Word Franschhoek
Classic Cape Huguenot meets French-navy chic. The reception room has a wall of around 120 hand-picked antique blue and white plates, a Bloody Mary station, and striped sun loungers around the pool. Elegant without being stuffy. Color palette of neutrals, creams, pale greens, and blues. It feels like a very well-appointed private home — not a hotel designed by committee.
Upstairs Superior Rooms are larger and come with a separate lounge area — worth requesting over ground-floor if pool suite is out of budget
Why It Matters
Founded in 2003 as the first Last Word property. Now a Michelin Key recipient, Condé Nast Traveler 2025 recognized, and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 winner. Ten rooms means privacy is actually achievable. Rooms and common areas are for in-house guests only. Solar backup keeps the lights on when load shedding hits. Managers Conrad and Franklin have lived in the area for 15+ years and their local knowledge alone is worth the rate.
The original Last Word property — and 20-plus years on, still the blueprint. Ten rooms on the main drag of Franschhoek, South Africa's self-anointed gourmet capital, with award-winning restaurants literally a minute's walk in any direction. It reads boutique, but the rooms are genuinely spacious (even the standard Superior Rooms average 55m²), the service is warm in a way that's hard to fake, and the complimentary minibar stocked with wines and premium spirits is the kind of detail that makes you feel looked after rather than just accommodated.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Pool Suite
Two of these and they are the reason many people book. Each Pool Suite is 75m² and comes with its own semi-private plunge pool and leafy patio area — enough space to sunbathe around your pool in private for a full afternoon. There's a separate bedroom and a lounge area. Extra beds for kids can be added at an extra cost, making these the only room type that works for families.
75 sqm
Superior Room – Ground Floor
Four of the eight Superior Rooms sit at ground level. Each has its own private patio and seating area — useful if you want to have a coffee outside without walking to the communal pool terrace. Bathrooms are genuinely large with both a full bath and a separate shower. Even the smallest feels suite-like at around 55m².
55 sqmSuperior Room – Upper Floor
The four upstairs Superior Rooms are the larger of the standard category — each has its own separate lounge area, which means you get a proper sitting room in addition to the bedroom. No private outdoor space, but these rooms are notably more spacious. Same 55m² average applies but the lounge configuration makes the layout feel more generous.
55 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bicycle rental is available (complimentary on certain package rates). The flat village streets and surrounding farm roads are well-suited to leisurely riding between estates.
Managers Conrad and Franklin can advise on hikes and trails in the surrounding Drakenstein and Wemmershoek mountain ranges and connect guests with local guides. The hotel has a downloadable activities PDF covering local options.
The hotel concierge can arrange excursions for horse riding, bird watching, and fly-fishing in the surrounding valley and mountains.
The Wine Tram stop is right next to the hotel. Hop on and off at different wine estates throughout the valley — it's the most popular and relaxed way to do multiple tastings without driving.
The hotel team can book wine tastings and cellar tours at nearby estates including Haute Cabrière (on the Franschhoek Pass), La Motte (Pierneef art museum and tasting room), and Le Lude (Cap Classique sparkling wines).
A short walk from the hotel, the museum covers the history of the French Huguenots who settled the Franschhoek valley in the late 1600s — the origin of the village's French character and wine culture.
A laid-back farmers/artisan market directly across the road from the hotel. Locals come in from surrounding towns. Perfect for a casual morning browse before breakfast or after.
Pigcasso is a world-famous pig known for creating original paintings. The hotel actively promotes a visit and the team can arrange it. Genuinely unusual and popular with guests.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full breakfast included in the room rate. Served as individual tiered platters per table — seasonal fresh fruit, pastries, local cheeses and meats — plus a hot breakfast menu.
All rooms come with a stocked minibar including local wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and snacks — complimentary in all rooms.
Each room features a gin bar setup.
A private rooftop terrace with wrap-around views of the surrounding Drakenstein, Franschhoek, and Wemmershoek mountain ranges. A popular spot for sundowners.
A sizeable main pool in the central courtyard with sun loungers. The guest lounge opens directly onto the pool patio — good flow between indoor and outdoor space.
Managers Conrad and Franklin have 15+ years of local knowledge and will proactively book restaurants, activities, and transport on guests' behalf.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available on request.
All rooms equipped with Smart TV with Chromecast, flat-screen TV, satellite channels, and DVD player.
Unlimited free wireless internet throughout the property, including all rooms.
Transfers to/from Cape Town International Airport (approx. 75km) available at a surcharge. Guests should contact the hotel with flight details prior to arrival.
On-site secured parking at no charge. Some guests note limited on-site spaces with alternate off-street parking available at the rear of the hotel.
Solar backup ensures the hotel is not affected by South Africa's load shedding (scheduled power cuts) — a practical and meaningful selling point for the region.
Complimentary gym access for guests (partner facility).
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