Cellars Hohenhort hotel

Spread across 3.6 hectares of manicured grounds and dating back more than 300 years; the Cellars-Hohenort, is an elegant mix of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. The property itself merges two historic buildings. The Cellars and the Hohenort hold 51 individually decorated rooms, suites, and villas, each with a distinct personality.
The draw here is as much about setting as it is about luxury. Guests can wander past rose gardens, heritage camphor trees, and lily ponds before stepping into interiors that blend floral patterns with rich wood and light-filled spaces. It is, in many ways, a retreat from Cape Town while remaining only 15 minutes drive from the city centre.
Accommodation spans from intimate doubles to sprawling villas. Entry-level Double Rooms are between 27- 45㎡ and found in either the more contemporary Cellars Main House or the Edwardian-style Hohenort Manor. Guests can look forward to high ceilings and garden views, while generous bathrooms and plush beds that make them feel more indulgent than their size suggests.
Luxury Doubles come complete with private outdoor terraces furnished with loungers – perfect for slow mornings with a coffee in hand. Suites stretch to 75㎡, with separate lounge areas and large sash windows overlooking the expansive grounds.
The Premier Suites (up to 77㎡) are more spacious still, and offer split-level layouts, private gardens, or direct access to the manicured lawns.
Those travelling as a family or group of friends might prefer one of the hotel’s two villas. The Liz McGrath Villa and Madiba Villa are both self-contained with kitchens, dining areas, private courtyards and, in the case of Madiba Villa, its own pool and driveway. They are designed for longer stays where autonomy and discretion matters.
The hotel’s culinary reputation is anchored by The Conservatory, where breakfast is served daily in a stunning glasshouse setting. The menu leans heavily on fresh produce from the estate’s own gardens. Afternoon tea here has become something of a local event, with tiered trays of pastries and savoury bites arriving against a backdrop of roses and birdsong.
For fine dining, Greenhouse is one of Cape Town’s standout restaurants. Its tasting menus draw on indigenous ingredients and inventive plating. Dining here is an experience you wont soon forget, with each course thoughtfully paired and theatrically presented.
The atmosphere at Cellars Hohenort is unhurried. Guests move from spa treatments to leisurely garden strolls, or play tennis before lounging beside one of the two solar-heated pools. Interiors emphasise comfort, but the gardens are what set the hotel apart: an award-winning sprawl of camellias, citrus orchards, water features, and ancient camphor trees. They provide not just a
setting but an experience – one reason the hotel is a favourite among travellers who prefer quiet elegance over city bustle.
When you are ready to explore, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is minutes away, and the Constantia Wine Route begins practically on the doorstep. Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine estate, is a short drive away while Bakoven and Camps Bay – your closest beaches are reached after a 8km drive.
Children: Infant cots are available upon request. Some suites and villas accommodate sleeper couches for children under 12. We suggest that larger families opt for the villas, where multiple bedrooms and a private kitchen make longer stays simple.
Sustainability: A great deal of the produce for the restaurants is grown on site, while the pools are solar heated to reduce energy use. Indigenous flora features prominently in the landscaping, creating biodiversity across the location.
Ethicality: The Cellars-Hohenort is part of the Liz McGrath Collection, which actively promotes South African design and craftsmanship through its on-site boutique.
Mobility: One standard double room has been designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Common areas, including the reception, some terraces, and designated parking bays, are wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately, upper levels are only reachable via stairs.