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De Doornkraal Vinotel

4.0 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for De Doornkraal Vinotel

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
8 Long Street, Riversdale, Western Cape, 6670
  • Julius Gordon Africana Centre
    5 min walk
  • Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk
    6 min walk
  • Weskus Seekos
    6 min walk
  • Legends Restaurant & Pub
    6 min walk

Room options

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Cottage, Garden Area

Cottage, Garden Area

Cottage, Garden Area

  • 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

  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room

  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the area

Riversdale

With a stay at De Doornkraal Vinotel in Riversdale, you'll be in the historical district, just a 5-minute walk from Julius Gordon Africana Centre and 6 minutes by foot from Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk. .This boutique country house is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Riversdale Tourism Office and 1.3 mi (2 km) from Riversdale Hospital.
View more Country houses in RiversdaleOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Julius Gordon Africana Centre - 5 min walk
  • Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk - 6 min walk
  • Riversdale Hospital - 15 min walk
  • Riversdale Tourism Office - 16 min walk
  • Westfield 4X4 Trail - 48 min drive

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

Victorian country house with a winery and an outdoor pool
De Doornkraal Vinotel offers 15 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Tempur-Pedic beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 22-inch LED televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Riversdale country house provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include ceiling fans and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the country house include an outdoor pool.
Stay in one of 15 guestrooms featuring LED televisions. Your Tempur-Pedic bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Rooms have private patios. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads.
Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an attached winery and an outdoor pool. Additional amenities at this Victorian country house include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a banquet hall.
Grab a bite to eat at De Wingerdt, a poolside restaurant where you can take in the garden view and dine alfresco. You can also stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Full breakfasts are available daily from 8 AM to 10 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Riversdale? This country house has 1614 square feet (150 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and 2 meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.
Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 8 AM and 10 AM.
De Wingerdt - This poolside fine-dining restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting).
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and public transport

  • Free self-parking on site
  • Free off-site parking

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee daily 8 AM–10 AM: ZAR 220-242 for adults and ZAR 0-0 for children
  • 1 restaurant
  • Room service available

Restaurants on site

  • De Wingerdt

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private winery tours
  • Wine-tasting room
  • On-site winery
  • Winery release events

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Banquet hall
  • Front-desk safe

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Porter/bellhop

Business services

  • Conference centre (1614 square feet of space)
  • Meeting rooms - 2

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Terrace
  • Vineyard

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Wheelchair-accessible (may have limits)

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Ceiling fan
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Heating
  • Premium bedding
  • Tempur-Pedic bed

Bathroom

  • Deep-soaking bath
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • 22-inch LED TV
  • Satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • 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
Cribs (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 elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette 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 organization.

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

De Doornkraal Vinotel Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 36 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

2.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Geof

Travelled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Mphatso

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: 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.

10/10 Excellent

Gordon, Glasgow Uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good stop over on N2
Free laundry because we stayed three nights. So helpful, lovely staff.

6/10 Okay

Not Provided, johannesburg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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!

10/10 Excellent

Emma, Brisbane, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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

10/10 Excellent

Tanya, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

10/10 Excellent

Roger, Spain

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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!

10/10 Excellent

Boyle, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic service and food
We had a lovely time in every way. The room was good but the plugs for recharging toothbrush holder, Ipad and electric shaver were too low. My husband had to lie on the floor to shave! Very welcoming staff and excellent food and wonderful ambiance.

10/10 Excellent

keett, london

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Food & Great room
From the time we arrived & were given a warm welcome by Chris, we loved our stay at De Doornkraal. Our evening meal was a delight & breakfast too.The perfect place to stop off on the garden route. We had been staying in Knysna & decided to find somewhere en-route to Cape Town to divide up the journey. This place out did expectations in every way.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stay here and feel good
Fabulous chef/manager. He will make you laugh and fill your belly with good food. Staff all gracious and eager to please. A hidden gem. Go and stay here and support people trying to make a difference in SA.

10/10 Excellent

John Latham, Cape Town

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
De Doornkraal
Excellent host and general manager who is the chef de cuisine. Would visit again for the hospitality and food

10/10 Excellent

Nicola, Newcastle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional service in a lovely hotel
A wonderful welcome to this charming hotel. Staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Food was amazing in the restaurant and a delicious breakfast with lots of produce fresh from the hotels garden. Just wish we had stayed longer. Highly recommended.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Delightful relaxing stopover for N2 travellers.
Proprietor kindly honoured much lower rate incorrectly quoted by expedia, and was extemely solicitous.Welcome drink of our choice by pool. Vine cottage had kitchen and sitting room in addition to the two en suite bedrooms. Excellent meals and large portions.hotel in quiet location in very pleasant friendly town.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A perfect place a few hours from Cape Town
We stayed here on the way from Knysna to Cape Town. All of the staff werre friendly and helpful. The colonial style buildings were cool inside - and rooms were large. The food at breakfast and dinner was excellent. For a 1 night stay i highly recommend this hotel.

10/10 Excellent

Williams, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent stay
Excellent stay - unfortunately only for 1 night. Staff extremely helpful and hospitable. Fabulous evening meal and breakfast. Would definitely return.

6/10 Okay

N.B.J.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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

10/10 Excellent

Danel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely house, very friendly place, nice food
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017

8/10 Good

elli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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!!

10/10 Excellent

Eyvin og Nancy, Norway

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.