Karoo Art Hotel

The gardens are immaculate, and there’s artwork all over the property, so just wandering around and looking at it is a pleasure. We also had a beer at the pub, where the local banter alone makes it worth a visit. Rick and Sue have made the hotel feel like a destination in its own right, an easy three-hour drive from Cape Town city centre. Our family felt at home as soon as we saw the personalised welcome board at the front door. The rooms were superb, each with its own decor and story behind its name. A special thank you to the kitchen team, who took so much care preparing meals for my son, a strict vegan. Thank you to the whole team for making this past weekend such a memorable one for our family. A visit to the Cape doesn’t feel complete without stopping at Karoo Art Hotel.

We came back to Karoo Art Hotel over Easter, our first visit in about eight years after several stays over the past twelve. We brought my parents from Austria, their first time in SA, and they were struck by the hospitality, the character, and the whole atmosphere. It’s an artistic, welcoming place with a vibe we love. The food was outstanding when we had breakfast and dinner at the hotel. The chef is amazing. One morning we joined the Early Morning Swim Club hosted by the town reporter (Birrydale 365), which was a fun, refreshing way to start the day. Coffee afterwards hit the spot. We also spent a lazy day by the pool and used Barrydale as a base to explore the area. The rooms have lost a little of their shine since our last stay and could use some TLC. Still, it’s a gem that deserves to be cherished. When we’re back in SA, we’ll make our customary stop again. Well worth a visit for anyone after an authentic, memorable stay in the Klein Karoo.

We stayed overnight on the way from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, and were glad we booked the Groot Karoo Room (GVW's Room). The huge balcony had lovely views over town toward the mountains. Its themed decor, including a portable typewriter, was fun and quirky. The bed was very comfortable and the bedding was good quality. The bathroom was spacious, with strong shower pressure and plenty of hot water. Downstairs, we tried a local Barrydale gin and whiskey in the pub, then had an excellent dinner there instead of in the main restaurant. My Karoo lamb chops were cooked perfectly, and my husband's mushroom risotto was delicious, with just the right consistency. Breakfast was served at our table outdoors on the back veranda, with a good selection to choose from. Barrydale looks utterly charming, and we’d like to return for the walks in the Tradow Pass. We’ll definitely be back.

We didn’t stay overnight, just stopped in for an evening drink at the pub, some lovely piano music, and a delicious two-course meal. The staff were really friendly and efficient, the owner was a fantastic host, and the lamb was the best I’ve ever eaten. I’ll definitely come back someday.