Akademie Street

Akademie Street has such an unassuming exterior that you’d probably walk right past it on a walk through Franschhoek (filled as it is with pretty Victorian settler cottages almost everywhere you go).

However, this would be an oversight: Their recent awards, include Top Small Hotel in the World, World’s Most Romantic Hotel, World’s Best Design Hotel and World’s Best Classic Hotel as well as Africa’s Best Small Hotel. The hotel has also consistently been ranked as the No. 1 Hotel in Franschhoek by Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best with Trip Advisor.

There are so many reasons why Akademie Street deserves its standing – the public spaces of the interior manage to retain the country cottage atmosphere the house originally had but now made more lavish with a massive collection of artworks, sculptures, paintings and installed items like stained glass and brass light fittings. Simply to enter the lounge and hall is a treat.

The rooms don’t disappoint: at this standard, one does not simply expect space and features but also sophistication and refinement. They have 8 suites & Vreugde, their signature Honeymoon cottage, spread over 5 cottages/buildings and can typically accommodate a maximum of 18 pax – 9 couples. Each of the ten rooms manages to be grand but also intimate and unlike most hotel rooms which seem intent on depersonalising, these welcome you in and feel as if they’ve been decorated by an old friend.

There is also a larger main pool that all guests can use.

The breakfast menu (and setting) is one of the best in South Africa and we really encourage you to allocate at least one morning just to breakfast and the enjoyment thereof.

Sustainability: Akademie Street Boutique Hotel is acutely aware of sustainability, its importance to the environment & thus are huge supporters of all processes & facilities that protect the environment & reduce our carbon print. They have in recent years invested very heavily in Solar energy & delivering sustainable borehole water. All business waste are recycled.

Mobility: With the cottages being herritage buildings there are many chalenges with making changes. They have however managed to construct ‘ramped’ entrances in the hotel & do have bathroom facilities for mobility impaired. Although wheelchair bound guests might struggle, they are geared for guests that have slight immobility. Twyfeling (3 suites here) is very much on the level, and can certainly accommodate those that are not severely impaired. There are steps into most cottages & doorways are not wide enough for wheelchairs.

Children: Strictly no children – Many of their guests are Honeymooners or guests needing some sanctuary, peace, quiet. They do accept children over the age of 16 years.