Akademie Street
Opulent-but-personal Cape Dutch antique collector meets South African wine-country romance. The kind of small hotel where the owner knows your name, the pianist takes requests, and the minibar is always fully stocked — complimentary.
Book the Winter Warmer or Romantic Weekend special directly by email or phone — the discount does NOT apply if booked through the website or OTAs.
Why It Matters
Winner of multiple international awards including World's Best Boutique Hotel, World's Most Romantic Hotel, and consistently ranked #1 in Franschhoek on TripAdvisor. Only 9 rooms total, three private plunge pools (one per cottage), three wood-burning hot tubs, and a legendary breakfast that guests talk about as much as the rooms.
Nine individually styled suites and cottages spread across five historic buildings on the same quiet Franschhoek property. The centerpiece is a mid-19th-century Cape Dutch manor house packed with carefully curated antiques — think Sotheby's-caliber finds that somehow look like they've always been there. Each space has its own personality: Cape Dutch grandeur, mid-century Italian furniture, campaign-style living, country-chic charm. No two rooms feel remotely alike.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Gelatenheid A
A loft apartment on the first floor of the Gelatenheid cottage — the two-storey Cape Dutch building that is the largest on the property. Double-height vaulted ceilings and a balcony that overlooks the cottage's private pool. Private outdoor hot tub, walk-in shower, and freestanding bath. Can be combined with Gelatenheid B for exclusive cottage use.
Gelatenheid B
Ground-floor suite in the two-storey Gelatenheid Cape Dutch cottage. Private kitchenette with fridge, microwave, stovetop, and coffee/tea maker. Shared access to the private cottage pool, sun deck, and Jacuzzi. Can be booked together with Gelatenheid A for full cottage exclusivity.
Gelatenheid Cottage
The largest building on the property — a two-storey Cape Dutch house with original hardwood floors. Two suites (Gelatenheid A upstairs, B downstairs) connected by a wooden staircase. Private pool, sun deck, and Jacuzzi. The loft's double-height ceilings are the visual standout.
Oortuiging A
One of two suites inside a historic cottage built around 1860 — one of the oldest structures in Franschhoek. Decorated with antique furniture in a neutral palette; sleeping here genuinely feels like a passage back in time. En-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate freestanding bath. Direct access to the shared cottage plunge pool and private courtyard. Can be combined with Oortuiging B to book the entire cottage exclusively.
Oortuiging B
The second suite in the historic 1860s Oortuiging cottage, which served as an army recruiting office during the Boer War. Features a walk-in shower and freestanding bath. Direct access to the cottage's private plunge pool and courtyard. Books with Oortuiging A for full private two-bedroom cottage use.
Oortuiging Cottage
The two-bedroom private cottage formed by combining Oortuiging A and B — the oldest structure on the property, dating to around 1860, used as a Boer War recruiting office. Antique furniture, open-plan lounge, kitchen, dining room, and two private hot tubs. Shared outdoor courtyard and plunge pool. Available for exclusive rental.
Twyfeling A
One of three suites in the main hotel building — an elegant Cape Dutch manor house that also houses reception. Features a bedroom and bathroom with walk-in shower and free-standing bath. Direct access to the main heated garden pool and shaded courtyard.
Twyfeling B
Second of three suites in the Cape Dutch manor house. Has its own distinct character — rooms in Twyfeling carry mid-century Italian furniture alongside carefully chosen antiques. Direct access to main garden, heated pool, and lounge areas.
Twyfeling C
Third suite in the main Cape Dutch manor house. Walk-in shower and free-standing bath. Accesses a secluded private courtyard as well as the main heated garden pool.
Uitsig
Upstairs suite accessed via a private staircase, with magic mountain views from a private terrace. The extra-length king-size bed is dressed in luxury linen, and the marble-coated bathroom has underfloor heating for cool evenings. The private terrace has a wood-fired hot tub tucked discreetly away. Shares the main heated garden pool and Jacuzzi with Twyfeling suites.
Vreugde
The signature standalone cottage with its own private entrance — the most secluded option on the property. Wood-burning stove in the bedroom, fully equipped kitchenette, and a private terrace leading to a plunge pool. The wood-burning hot tub out back is the headline feature: guests reliably describe it as the highlight of their stay. An outdoor shower adds a touch of the unexpected. Sleeps two.
The Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A resident pianist plays three evenings per week in the lounge during cocktail and wine hour, taking requests from guests. One of the most distinctive touches at the property.
Play pétanque on Akademie Street's own boulodrome. Available any time for guests.
On request, dinner can be organized for guests under the outdoor pergola in the garden — an intimate private dining option.
Staff book restaurant tables at Franschhoek's top restaurants — including at short notice — and provide hand-drawn maps with directions. Eight of South Africa's Top 100 restaurants are within walking distance.
Take one of the property's classic-style vintage bikes (with shopping baskets) and explore Franschhoek's village, wineries, and galleries independently.
Staff arrange wine tours to the 40+ wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley on guests' behalf. The Franschhoek Wine Tram stop is a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
Each cottage has its own private wood-burning hot tub. Staff will light and heat it for you on request — guests consistently call this the highlight of their stay.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Low-key conference facilities available for small groups. Also includes a laptop safe and photocopier.
High-speed wireless internet throughout the property.
An art-deco glass-roofed space used for breakfast, sunset drinks, piano evenings, and available for hire for private events.
All rooms feature handmade linen bedding and organic toiletries as standard.
Most rooms and cottages feature wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.
Each room comes with a complimentary, fully stocked minibar. Restocked daily. Also includes an espresso machine.
Several suites (including Uitsig) feature underfloor heating for cool evenings.
On-site pétanque court for guest use.
Extensive curated library with books lining the walls of the main lounge, floor to ceiling.
Complimentary hats, sunscreen, and water provided at pool areas. Thick fluffy towels included.
Selection of vintage board games available for guests in the lounge.
One wood-burning hot tub per cottage. Private and accessible only to guests of that cottage or suite. A particular favorite on cold Franschhoek evenings.
Three private plunge pools (one per cottage — Vreugde, Oortuiging, Gelatenheid) plus one large solar-heated main pool shared by Uitsig and Twyfeling suites. The main pool runs warm year-round and is positioned for sunrise-to-dusk sunshine.
Each guest receives a complimentary smartphone upon arrival, pre-loaded with numbers for local restaurants and activity contacts.
Full laundry service included in the room rate.
Free secure parking on the property.
Classic-style vintage bicycles with shopping baskets available for guests to explore Franschhoek.
BUILD YOUR AKADEMIE STREET PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning