An intimate, five-star hotel of just 10 guestrooms and suites in the heart of the Cape Winelands, The Last Word Franschhoek is tucked away amid craggy mountains and rolling vineyards. Neighboring some of the country’s best wine farms, the pretty town of Franschhoek, known for its Cape Dutch architecture, is also one of the epicurean capitals of South Africa, with fine-dining restaurants a stone’s throw from your suite. Start with breakfast in bed and after a day in the Winelands, return to the hotel’s bougainvillea-filled gardens for some downtime by the pool or an in-suite hot stone massage.
The Last Word Franschhoek’s location is its premiere advantage. A former French Huguenot village, Franschhoek is famed for its historic charm and superb dining options. Try the pork belly with fynbos honey at Reuben’s — which turns out creative cuisine with global twists - and the Mexican-inspired shared plates at Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, along with a frosty craft brew. Many eateries are within a short walking distance of the hotel, while the region’s wineries are just a chauffeur-driven ride away.
The eight Superior Double rooms and two pool suites — airy, bright, and spacious — deliver a dose of the countryside, both indoors and out. Fresh protea flowers bring the natural world inside and complement the floral- and striped-patterned furnishings in soft shades of duck-egg blue and pale grey. From patio gardens and plunge pools, you can capture Cape Western views. Sink into a deep, standalone tub in the marble bathroom with a glass of bubbly or nestle into the plush sofa with a cup of coffee and a book.
Franschhoek is home to a world-class culinary scene with a myriad of ever-changing options. The Last Word Franschhoek’s 24-hour concierge can help you navigate the choices and tour guides can craft and accompany you on an itinerary tailored to your tastes, from horseback riding tours to hiking through nature. The hotel also offers a chauffeur service and off-street parking with 24-hour security.
Breakfast can be served at your leisure in your guestroom or suite — except scrambled eggs, smoked Franschhoek trout, fresh fruit, and pastries, cold meats, and cheeses. For lunch and dinner, Franschhoek is yours to explore. Ask for the hotel’s recommendations on where to dine. The following suggestions are a five minutes walk from the hotel:
Lounge by the pool after a summer’s day exploring the Cape Winelands. Refresh your memory on what you’ve learned with a glass of MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) sparkling wine or a local sauvignon blanc, compliments of the house. Treat yourself to a full-body or hot stone massage in the comforts of your own suite. Cozy up in front of a roaring fire with the hotel’s house port and a cheese board.
Around Franschhoek, the options are endless. Make use of the hotel’s chauffeur services to get around or hop on the famous Franschhoek tram to go wine tasting at the award-winning estates La Motte and Maison; the latter has a restaurant run by renowned chef Liam Tomlin. Dine in some of the best restaurants in town, from haute gastronomy La Petite Colombe to Marigold, which serves flavorful dishes from North India. Then work off your meals with hiking, horseback riding, or cycling along mountain trails, or through a round of golf at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pearl Valley Golf Estate.
In the heart of Franschhoek, the “French Corner” of the Cape Winelands, The Last Word is surrounded by world-class restaurants and wineries. The hotel is just over an hour from the airport and from the center of Cape Town.
Address
68 Huguenot Street, Cape Town, South AfricaTransportation
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