Akademie Street Boutique Hotel and Guesthouse - Guest Feedback

They've thought of everything. It was like staying in a rich celebrity's country manor. Perfect.

Say 'HI' to Anna for me. - Lucas from USA

My family and I spent two wonderful nights at Akademie Guesthouses. We stayed in the Vreugde and Uitsig rooms, both were perfectly charming and very spacious, particularly Uitsig which I highly recommend. Hosts Katherine and Arthur are absolutely fantastic. Wonderful people, extremely helpful and very interested in making your stay a very personable, and certainly unforgettable experience. And we were amazed at the rooms, every possible need and consideration taken care of. Chocolates on the bed, two shower caps not one, note pads, tons of magazines, free mini bar and free 24 hour laundry service, wonderful spa toiletries in large bottles, you name it, Akademie provides it with such a personal style of consideration for their guests. The property is charming with plunge pools, flower gardens, perfect and private peace and beauty. Breakfast is a wonderful affair (attended by 3 house cats if you wish, no less) and everything is freshly prepared and delicious. The location of Akademie is perfect. 5 minute walk from the main street of Franschhoek and super restaurants like The Tasting Room and Reubens. Parking is easy and right in front of the guesthouse and free. We loved Akademie so much we didn't want to leave. Highly recommended

Apr 9, 2009 - 

What a fantastic place to stay this is - please book it for your holiday now! My new husband and I stayed in Gelatenheid last September (2008) on the first night of our honeymoon. We were astouned by the beauty and originality of the guesthouses. All individually decorated, with beautiful artwork, bedding and fittings. Gelatenheid was such a romantic and luxurious guesthouse, yet also very cosy and comfortable. Katherine and Arthur are wonderfully helpful and generous and very knowledgable about the area. Their breakfasts are superb! I really could rave on about Akademie for hours, but you will just have to go there for yourself!



“A absolutely wonderful place. It was very difficult to leave!”

Apr 20, 2009 - Anonymous

We stayed for five wonderful nights at Akademie Street Guesthouse. Arthur and Katharine are two amazing people, who put absolutely everything into making your stay so fantastic. They are worthy recipients of their five stars. All their staff go that extra mile.
It is a beautiful oasis in the wonderful village of Franschhoek. The previous review was very thorough and I agree with everything he said. I was disappointed with just one thing. I was on holiday because my doctor had suggested I have a holiday, because I have had workmen in my home for the last seven months. The guesthouse is having a pool built, so we had the workmen arriving at 7 a.m. an hour earlier than my worken at home!

May 5, 2009 - Anonymous

We decided to stay at Akademie due to the highly complimentary reviews on this web site and even our high expectations were easily exceeded. This Guest house is truly one of the best B&Bs we've ever stayed in. The rooms were huge and extremely well decorated, everything from drinks to laundry was complimentary, the gardens and setting were just stunning and the breakfast was one of the best we'd had through out our 2 week honey moon in SA.

It is perfectly situated about 2 blocks from the main drag and the staff were so willing to help, our only complaint was that we'd only booked for 1 night. We'll definitely have to go back, honestly if you don't say here you really are missing out on an incredible experience!!

May 6, 2009 - 

A fantastic Guest House. We stayed in GELATENHEID for the 3 nights of our stay in Franschhoek and have to say it is one of the nicest places we've stayed in the whole world, let alone South Africa (where to be honest the standards are generally high). Our hosts were extremely hospitable and nothing was too much trouble for either them or their team.
The property is stunning, the gardens beautiful and the location a perfect 10 minute stroll to the excellent restaurants and bars in the village centre. Only slight criticism is that the water in the swimming pool was very cold, but apparently the new pool (which was being dug when we were there) will have some form of solar heating to take the chill off which will be great.
In fact we loved the place so much that we're planning to return this November.

Jun 22, 2009 - Anonymous

We arrived in Franschhoek at the Akademie Street Guesthouse after a rather harried transfer from Cape Town. As soon as we stepped into our beautifully appointed, cozy, luxurious room (Uitsig - which means "view") - every last bit of stress and annoyance melted away. We had read glowing reviews of this place on TripAdvisor - and still, our expectations were more than exceeded --- gorgeous art, windows on three sides, heated floors, a pre-programmed cellphone for your use (loaded up with restaurant numbers, the host's number, etc), welcome split of champagne, free drinks and snacks, excellent wireless, sumptuous bathroom stocked with wonderful products, and a HUGE bed outfitted with a zillion pillows and the most comfortable linens and blankets you can imagine.

It only got better.

The next morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast - fabulous cheeses, flaky croissants, fresh fruit, muesli, and typical English breakfast items. Breakfast became a highlight of each of the 4 days we stayed here - we couldn't wait to get down there, and we lingered over coffee and delightful conversation with the hosts, Arthur and Katherine, who couldn't be more charming.

We kept fantasizing about just staying there forever and having them take care of us for the rest of our lives.

We have rarely felt so welcome, so pampered and taken care of... They gave us great recommendations on things to do (ask about Gudrun for a fantastic wine tour) and made sure we always had everything we could have possibly needed. Superlative service from the entire staff.

This is my first post here. I have used TA many times - but it was Akademie that inspired me to write a review. If you are ever in the Cape Town area - YOU MUST GO to Franschhoek (which is really a lovely little village) and stay at the Akademie.

One last thing - two words - FREE LAUNDRY.

Aug 1,2009 - 

We were delighted to stay at Akademie Street for two nights. My husband and I were very impressed with the charm of our accomodation and the hospitality of Arthur and Katharine.
We will definitely return!

“We always come back to Akademie Street”

Jul 16, 2009 - Anonymous

We recently had our semi-annual visit to Akademie Street for a short "wine vacation". As always Akademie Street delivers to the nth degree. Everything is done with the utmost of personal touch and care, and no request is too great or too small. Katherine and Arthur have both become old dear friends and arriving here is like coming home; albeit with far more luxury! Breakfast is always delicious, and Katherine's "cheese demonstration" is to be savored for the descriptions she provides, the care she takes in choosing the selection, and (not least) for the taste. The grounds continue to be beautifully maintained, and they have added a lovely and tastefully designed swimming pool behind the main house; this in addition to the private splash pools that three of the existing "cottages" have for private use. They are also adding two new suites in the main house. This is the only place we stay in Franschhoek and plan our vacations around availability here. Once you have sampled the best why bother going anywhere else?

Jul 2, 2009 - Anonymous

We stayed at Akademie for 2 nights whilst following the British Lions Rugby tour. This was our first visit to the winelands despite having previously visited Cape Town 4 times so we were excited. The drive from Cape Town is easy and takes you past a couple of really good places to stop. As soon as you arrive in Franschoek you feel more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. Akademie is one block back from the main street and is set in beautifully secluded gardens. We had booked the Utsig accommodation but as they were quiet were upgraded to the Gelatenheid suite which is huge. Larger than our house in London we were spoilt for space. A large terrace wraps around the first floor and there is a lovely outside bath. Inside there is another good bathroom with freestanding bath and the largest bed you have seen. You also have your own large private courtyard with a lovely pool that was too cold to use in the middle of June. Having settled in we went for a stroll one of the many excellent local restaurants and had a high quality meal at Reubens. Arthur, the owner had given us a list of places to try and as he used to Le Quartier Francais we knew he would give a good recommendation. Breakfast was very nice - loads of fresh fruit and whatever cooked items you want. We were sad to leave and will definitely be back.

Jun 26,2009 - 

The thing that makes Akademie stand out is how thoroughly it achieves the “Guest House” feel that so many B&Bs strive for. As soon as we walked through the front door we felt as though we had found a long lost family home. The rooms oozed cozy, and we found ourselves longing for more time just to be here. The linens were soft & plush, and the colours, fixtures, paintings, furniture, and other decorations made us want to transport this room back into our house at home. We were there in the rainy doldrums of the Cape winter, and it was so comfortable to just relax with a book or take a hot bath while sipping local wine. The breakfast was an amazing spread of fruit, juices, museli, jams, and toast, and of course all the usual English breakfast fixings of high quality ingredients and fabulous flavour. The friendly hosts and owners Arthur and Katherine seemed to make it their personal mission to ensure we had a great time during our stay, and were able to recommend all sorts of things to do in the area. Of course their task is made a bit easier by the huge array of top SA restaurants within easy (and safe) walking distance in Franschhoek, and winery after beautiful winery just a short drive away.

I have been lurking on TripAdvisor for a couple years now and have used this site many times to find a place to stay. Rarely have I seen a property with such consistently high ratings as Akademie, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it priced cheaper than many “upscale” hotels in the area. We were awarded with a stay that met or and exceeded all expectations, and was so good that I felt compelled to finally create a TripAdvisor account just so I could post this glowing review. Needless to say, I will definitely go along with the other posters here and recommend this property if you’re in the area (and perhaps even if you have to go out of your way to stay here ;).

Jul 22, 2009 - Anonymous

“Simply wonderful”


Stayed in Gelatenheid for a week - wonderful time, much assisted by the charming Arthur and Kathrine- actually they were billiant in resisting what I suspect is their natural urge to cover you with their hospitality by leaving us alone for most of the week. This understanding of a customer is a sign of highly experienced and successful guesthouse owners. Gelatenheid, in particular, is very private with its own front door and carport. The bed was huge and extremely comfortable. The service from all the staff was ultra-efficient, friendly yet discreet. South Africa is fortunate to have many wonderfully run and beautiful places to stay in and Akademie is deservedly at the top of many "best of" lists. The last poster asked whether it was the best b&b in the world, I am not sure if Akademie is simply a b&b, but I understand why the question was posed. Simply wonderful is the best description I can manage - highly recommended might be more practical perhaps - we will certainly return.

Sep 3, 2009 - 

“The Best B&B in the World?”

Akademie Street is simply a cut above the rest. The service is excellent and the owners are friendly. The rooms are well appointed and even include a fully stocked (and complementary) mini-bar. The breakfast is also great, but it's simply too much food as they serve both English and South African!

Aug 18, 2009 - Anonymous

My wife and I stayed 3 nights at Akademie (Uitsig) and had a wonderful stay. It's a great location, just a short walk from the main street, but quietly secluded so that you can enjoy the private or communal spaces to the full.

The owners and staff are so friendly and cannot do enough to help you. They have a superb little guide book with plenty of suggestions if you're new to the area, and have a wealth of knowledge that they are only too happy to share.

Breakfast is outstanding. Delicious home-made museli, the freshest of fruits with light yoghurt, fresh smoothies, great coffee and smashing cooked brekky if you can make room (you should!).

Our room was huge, had an enormous bed with soft pillows and linens, a lovely bathroom and was kitted out with every convenience we needed (including a good sized fridge and a proper steam iron and ironing board - I'm a stickler for this, so it was great to see as standard). The complimentary mini bar was replenished daily which was super, and the bottle of Graham Beck brut on arrival was a lovely, lovely touch. Free wifi worked all the time.

I would, and will, recommend Akademie highly to friends and family. Book with confidence!

Toiletries were first class.

Dec 6, 2009 - 

Great welcome into someone's home with wonderfull art and a real homely touch from Cathy and her team. 1 night is just not enough ! Loved the gardens and the peacefullness of it all

“Great value, style, space, friendly staff and amazing breakfast!”
(Dec 7, 2009 ) - 

The weather was unseasonably cold and wet during our stay but the welcome at Akademie Street Guesthouse could not have been warmer. We stayed in Vreugde - a lovely cottage with self-catering facilities, a private garden, and pool. In warmer weather it would have been delightful to sit in the sunshine and enjoy a few glasses of local wine. Nevertheless we enjoyed our stay. Franschhoek is in a beautiful area and tours of the local wine estates are a must. There are plenty of delightful restaurants in walking distance of Akademie Street or just a short drive away and the town's reputation as the gourmet capital of South Africa is well deserved. Owners Katherine and Arthur are very friendly and welcoming. They shared their extensive knowledge of the area with us at breakfast which we took in the main house. Their personal approach makes Akademie Street a great place to stay in a beautiful location! We certainly hope to return.

“The best B&B in SA”
(Dec 7, 2009 ) - Anonymous

We very much enjoyed our brief stay but would definitely go back when we next visit South Africa. The staff were so friendly and helpful and even managed to arrange an emergency dentist appointment for me, which was very much appreciated. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. The pool room that we stayed in was beautiful and the bathroom was amazing - we had seen nothing like it before. I would have no hesitation in recommending it to friends and family.


“Wonderful place to stay - shame about the weather!”
(Dec 8, 2009 ) - Anonymous

Easily the best place we stayed in the 2 weeks in Sth Africa. Everything was perfect and done with such style, grace, finesse that we were left amazed.

The Room (we were in the little Oortuing cottage) was outstanding and a real treat to have an entire house to ourselves; the breakfast was beyond belief and we are still dreaming of the home made and baked muesli, the staff were kind and gracious and seemed to know just how much each guest wanted to interact with them.

Its an easy and safe walk to the excellent restaurants on the main street of Franschoek (Rubens and Le Quartier Francais were superb) as well as other local attractions.

From start to finish this place was a total pleasure and treat. Cant recommend it highly enough. The free laundry service was excellent too!

A fabulous guesthouse tucked away in an amazing location!!!”
(Dec 12, 2009) - 

If heaven is anything like Gelatenheit, then I am not afraid to die anymore.....
Gelatenheit where we stayed for 3 days is: authentic, fantastic, beautiful, perfect!


Loved the whole experience

Mar 5, 2009 - Anonymous

“Heaven”

Mar 13, 2009 - Anonymous