Mont Rochelle Hotel

Rooms

The 22 rooms (including 6 suites) all offer wonderful views of the mountains, vineyards and the Franschhoek Valley. Each one is different but all are spacious and stylish, decorated in a clean, modern style, with restrained splashes of colour.

Beds are kingsize (twinned on request), with Egyptian cotton sheets and down pillows. Egg-shaped bathtubs, soft towelling bathrobes and swish toiletries add to the comfort, as do complimentary minibars. Many of the ground-floor bedrooms have French doors leading out to the gardens.

The Cabernet Rooms have the best terraces, overlooking the valley. For families or those seeking extra space, the Pinotage Suites have a separate sitting room with a sofabed. The top-end Cap Classique Suites have private plunge pools.

We have yet to see Manor House, a luxury villa which is available for private rent. You get 4 suites (all ensuite), a large bunk room for up to 6 kids, 2 private swimming pools, a full kitchen and a games room.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Complimentary mini-bar
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

The hotel's main fine-dining restaurant Miko is an elegant space with stunning views of the valley. The a la carte menu includes dishes like Franschhoek trout tartar, warm harissa squid salad, beef fillet with truffled cauliflower and smoked tomato risotto with grilled leeks and gorgonzola cream. Start your meal with a cocktail on the terrace as the sun sets (we love the whimsical astro-turf armchairs and roaming wire sheep!), then treat yourself to some fine wine. The selection of Cape wines is extensive and includes the estate's own produce - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Breakfast is a buffet spread with imaginative hot dishes cooked to order, from Moroccan frittatas to Mexican burritos.

If you fancy something more casual, try the Country Kitchen, which is located in the vineyards, a 5-minute stroll from the main hotel building. Soups, salads, curries, gourmet burgers, sharing platters and local cheeses can be enjoyed on the terrace. Picnic baskets can also be arranged.

Franschoek itself is brimming with amazing restaurants for a change of scene. Ask reception for their latest top tips.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Relax by the heated pool or on the banks of the trout dam and admire the fabulous views. For those in need of pampering, there's a good spa with a hammam. A decent gym and tennis court (racquets and balls supplied) will keep the more active happy.
  
  
• Vineyard trails or cellar tours can be arranged for you with Mont Rochelle's own winemaker. Don't miss a tasting at the hotel's Country Kitchen. The other main wine centres (Stellenbosch, Paarl and Somerset West) are all within half an hour's drive
  
  
• Enjoy a hike through the hills and valleys with Franschhoek's eco-guide
  
  
• Horse riding - winetasting tours on horseback can be arranged, as can trail riding by the hour
  
  
• Stroll round Franschhoek - the village offers a host of excellent cafes and restaurants, boutiques and galleries
  
  
• Mountain biking can be arranged 5 minutes away from the hotel

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Private guided tours
• Swimming
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, there's a host of Little Corkers activities and a menu designed for small fry. There's plenty of space outside, a tennis court and heated swimming pool (plus you get your own private pools if you book the Manor House), but no games room, although there are DVDs and games consoles to borrow.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The exclusive-use 5-bedroom Manor House is perfect for a large extended family gathering or two families holidaying together as it has a bunk room which can sleep up to 6 kids in addition to the 4 double bedrooms, plus it has two private pools. The Pinotage Suites have a separate sitting room with a sofabed, which can sleep 2 children. Cap Classique Suites can fit 2 single beds in their sitting room. Shiraz Rooms can fit a baby cot

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 60 minutes
• Hospital: 45 minutes
• Shops: 5 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Mont Rochelle is just outside Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands - about 60 minutes' drive from Cape Town, South Africa.

By Air:
Fly into Cape Town (85km).

From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged with the hotel and there are taxis in Franschhoek for day trips.

By Car:
For car hire see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com.