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Get a dose of the dreamy coastal life at the best hotels in Hermanus!
Ah, Hermanus, the ‘Riviera of the South,’ where life puts its feet up as the Olifantsberg Mountains keep watch over the sleepy ocean. Sounds like a dream, right? It is, and my yearly trips there prove that.
Now, I’m not just going to front and say I take in those whale sightings, undulating greens, and dramatic seaside cliffs like some hardcore nature buff. Nah, I like my comforts, which is why I crash in hotels.
But here’s the thing: I always pick a spot that lets the coastal town’s spirit and best parts shine through. You’ll catch what I’m saying with the picks below.
Birkenhead House
From birkenheadhouse
Address: 119 11th St
Contact Details: +27 28 314 8000
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 11 am
Birkenhead House’s clifftop location made my getaway epic. Well, I should’ve expected that when I booked a spot overlooking Walker Bay, a true jol for whale-watchers.
Room-wise, I crashed in their sea-facing Deluxe Room, though any dig would’ve gotten me ocean or mountain (or both) sights. Going full-on, however, landed me on a spacious balcony, where I spotted humpback and southern right whales.
| Tip: Level up your stay with one or two of their experiences. |
Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
From mosselbergogb
Address: 253a 10th St, Voelklip
Contact Details: +27 28 314 0055
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10:30 am
Johan Slee is a legend in the architecture world, and Mosselberg on Grotto Beach is definitely a gold star in his portfolio.
The five-bedroom villa is a more intimate and low-key accommodation. Rooms are airy and sunlit, with garden, ocean, and mountain panoramas to flaunt.
It gets extra props for dishing out local produce every breakfast, a fit start for a day of poolside lounging or whale-spotting.
| Tip: Take advantage of seasonal discounts. |
The Thatch House Boutique Hotel
From thethatchhouseboutiquehotel
Address: R43 Stanford Road
Contact Details: +27 28 314 0555
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 11 am
I couldn’t stop taking pics at The Thatch House Boutique Hotel. High up in the wine country, it offered a cosy break accented by gardens, the Hermanus Lagoon, and the Cape Fold Mountains.
Lagoon Pincushion suite, the midnight-toned room where I stayed, was no slouch either. Its wood-fired hot tub and private terrace were opulent touches I’d pay for again.
If you came for romance, the Lagoon Waterfall Suite is a better call. It features the hotel’s signature dark shades, alongside posh chandeliers and a 50m² patio for private dining and lounging.
| Tip: Get a vibe of the hotel with an online tour. |
The Marine Hermanus
From themarinehermanus
Address: Main Road
Contact Details: +27 28 313 1000
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 10 am
The Marine is part of Liz McGrath’s five-star collection, so you know it doesn’t offer a bog-standard overnight. Here, you have 40 luxe rooms where those gentle giants can be observed.
Each room also has a calming effect, thanks to the hotel’s peaceful blue and white accents. Life gets extra sweeter at the premier suites, desired for their en-suite bathrooms and private balconies.
| Tip: You get a 15% discount by staying for 2 nights. |
Hermanus Beachfront Lodge
Address: 127 11th St, Voelklip
Contact Details: +27 74 602 2421
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 pm
Guests who stay at Hermanus Beachfront Lodge have days to soak in Voelklip Beach and Hermanus Golf Club’s greens. That’s a W in my book.
In terms of crash pads, you get three suites with all the bells and whistles, including balconies posted over the big blue. The aptly-named Luxury Mountain View Suite, however, has mountains everywhere you look.
| Tip: If you stay for 3 nights, you get a complimentary 4th night. |
Auberge Provence
From aubergeprovence
Address: 25 Westcliff Rd, Westcliff
Contact Details: +27 28 312 1413
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10:30 am
Auberge Provence clearly figured out what most Hermanus tourists seek: an intimate cliff setting with whale sightings that only require sitting in a room.
What I truly love about it, though, is its upscale character, a style you wouldn’t always see in a beachside guesthouse. Specifically, Tuscan and Provencal-inspired architecture makes up the place, including the rustic pool area.
Food is another factor why it’s here. Complimentary high tea sandwiches with some cold meats, yoghurt, and fruits? Can’t say no to that.
| Tip: While the downstairs Lavender suite is bigger, their upstairs rooms have better sea views. |
One Marine Drive
From one_marine_drive
Address: 1 Marine Dr
Contact Details: +27 28 313 1234
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 11 pm
Rooms that breathe are what One Marine Drive does best. All 16 of its suites bask in natural light and expansive setups, especially the high-end Columbine Suite, divided into three sections.
If your wallet isn’t that heavy, the more affordable Classic Rooms won’t disappoint. They’re fully furnished and pop with lively blue colours, though sea outlooks are missing.
That said, the chic hotel is just 3 minutes from Cliff Path, so if you want proper views without paying too much, going for an outdoorsy route is the move.
| Tip: Their hottest promotions and special deals are usually posted on Instagram, not on their site. |
Arabella Hotel Golf & Spa
Address: Arabella Country Estate, R44, Kleinmond
Contact Details: +27 28 284 0000
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 11 pm
The second I heard Arabella Hotel Golf & Spa is in Kogelberg Biosphere, I knew it wouldn’t be a trip I’d hate. I saw whales, birdlife, wetlands, horses, and, of course, flora, all in one place.
Teeing off on the 18-hole course raised my dopamine levels, too. The traps and hazards there were tricky but enjoyable, plus the Kogelberg mountains were in full display.
Best of all, they have great rooms. I spent two days in their Deluxe Suite, which follows the hotel’s African-leaning style—think soft, woodsy accents, with lagoon and mountain panoramas to boot.
| Tip: Check out their money-saving deals for seniors. |
The Potting Shed
From pottingshedhermanus
Address: 28 Albertyn St, Northcliff
Contact Details: +27 72 820 9828
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10:30 am
Homely is how I’d describe The Potting Shed. You see, rooms here have a very personal feel, thanks to hand-painted interiors and artistic decor in light tones.
In addition, the self-catering retreat sits on the quieter side of Hermanus but is still a hop from attractions like the Cliff Path and the ocean.
Annamarrie and Dave’s approach to hosting should also be brought up, particularly their tight breakfast game. You’ll get it once you’ve had a fill of the friendly duo’s homemade pastries and preserves.
| Tip: Bring your car. Parking is free. |
Sixteen on Main
From sixteenguesthouse
Address: 16 Main Rd, Westcliff
Contact Details: +27 83 875 0398
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
You don’t have to splurge at Sixteen on Main. It’s among this list’s most well-priced options, made more appealing by its proximity to Hermanus’ tourist magnets, like Walker Bay and Blue Flag Grotto Beach.
The en-suite lodgings are also a bargain. Guests have five well-lit rooms to choose from, each facing manicured gardens and the snug pool area.
On top of that, they provide bikes for those who want to pedal off and see the sights.
| Tip: If you want to enjoy a 10% discount, book directly with the hotel. |
Schulphoek Seafront Hotel
From schulphoek_house
Address: Schulphoek House, 181 Piet Retief Cres
Contact Details: +27 28 316 2626
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 11 am
Schulphoek Seafront Hotel will provide you with a tough dilemma—wake up facing the ocean, or chill among flowers?
I say that because this family-friendly hotel’s main accommodations are garden and ocean suites, all modern pads jazzed by mid-century furniture and minimalist decor.
As far as activities go, they’re on the more low-key side. Whale-watching is common, followed by pampering sessions in their spa, sauna, and pool.
| Tip: You must make reservations for the evening restaurant. Give them a ring for the deets. |
Cliff Cottage
From nightsbridgesa
Address: 22 Westcliff Rd
Contact Details: +27 83 940 6505
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10:30 pm
You can bet the scenery from Cliff Cottage is immaculate. After all, it’s just on the other side of the town’s world-famous cliff paths.
Beyond that, it’s a little pocket of countryside beauty that won’t lead to a week of cup noodles. The stay is characterised by its thatched setup, accented by polished yet homey rooms meant for family escapes.
Homemade breakfast is also on the house, brought out on the balcony. What a way to wake up.
| Tip: Don’t forget your binoculars. The cliff offers peak sections for whale-watching. |
Whale Coast Hotel
Address: Cnr Royal and Lord Roberts St, Rds
Contact Details: +27 74 602 2421
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10 am
Whale Coast Hotel is an ideal pick for those stuck between a self-catering apartment and a fully serviced hotel. “Why?” you ask. Simple—it’s both.
The place is made up of 23 modern duplex apartments that house 1 to 3 bedrooms. Most of these are regular crash pads that have balconies and BBQs, so stopping for a staycation isn’t a shabby idea.
Having said that, tourists often use the place as a hub for outdoorsy stuff, mainly whale-watching, golfing, cliff walking, and beaching. That’s no shocker since only 5 minutes separate it from locations like Old Harbour.
| Tip: Try their whale and sharks tour, especially if you have a kid. Under 5s get in for free. |
Abalone Lodge
From abaloneguestlodge
Address: 306 Main Rd
Contact Details: +27 72 606 6433
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 10:30 pm
Abalone Lodge earns additional kudos for its use of true-blue South African art pieces.
It gets more for having a plethora of ocean-view rooms. I’m talking about digs with coast-inspired colours, highland scenes, and primo Atlantic Ocean outlooks.
Even better, you can catch whales by simply lounging on your balcony—assuming you’re not taking life slowly in their wellness centre or pumping iron at the gym.
| Tip: Rates are usually cheaper from May to July. |
