Houw Hoek Hotel | Oldest Licensed Hotel * Spa & Mountain Views

Name: Houw Hoek Hotel, Botrivier
Address: Off N2 Between Grabouw & Botriver, Botrivier, Western Cape, 7160
Price range: US$110+
Rating: 7.9

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Houw Hoek Hotel Botrivier Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Off N2 Between Grabouw & Botriver, Botrivier, 7160

Close to the Houwhoek Pass

Very good

7.9

8.4

/10

4.0

4.3

4-star family-friendly spa hotel in Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Location

Houw Hoek Hotel is situated in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, just off the N2 highway, making it easily accessible from Cape Town. This historic hotel, built in 1779, is known as South Africa's oldest licensed hotel. The serene surroundings of mountains and ponds offer a tranquil escape from the busy city.

Rooms

The hotel hosts 99 rooms, accommodating up to 279 guests. Many rooms include private balconies with panoramic mountain views and en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms also provide additional comforts like underfloor heating and air-conditioning.

Wellness

Ginkgo Spa offers a variety of luxurious treatments for rejuvenation and relaxation. Facilities include a sauna, Rasul (a Turkish steam chamber), and a heated indoor pool with a relaxation area. The spa is well-regarded, having won numerous awards for its outstanding service.

Dining

Two on-site restaurants serve traditional South African cuisine and a spacious Sunday lunch buffet. The dining room seats 120 guests while the Loggia offers panoramic mountain views for up to 182 guests. A highly praised wine list includes selections from local vineyards.

Entertainment

Houw Hoek Hotel offers extensive outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and putt-putt. The hotel includes two swimming pools, indoor games rooms, and two padel courts for guests of all ages. On-site events include a traditional Saturday Dinner Dance featuring a three-course meal.

Highlights

Location: Kogelberg Nature Reserve, just off the N2

Rooms: Accommodates up to 279 guests in 99 rooms

Wellness: Ginkgo Spa with heated indoor pool

Dining: Two restaurants with traditional cuisine

Entertainment: Saturday Dinner Dance and outdoor activities

Must-do experiences

Taste the delicious homemade apple pie at the Botrivier Bakery.
Visit the local Botrivier Market on Saturdays for fresh produce.
Hike up to the nearby Houw Hoek Pass for breathtaking views.
Explore the charming Elgin Valley wineries for wine tastings.
Discover the Cape Whale Coast at nearby Hermanus for whale watching.

Select your room type

Houw Hoek Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Triple Room
2 persons
32 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
40 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Quadruple Room
2 persons
38 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Houw Hoek Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Hairdresser
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Cycling
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis
Mini golf

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's play area
Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Entertainment
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Turkish bath
Steam room
Pedicure
Manicure
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Pool with view

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Houw Hoek Hotel, dining options showcase the richness of South African flavors in settings that embrace warmth and family-friendly charm. Guests can indulge in traditional cuisine while surrounded by beautiful landscapes, creating a perfect backdrop for any meal, whether it's a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

Restaurant #1
Traditional South African
Ambiance
Family-friendly and romantic, featuring a warm interior that invites guests to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Key Offerings
This restaurant offers Halal and vegetarian meal options, blending authentic local dishes with modern innovations. The inviting atmosphere enhances everything from casual family dining to intimate dinners.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.
Restaurant #2
Traditional South African
Ambiance
Family-friendly and romantic, designed to cater to both couples seeking a cozy meal and families enjoying time together.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a diverse menu that caters to Halal and vegetarian diners, featuring a delightful fusion of traditional flavors presented with a modern twist, perfect for any occasion.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

Houw Hoek Hotel Location

Off N2 Between Grabouw & Botriver, Botrivier, 7160

Explore Botrivier

Nearby Activities & Dining

Houwhoek Pass

5-minute drive

A scenic mountain pass known for its stunning views and winding roads that make for an exhilarating drive.

Howhoek Nature Reserve

10-minute drive

A beautiful nature reserve offering diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature lovers and tranquil walks.

South Hill Wines

10-minute drive

A picturesque wine estate featuring a tasting room and restaurant, ideal for wine enthusiasts and scenic picnics.

VGK

10-minute drive

A cozy venue that hosts various events and serves as a hub for local culture and community activities.

Hiking in Green Mountain Trail

20-minute drive

An invigorating hike featuring lush landscapes, perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Wine Tasting at South Hill Wines

10-minute drive

Relaxing wine-tasting experiences at a local vineyard, where guests can savor regional flavors and enjoy the scenery.

Houw Hoek Coffee Shop

5-minute walk

A cozy café offering breakfast, pastries, and light lunches. Known for its charming atmosphere and local specialties.

Local Music Nights at VGK

10-minute drive

A vibrant venue featuring weekly live music events, ideal for a night out with friends or family entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre
Botrivier 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Cape Town International (CPT) 102 min · 41.9 mi
Train
Botrivier Railway Station 9 min · 3.5 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs ZAR 235 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Houw Hoek Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 496 verified reviews

8.0 /10

Great

79 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Comfort

8.4/10

Facilities

8.1/10

Free WiFi

7.8/10

Location

8.9/10

Staff

8.7/10

Value for money

8.1/10

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Questions of the users

About Houw Hoek Hotel

Are halaal breakfast options available during my stay?

15 May 2024

Halaal meals for breakfast can be provided upon request. Just inform staff, and the chef will arrange this for you each morning.

Is there a special lunch offered on Christmas Day?

25 December 2024

A popular Christmas Lunch Buffet is offered every year on Christmas Day. It's advisable to book in advance as the event tends to fill up quickly.

Are dance evenings still hosted at the hotel?

28 October 2024

Yes, the Saturday Dinner Dance remains a local favourite, taking place almost every Saturday. Reservations can be made for those interested.

Can guests enjoy amenities like fireplaces in all rooms?

12 November 2024

Not all rooms feature fireplaces. Some have air conditioning and underfloor heating, while others offer unique amenities. It's best to inquire for specifics when booking.

Is it possible to book a triple room for myself, my husband, and our 11-year-old daughter?

03 January 2025

Booking a triple room is straightforward. Select the desired room type and dates, along with the number of guests, to finalize your reservation online.

What TV channels are available in the rooms?

10 February 2025

All rooms include a flatscreen TV with a 20-channel Hotel Bouquet DStv package, featuring local channels such as SABC, M-Net, and various international news channels.

Am I allowed to bring personal refreshments to my room?

22 March 2024

Guests are not permitted to bring their own refreshments into the rooms. However, room service is available, offering a selection of meals and drinks.

What activities are available for children at the hotel?

15 April 2025

The hotel features a variety of kid-friendly activities, including jungle gyms, putt-putt, and seasonal jumping castles. Child minders can be booked ahead of time for additional care.

Are there packages for hosting business conferences at the hotel?

07 June 2024

Yes, the hotel offers several fully equipped conference venues with the capacity to accommodate between 2 to 250 delegates, tailored to meet specific needs.

What dining options are available besides breakfast?

11 August 2024

In addition to breakfast, guests can enjoy a range of dining experiences, including a delicious lunch buffet and à la carte dining options that feature local cuisine.

Can guests access electric vehicle charging stations on site?

30 September 2024

Yes, electric vehicle charging stations are available on-site, providing convenient charging for guests' vehicles during their stay.