Privatzimmer in Eastern Cape, Südafrika

Bartholomew's Loft isn’t just accommodation – it’s a standout experience that blends historic charm, practicality, and warm hospitality, making it my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Grahamstown. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or for a cultural trip, this converted gem checks every box with style and ease. Unbeatable Central Location with Historic Charm Nestled in the heart of Grahamstown’s historic Artificer’s Square – the original 1820 settler artisan quarter – the property oozes character from its restored colonial architecture, wagon stones, and cobbled gutters. Its location is unbeatable: just a 5-minute walk to the city centre, 600m from the Cathedral in High Street, and 1km from Rhodes University, putting shops, restaurants, and landmarks within easy reach. Even better, the lively restaurant and bar scene is a short stroll away, while Sunshine Coast beaches are a manageable 37-mile drive for a day trip. Spacious, Well-Equipped Accommodation for Every Group The loft’s converted spaces are a highlight – once an old church, the property features double-volume living areas, exposed timber beams, and high ceilings that feel airy and welcoming. The self-catering units are incredibly spacious (the main loft sleeps up to 6 adults) with open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen areas perfect for groups. The fully equipped kitchens come with stoves, microwaves, fridges, and kettles, making meal prep a breeze. Beds are comfortable (some with electric blankets for chilly nights), and rooms include thoughtful touches like heaters, irons, and free toiletries. Private courtyards and garden access add to the peaceful vibe, while secure off-street parking gives peace of mind. Warm Service & Thoughtful Amenities The staff and hosts go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. Check-in is seamless, and their friendliness and willingness to help – from offering local tips to accommodating last-minute stay extensions with discounted rates – truly stands out. The amenities are tailored to comfort: free Wi-Fi throughout, DStv for entertainment, daily housekeeping, and a lovely outdoor swimming pool to relax in. For those on the go, breakfast is available (with a “breakfast to go” option), and dinner can be arranged upon request. Laundry facilities and a 24-hour front desk add extra convenience. Exceptional Value in a Unique Setting What makes Bartholomew’s Loft truly special is its balance of uniqueness and value. You’re not just booking a room – you’re staying in a piece of Grahamstown’s history, with all the modern comforts you need. The property’s cleanliness (rated 8.9 by guests), comfort (8.6), and value for money (8.5) speak for themselves, making it affordable without compromising on quality. It’s equally suited for families, friend groups, or visitors attending events like the Standard Bank National Arts Festival. For anyone visiting Grahamstown, Bartholomew’s Loft is a no-brainer. It combines historic charm, unbeatable location, spacious accommodation, and warm service – all at a great price. I’ve recommended it to friends and family and will always choose it for my return trips to this lovely city.

A Pleasant Stay at Carslogie House, Port Elizabeth We arrived late at night and were warmly welcomed by the gentleman on duty, who was friendly and helpful, making us feel immediately at ease after a long drive. Our room was spacious, clean, and overlooked the pool, creating a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. All the facilities were excellent, and we appreciated being able to safely park our rental car inside the property. Breakfast the next morning was delicious, with a good variety of options and a thoughtful vegetarian choice for me. The setting was calm and comfortable, perfect for starting the day. The only issue we experienced was during breakfast service, where the staff seemed more focused on the larger groups and overlooked us for quite some time. We eventually had to go to the kitchen to place our order. It wasn’t a major problem, but it did stand out given how excellent everything else was. Overall, we had a very good stay at Carslogie House. The accommodation, location, and overall hospitality were all great.

Staying at River Front Estate was an absolute dream. The location is picture-perfect, and our room was beautifully designed, complete with a terrace overlooking the river. We enjoyed breathtaking sunsets and woke up to serene mornings with a coffee in hand, pure bliss. We were also lucky to have daily visits and cuddles from Duchess, the gorgeous Great Dane, and a 17-year-old cat we affectionately named Nala (lol). The owner, Lisa, made our stay even more special, she was incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and even came to our rescue when we realized we’d brought the wrong plug! Also want to add that all the ladies working there were SO LOVELY and kind! They are absolute angels.  The location is perfect for anyone visiting Addo National Elephant Park, just a short drive away. Plus, having a huge Spar around the corner made grabbing groceries easy and convenient. This was a stay we will never forget. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!

Selbstfahrende Garden Avenue, je nach Lage des Hotels. Die Lage ist gut, bei N2 etwas runter gehen. Als ich im Hotel ankam, stellte ich fest, dass das Hotel besser aussieht als auf den Bildern. Ich hatte ein Familienzimmer gebucht, aber es stellte sich heraus, dass es drei Betten und einen kleinen Garten mit offener Seitentür hatte. Das Zimmer ist sehr geräumig. Die Dekoration des Hotels ist sehr retro, und das Frühstück ist im Allgemeinen ein Buffet. Insgesamt ist das Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis hoch. Es ist auch toll, herumzulaufen. Die Lage ist gut. Sehr zu empfehlen das Restaurant neben dem Hotel, die Lammkeule ist super lecker!

Our stay at Barefoot was absolutely amazing and we loved the property and the fact that we were away from the hustle and bustle! The staff are fantastic and make you feel like family! Shout out to George, Olivia, Kellen and James! Our game drive on the property was one of the best I’ve experienced with James being so knowledgeable about different wildlife, plant life and nature conservation. We will definitely visit again. Thanks for making us feel so at home!

Sehr sauber, sehr schön kleines Gästehaus, gelegen nicht weit vom Strand. Beachtung, Sie müssen überall nach Dunkelheit fahren, um Ihre Sicherheit. Die Zimmer waren gut eingerichtet und sauber, aber es gab einen zentralen Keller, den ich jedes Mal in die Toilette gedrückt habe. Zum Ankunft war der Leder nicht sehr willkommen, uns im Auto zu verlassen, während sie die Buchung dreimal überprüfte. Die Hausregeln waren in Ton ziemlich passiv, aber in allen schönen Aufenthalten.

Wow, ich muss sagen, wir wurden warm gegrüßt an der Tür und so sehr nett behandelt. Nomi, die absolut glücklich und nett zu uns war. Sie war definitiv einer der besten Teile unseres Aufenthalts. Wandern in den schönen Garten mit dem Aroma verschiedener Dutzende Rosen. Das Zimmer war so unschön und die Lage ist perfekt. Danke, dass Sie uns einen so wunderbaren Aufenthalt zulassen.

A truly luxurious stay from start to finish. The service was excellent, the rooms felt beautifully clean and indulgent, and the food was fantastic. Our family unit was wonderfully spacious, the views from the hill were stunning, and the friendly, helpful staff — along with thoughtful little touches — made the experience extra special. Highly recommended.

The transfer was really fast, indeed Stephen came within 5 minutes to pick us up, even though our flight was delayed. The rooms are warm and cosy. And the surrounding too with many plants and upcycling of used materials to good use. Stephen also gave us good advice and recommendations for our onward garden route journey.

Very easy to find location and communicate with very friendly householder The apartment is cosy but slightly ascetic (no fully isolated bathroom from main room) Beautiful orchard and view around site Gorgeous ancient city in Dutch style with delicious meals in restaurants and awesome local paleontology museum