Drostdy Hotel

The hotel is beautiful, and we've stayed here many times on drives to and from Cape Town. The rooms are clean and very comfortable for an overnight stop. Still, after this trip I'm leaving angry and sad, and I'm not sure I'll return. We booked in March 2025 for December 13 and January 1, then called to confirm a week before arriving and got a confirmation email a couple of days beforehand. But after 11 hours on the road, we reached Graaf Reinet at 17:00 and were told there was no record of our December reservation. The staff made excuses and blamed other people. There was no real apology or solution, and we had no alternative accommodation. We asked them to cover our January stay and that night's dinner, since we now faced another four-hour drive. They refused to pay for dinner but agreed to cover the January stay. We have stayed here often and always enjoy the hotel, but the restaurant service has never been great, even though this is a teaching hotel and the prices don't reflect that. At dinner last night, we had booked for 19:00. I arrived at 18:50 while my family was still getting ready. The restaurant was only about 20% full, but the first thing I heard was, “Good evening, you’re early, don’t worry, we’ll make a plan.” It didn't feel welcoming. My two sons ordered ostrich steak, but the waiter came back asking if we'd ordered lamb. We corrected him, and he went to the kitchen, then returned a minute later to say it was the ostrich. This morning my husband and I ordered hot breakfasts, but only one came. After 10 minutes I asked whether the other was on its way and said I could take food from the buffet if it hadn't been made. Five minutes later it arrived in a takeaway box. After all this, the holiday began with a disaster, and the restaurant experience hasn't helped.

The staff were attentive and friendly, and the location makes exploring Graaff-Reinet easy. The grounds are lovely and the rooms are nicely designed. Everything is well maintained, with a relaxing feel throughout.

Service was warm, professional, and consistently thoughtful throughout our stay. Our dog was treated like royalty, with two stylish bowls, a cozy bed, treats, pet food, and a sweet note for our furry child. The hotel's pet-friendly approach was a real highlight. We also had an unforgettable private dinner in the beautiful wine cellar. My fiancé loved the exceptional lamb chops, and my rib-eye was honestly one of the best I've had. Our room was spotless, stylish, and very comfortable. Turn-down service added a luxurious touch, with robes and slippers laid out. The setting is stunning, with vibrant bougainvillea and crisp whitewashed buildings. The Drostdy Hotel feels special from the moment you arrive. It's a destination in itself, whether you're stopping over or spending a few days in Graaff-Reinet, with luxury, charm, and heartfelt hospitality.

Food, accommodation, and staff were all spot on, and it's dog friendly. It was just the place for a tired traveller. We'd go out of our way to stay here again if we were ever within 100km. Also great to see responsible owners travelling with well-behaved dogs.