back travellers seeking peaceful accommodation (away from the hustle and bustle of Stellenbosch) with an emphasis on personalised service and the best view in all of the Winelands.

But be sure to get the most out of your stay by booking the front row apartments (if only for the sublime pleasure of standing on the balcony in the morning, soaking up the mind-blowing view with a warm cup of coffee in hand).


Molo says: "CapeTownMagazine.com wants to be your first friend in South Africa. Mail us if you are looking for accommodation specials in the winelands. Our Travel Team will assist you free of charge and booking with us will secure you better rates then booking with the hotels direct.

Read more about the Protea Hotel's Aristata restaurant and Black Bull Bar and Restaurant; find other unique places to go and things to do in the Winelands; and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more Cape Town and Cape Winelands news, accommodation and events".