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De Doornkraal Vinotel

4.0 star property
Victorian country house with winery and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for De Doornkraal Vinotel

Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe
22-inch LED TV with satellite channels, TV

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
The current price is AU$156
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LED TV
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

View all photos for Cottage, Garden Area

Cottage, Garden Area

Cottage, Garden Area

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LED TV
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Luxury Double or Twin Room

Luxury Double or Twin Room

Luxury Double or Twin Room

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LED TV
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Patio
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
LED TV
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Similar properties

Property grounds

Fynbos Guesthouse Riversdale

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (21)
The price is AU$85
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Fynbos Guesthouse Riversdale
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About the area

Map
8 Long Street, Riversdale, Western Cape, 6670

What's nearby

  • Julius Gordon Africana Centre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Riversdale Hospital - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Riversdale Tourism Office - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Stilbaai Golf Club - 29 min drive - 44.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪La Bella Deli and Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Nibbling Squirrel - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Wimpy - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Die Rooi Aalwyn Padstal & Koffiepot - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ou Meul Bakery En Cafe Riversdale - ‬3 min drive

About this property

De Doornkraal Vinotel

Upscale boutique country house in the business district
At De Doornkraal Vinotel, you can look forward to an attached winery, a terrace and a garden. Sip and savour at this country house, which boasts wine release events, a vineyard and a tasting room. The on-site restaurant, De Wingerdt, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and al fresco dining. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a conference centre.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), express check-out and express check-in
  • A front desk safe, a porter/bellboy and a banquet hall
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and boast comforts such as premium bedding, in addition to thoughtful touches such as free WiFi and safes.
Extra amenities include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Egyptian cotton sheets and Tempur-Pedic beds
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep-soaking baths
  • 22-inch LED TVs with satellite channels
  • Patios, electric kettles and daily housekeeping

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8 AM to 10 AM for a fee: ZAR 220 to 242 per person
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • De Wingerdt

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private wine tours
  • Vineyard
  • Wine tasting room
  • Winery
  • Winery release events

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Conference centre (1,614 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vineyard

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 22-inch LED TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 6 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately ZAR 220 to 242 for adults and ZAR 0 to 0 for children

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties
24-hour pool access
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is also known as

De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel Riversdale
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Riversdale
Historic Country House
Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel Riversdale
Doornkraal Historic Boutique Riversdale
Doornkraal Historic Boutique
Doornkraal Vinotel Riversdale
De Doornkraal Vinotel Riversdale
De Doornkraal Vinotel Country House
De Doornkraal Vinotel Country House Riversdale
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel

Frequently asked questions

Does De Doornkraal Vinotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is available 24 hours a day.

How much does it cost to stay at De Doornkraal Vinotel?

As of 4 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at De Doornkraal Vinotel on 6 Mar 2025 start from AU$155.75, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is De Doornkraal Vinotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at De Doornkraal Vinotel?

Self-parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at De Doornkraal Vinotel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM.

What time is check-out at De Doornkraal Vinotel?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is De Doornkraal Vinotel located?

Situated in the historical district, this boutique country house is within a 10-minute walk of Julius Gordon Africana Centre and Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk. Riversdale Hospital and Riversdale Tourism Office are also within 1 mile (2 km).

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De Doornkraal Vinotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 37 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

2.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Friendly Clean Enjoy stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Gigi

Nice stopover between garden route and Capetown
As usual hotel.com didn’t communicate the room(2 bedroom cottage) that we booked to the hotel so they first tried to put us in a 1 bedroom cottage. Luckily our cottage was available and totally worth it, with a nice view of a pond and gardens, a comfortable living room and even a well equipped kitchen
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Geof

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a parlous state of repair. Windows that a terrible and need replacing, the shower in our room was unacceptable as was the floor in the bathroom. None of the doors fitted and the locks were useless. Our bedroom was tawdry and needs a serious revamp - acually everything does. Dinner was mediocre although the estate shiraz was good . Breakfast was good but very slow. Will I stay here again? No! Very expensive for what you get
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

N.B.J.

Prettig verblijf voor eenmaal nachten
Het is een kleinschalig guesthouse met 5 kamers. Wij hadden de kleinste (Cabane) en die is echt wel klein. Hij zit er mooi uit met een prachtig opgemaakt bed, maar het is krap. De badkamer is ook krap en verouderd. Wij begrepen dat in juni 2023 de kamer wordt gerenoveerd. Mocht je hier langer willen verblijven vraag dan om een suite. Er is een klein zwembadje met 5 zeer comfortabele bedden. Drinken kun je de hele dag halen uit je minibar of uit de bar van het guesthouse. Wij vonden een minpuntje dat het ontbijt traag op gang komt. Het ontbijt moet je de voorgaande dag bestellen. Als je s morgens aan tafel gaat zitten voor het ontbijt duurt het 20-30 minuten voordat alles op je tafel staat. Deze methode is waarschijnlijk gekozen om het exclusiever te maken, maar wat ons betreft is een ontbijt buffetje veel sneller en kost alle partijen minder tijd. Overall hebben wij een zeer plezierig verblijf gehad bij Le Fleur de Soleil.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Mphatso

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Danel

Historisch geschützte Gebäude mit viel Scharm
Ein Erlebnis der besonderen Art. Das Historisch geschützte Gebäude ist weitgehend im Originalzustand und sehr ansprechend eingerichtet. Der Service ist sehr zuvorkommend und hilfsbereit. Das Essen ist hervorragend.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

A hidden gem!
We stayed here to break up the drive from Cape Town to Knysna. Traveling with a 5 and 2-year old, we wanted a place that was family friendly. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating for our family, the pool was a great relief from the warm summer day, and the food was prepared to perfection by the spirited chef. We stayed in the two-bedroom cottage and it was perfect for a family of 4. A sleepy city, but if you are looking for a relaxing place to help break up a long car ride, a perfect stop.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

Lovely house, very friendly place, nice food
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

elli

Hübsches historisches Hotel ruhig+ländlich
Positiv + Lob für Zimmer - wunderschön, geschmackvoll, sauber Service - 1a, freundlich und bemüht Negativ leider die Ausstattung: wir waren die einzigen Gäste und vermutlich war daher auch auf Sparflamme vorgehalten. Ob Essen, Pool oder Internetnutzung, Handtücher - entweder die Dinge waren defekt, nicht nutzbar oder gar nicht vorhanden. Bei unserer Abfahrt könnten wir nicht problemlos einladen und überhaupt losfahren, da das Haus von einer mittlerweile geschlossenen Baustelle umgeben war. Zumindest was die Baustelle direkt vor den Zimmern angeht hätte ich ganz klar die Info darüber erwartet bei Buchung oder dann persönlich per Nachricht. Es war laut, dreckig, zeitlich und die Komfortabilität einschränkend. Auch dass der Pool über die gesamte Zeit des Aufenthaltes, also nicht nur temporär, geschlossen ist, sollte man informieren, und nicht erst auf Anfrage mitteilen. Trotzdessen wurde der volle, wirklich knackige Preis verlangt. Schade, den Zimmern an sich und dem Personal (im Service) würde ich volle Punktzahl geben!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Could be great
This hotel could be wonderful with better and friendlier service and greater attention to detail. The hotel is in one of Riversdale's historic buildings and in a quiet location well off the main road. We arrived to find the reception office locked. The proprietor arrived, asked us into her office, sat at her desk and after some time asked us to sit down. We felt rather like naughty schoolchildren in front of the teacher's desk! Her only real comment to us was that she was glad we had paid in full, because it was less work for her. She directed us to our room, but gave us no information about the hotel, times for dinner and breakfast, etc, nor was there any of this information in the room. The room was small, with only one upright chair, so one person had to sit or lie on the bed. There were no toiletries of any kind provided in the bathroom - we had to ask for a bar of soap so that we could wash our hands. The shower leaked considerably and flooded the bathroom. On the plus side, the bed was comfortable, with good sheets and pillows and the room was attractively furnished. We decided we would use the pool after our journey, but it was covered in scum and fallen leaves, so changed our minds. There were a few loungers, but with no cushions nor pool towels. We had to track someone down to ask for a beer. Dinner was well cooked and presented. Huge potential but at present a disappointing place to stay.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Eyvin og Nancy, Norway

Et lokalt paradis
En perle beliggende i en noe kjedelig by. Personlig service fra ansatte som virkelig hadde hjertet med seg i jobben. Vi fikk tilrettelagt egen picknick ved bassenget - til vår medbragte mat og vin. Takk for minneverdig opphold.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Claes-G, Stockholm

Great dinner
Intressting hotel with excellent food
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gordon, Glasgow Uk

Unexpected gem
Overnight stopover during garden route travels . Excellent experience with Chris and his team making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive until you leave . Rooms are comfortable and very clean . Gardens well maintained and encourage you sit back and relax and enjoy the sunshine . The restaurant is like an oasis in a desert with some of the best food I have enjoyed in south Africa . A substantial menu choice in a very nice restaurant with great service and excellent food . Would definitely recommend that you experience this hotel and the great service from Chris and the team for yourself and don't think that you will be disappointed and will leave with a smile on your face. Will definitely stay here again
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Good stop over on N2
Free laundry because we stayed three nights. So helpful, lovely staff.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Johanna, Helsinki

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Average - overpriced
We decided to overnight at the hotel since it's conveniently located between Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus. The room was okay (few bugs though) and dinner at the restaurant was good (kudu steak especially delicious). Breakfast good, too, but service slow and the hours (one hour - 8 - 9 am) were puzzling. What we did not like was that although we mentioned at the time of the reservation that it's our honeymoon and also my birthday, neither were acknowledged. Only "special request" that was fulfilled was a more quieter room which was confirmed by email. Also check-out was very very slow. We also thought the hotel is part of a winery (partly why we decided to stay there) but when asking about that during check-in, they said it's closed (or something?). We did see one of the employees loading wine boxes into another guests car in the morning though... Overall we found that De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel was not worth the price, and would not recommend stopping there or in Riversdale.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Christer, Falköping

Kryddstark upplevelse.
Charmigt guest-house med stora vackra rum i kolonialstil dock utan a-c, men fläktar. Det man kommer ihåg mest var den fantastiska maten o vinet som presenterades av ägaren o den charmante kocken som dessutom själv gick ut o plockade örter i den rikliga väldoftande kryddträdgården. Liten trevlig insyns-skyddnde pool. Brqa skyddad bilparkering. Kan varmt rekommenderas.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Not Provided, johannesburg

Fantastic 5* Restaurant but I would say 3* hotel.
The restaurant is Fantastic , dinner and breakfast 5* . The hotel is I would say 3* It is an old hotel and has a lovely garden and bedding and bed is fine just that no airconditioner and for a 4* and at R1500 per night per couple , I think that should be included. I would really go back for the food but you can get alternative accommodation at a lower rate. The Manager is great and he is also the fantastic chef! So spend your money on the food!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matti, Finland

Really nice staff!
The staff, including everyone but especially the manager, was just so nice to us!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Emma, Brisbane, Australia

A little piece of paradise!
This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed with exceptional hospitality and professionalism. The room was beautiful with a vineyard out the window and a willow with birds' nests. High security, amazing food and delicious wines. Paradise all around.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Great stopover on N2
my wife and I stayed for one night on the recommendation of a friend who stayed last year. We were not disappointed. The rooms were very basic but clean, and need air conditioning..there is a fan. The swimming pool was just the right temperature and very clean. Christopher , the manager, is an excellent host and could not do enough for us. He is a really fine chef and we had the most wonderful meal. I would recommend this hotel for only a one night stay
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tanya, Australia

You have to experience this!
This is a historic building but well maintained and functional. Absolutely awesome is the only way to describe the service you get at De Doornkraal. I wish we could have stayed longer as 1 night wasn't really enough. We were the only guests the night we were there and were treated like Royalty from the moment we arrived and nothing was too much trouble. Dinner was full al a carte service with a full menu with plenty of choice and again for breakfast. Often hotels cut back menus etc when times are quiet but not here and I am sure nothing changes when it is busy either. Big hotel chains should send their staff her to learn what hospitality is about and how to treat customers.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Roger, Spain

Unforgettable fantastic stay!
There has been very few occasions in our travels when we have been so very impressed with everything BUT this stay was by far the best experience we had in a month of travelling SA.. Chef Christopher and his well trained team looked after us so well from the moment we arrived. We cannot fault any aspect of our stay and we will for sure return! Not only was this the best place to stay the food was utterly wonderful and we were so sad to leave. You dont have to go anywhere else in Riversdale just relax and enjoy the specialist attention..its a very rare treat!