Having met and fallen in love in, and with, Cape Town, Parisian couple Melodie and Maxime elevated Franco-African chic to a whole new level with this unique ‘petit hotel’. It’s rustic yet stylish, urban yet tranquil - and we were made to feel at home within minutes. Originally stables, and subsequently a school and private residence, La Grenadine has been transformed with sensitivity and style by its artist owners. While retaining the charm and history of the old architecture, the thick, cool walls, high ceilings and wooden beams are now offset with an airy colour palette, arty décor, and touches of Africa. Metal and glass verriere walls reminiscent of Parisian apartments separate bathrooms from the 5 bedrooms; there's also a charming 2-bedroom cottage. Chairs upholstered in funky African prints and bold protea flowers in vases remind you that you’re in Cape Town.
The peaceful, slightly wild, scented and fruit-laden garden is a rare find in the city centre; step out of this hidden oasis and you’re within walking distance of Cape Town’s hippest bars, restaurants, galleries, museums and sights. This is ideal for urban explorers and nature lovers alike; beaches and Table Mountain are only a 10-15 min drive away.
Highs
- A fabulous location: tucked away so you'll get a good night’s sleep, but walking distance from Cape Town’s social buzz
- Fantastic prices
- The garden: jasmine scents the air, and pomegranate, guava and avocado trees create pools of shade
- Maxime and Melodie are warm, friendly, helpful and interesting
- Instagram-worthy vignettes at every turn
Lows
- No pool
- Only the Mountain View Rooms have air con, and only The Cottage has a TV
- Bathrooms are semi open-plan so lack privacy, and showers over baths or open to the room make everything a bit wet
- Off-street parking is limited and tight, but you can do without a car here (an additional High!)
Best time to go
Cape Town is a great all-year destination. La Grenadine’s garden starts blooming in October and it’s warm enough to sit out in it at night from November through to April. The busiest period is from mid-December to mid-January, when the city is packed with local and international holidaymakers.
Our top tips
Art galleries stay open late on the first Thursday each month. Walk down to Bree and Loop Streets to see the latest in local art, jewellery and design - and eat at one of the funky food trucks.
Location
La Grenadine’s location is one of its big pluses. It’s in the central Gardens district, just off trendy Kloof Street and near Long Street, Cape Town’s restaurant-and-going-out hub. Taxis to the Waterfront and Table Mountain take 10 minutes. The main beaches are a 10-15 minute drive away.
By Air:
There are regular flights into Cape Town International Airport (20.5km away) from many European cities. From the US, many flights route through Johannesburg, or you can fly via Europe. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving this airport.
From the Airport
It takes about half an hour to reach Gardens from the airport in a taxi. You might want to hire a car for exploring the wider area, but there's no need to if you're just staying put in Cape Town. See our car rental recommendations. There is limited off-street parking at the property.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com. 
More on getting to South Africa and getting around
Airports:
- Cape Town International Airport 20.5 km CPT
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km