The Cellars-Hohenort

The Cellars-Hohenort, a prestigious One Michelin Key property nestled in Cape Town's historic Constantia Valley, consistently receives glowing reviews for its luxurious charm, impeccable service, and breathtaking natural surroundings. This 5-star sanctuary, part of The Liz McGrath Collection and a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers a serene escape just a short drive from the city's vibrant center.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Cellars-Hohenort is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "gem", "paradise", and a "very special stay". It boasts an "Exceptional" rating of 9.6 out of 10 based on 109 Expedia reviews, a "Wonderful" 9.3 out of 10 from 891 Booking.com reviews, and a 9.3/10 based on 77 Trip.com reviews. Agoda guests highlight "excellent cleanliness" with a rating of 9.541.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel's magnificent nine-acre gardens, which feature historic Camphor trees and 2,500 roses, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and exploration. The top-notch, down-to-earth service, the blend of historical significance with elegance and natural beauty, and the tranquil Constantia Valley location with its stunning Table Mountain backdrop are frequently cited as key attractions. Amenities such as two heated outdoor pools, a wellness spa, and a tennis court further enhance the guest experience.

Room Quality

The hotel offers 51 luxurious guest rooms, suites, and villas, each individually decorated. Rooms are described as "super comfortable and homely", "charming but quite modern, rather large", and "luxurious". Guests can choose between the contemporary design of rooms in the Cellars Main House or the traditional Edwardian décor in the Hohenort Manor House, many offering views over the lush gardens or the Cape Peninsula. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-bars (complimentary but not replenished), coffee and tea stations, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms often featuring large bathtubs and showers. Turndown service with chocolates is also a appreciated touch. Suites can include a spacious lounge area, walk-in closet, and some offer private verandas or garden patios.

Dining Experience

The Cellars-Hohenort features two on-site restaurants, The Conservatory and The Greenhouse. The Conservatory, often enjoyed with garden views, serves a varied menu for dinner and breakfast, blending South African classics with international influences. Breakfast is consistently lauded as "exceptional", "delicious", and "excellent". It typically includes a generous continental buffet with mueslis, fruits, cold cuts, cheeses, and pastries, alongside hot breakfast options like a Full English breakfast, Eggs Benedict, Florentine, Royale, French Toast, and omelettes. A Bloody Mary station has even been noted at breakfast. Dinner at The Conservatory is also well-regarded for its quality and value. The Greenhouse is known for serving high teas with scenic garden backdrops.

Service & Staff

The service at The Cellars-Hohenort is consistently described as "top-notch" and "5-star quality, but didn't feel stuffy in the least". Staff members are celebrated for being "incredibly welcome and willing to go the extra mile", showing pride in their hotel, and being "professional and attentive", "kind, warm and responsive". Guests have highlighted staff going above and beyond, such as offering early check-in or resolving issues like a problematic room swiftly by upgrading guests to a villa.

Location & Accessibility

Situated in the Constantia Valley, often referred to as "Cape Town's Vineyard," the hotel provides a peaceful and picturesque setting with magnificent views of Table Mountain. It is conveniently located for exploring the Constantia Wine Route and is a short drive (approximately 15-20 minutes) from Cape Town city center and the V&A Waterfront. Nearby attractions include Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (1.5-4 km away) and Groot Constantia Wine Estate (3.4 km away). The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, and Constantia Village, enhancing accessibility to local sights and shopping. Cape Town International Airport is about a 22-25 minute drive.

Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider The Cellars-Hohenort to offer "excellent value for money" and an "unparalleled experience at an affordable rate" compared to other Cape Town hotels. Room prices can range from approximately $230 to $621 per night, depending on the room type and time of year. Some rates include a full English breakfast. The hotel can also be booked using Hyatt points, typically costing 12,000 points per night (9,000 off-peak, 15,000 peak). Complimentary mini-bar items (though not replenished) are an added perk.

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted. The hotel's gym is considered "not impressive" by some, with a "cramped space" and limited equipment (a solitary treadmill, one stationary bike, and a small set of weights). Service at dinner has occasionally been reported as slow when ordering drinks. One guest experienced a "very poor meal" in the restaurant on their first night, though other dining experiences were excellent. Some guests found the air conditioning unit difficult to set, and one instance of a room lacking curtains led to an early wake-up, which the staff promptly resolved. A slower check-in has also been mentioned. Additionally, while beyond the hotel's control, an incident of a burst pipe in the neighborhood led to a day without running water, which the staff mitigated by providing bottled water and apologies. Lastly, while its secluded Constantia location is a highlight for many, some note it's on the opposite side of Table Mountain from most city tourist attractions, requiring a short drive, though the hotel's shuttle service helps bridge this gap.

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