7 Ackermann Place: Stellenbosch's BEST Kept Secret Guesthouse? (You HAVE to See This!)
7 Ackermann Place: Stellenbosch's BEST Kept Secret Guesthouse? (You HAVE to See This!)
7 Ackermann Place: Stellenbosch's “Best Kept Secret”? Or a Glorified Hideaway? Let's Dive In! (And I Mean DIVE!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unload on you my messy, honest, and slightly-too-opinionated review of 7 Ackermann Place in Stellenbosch. You've seen the headlines, the clickbait… "BEST KEPT SECRET!" Blah, blah, blah. Well, I went, I saw, and now, well, let's see what I thought. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because this guesthouse, folks, is something else.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
The drive in? Bliss. Winding roads, the promise of wine… Stellenbosch is naturally gorgeous. 7 Ackermann Place? It's tucked away alright. Finding it was a minor adventure, which I kind of enjoyed. It felt like I was on a treasure hunt! But… and this is a big “but” for accessibility, so bear with me…
- Accessibility: Ok, so… it's advertised as having facilities for disabled guests. But the reality? It's a bit rough around the edges. There's an elevator, which is fantastic (and a huge plus in my book!). But navigating the various levels and pathways? Tricky. Not ideal for those with serious mobility challenges. (Rant over. Let's move on, as I wouldn't want to lose the interest of the reader).
The Internet… or the Lack Thereof (A Tale of Woes and Wins)
- Okay, so, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a Godsend. When it works. Which, let me tell you, was not always the case. I’d set up shop in my room thinking I'd be a digital nomad for the day, answering emails, writing, etc… Nope. The Wi-Fi would die on me. Then I would go down to the lobby and use their Wi-Fi. Oh, that was a good time, or at least I think it was.
But, the worst part? I really needed to finish my work!. I think the Internet [LAN] would have been fantastic if I found the cable!! But I never did. Even the internet wasn't that good.
When I finally did get the internet, it was amazing. So at least it helped in some way!
Cleanliness, Safety & the "COVID-Era" Essentials:
Cleanliness and safety: A+! You could practically eat off the floors (though I wouldn't recommend it, out of principle.) The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization between stays – all those buzzwords? They were actually happening. The Hygiene certification hanging proudly in the reception area further eased the mind. And lots of Hand sanitizer. You could tell the staff was well-trained in safety protocol, and that made me so happy.
The "extras" that made me feel safe: Cashless payment service was great, and I appreciated the Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast (more on that later). The fact that there was a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit… well, it's reassuring in these times, isn't it?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast or a Fiasco?
Okay, this is where things get interesting…
Breakfast [buffet]: Advertised… and sort of delivered. It was a hybrid situation, which I found extremely pleasant. The Asian breakfast offerings were there, which I liked and I always want to try new things. There was a lovely Breakfast [buffet]. You could eat in your Breakfast in room, and maybe a Breakfast takeaway service.
The Bar & Restaurants: The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. Cold drinks and a lovely view? Yes, please! They also had a restaurant with International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant which was a great option.
The Quirks: They also have a Coffee shop on the grounds!
Ways to Relax (Or, My Attempt to Embrace the Spa Life!)
The Spa: I, being the stressed travel writer that I am, was all in on the spa. They had a Sauna, a Steamroom, a Spa, and it all sounded glorious. I opted for a massage. And… this is where the “best kept secret” part might have applied. The masseuse turned out to be a small, but mighty woman who worked miracles on my knotted shoulders. It was an experience that felt like an all encompassing Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa/sauna, and even Pool with view.
Other ways to chill: They had a Swimming pool! And if you're into fitness, a Gym/fitness was there, too.
The Rooms: Cozy, or a Little Cluttered?
What's Good: Air conditioning, Free bottled water, a Coffee/tea maker, a Refrigerator, and (hallelujah!) Wi-Fi [free] that mostly worked. Plus, a Window that opens is always a win in my book.
What was Confusing: My room had a Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub, and a Shower! Seems a bit excessive, but who am I to judge?
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Good Stuff: Daily housekeeping (bless!), Concierge, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and a Safety deposit boxes. All the basics covered, and done well.
Things that Made Me Smile: A Gift/souvenir shop (always dangerous for me!), a Convenience store (handy!), and the fact that they offered Food delivery. Yes, I may have indulged in some late-night pizza… don't judge me!
For the Kids?!
- There were plenty of Family/child friendly things.
Getting Around & Other Bits and Bobs:
Getting around: The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus, the access was also there. They had a Taxi service.
The Little Things: There was a Shrine if you are into that, and Smoking area.
The Verdict: Secret Worth Keeping?
Here’s the nitty-gritty:
Pros: The impeccable cleanliness, the generally friendly staff, the relaxing spa, the lovely location, the beautiful views.
Cons: The wonky Wi-Fi, accessibility concerns, the slightly-fussy room setup.
Overall: 7 Ackermann Place is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it has charm and character. If you're looking for a relaxing escape in Stellenbosch, and you're relatively mobile, then yes, it's worth a visit. Just pack your own ethernet cable, and prepare for the digital ups and downs. And don't forget to treat yourself to that massage. Trust me on that one. It's a secret worth sharing… mostly.
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Alright, here's my attempt at a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious itinerary for a stay at 7 Ackermann Place Guest House in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a ride!
7 Ackermann Place: Stellenbosch Shenanigans – A Hot Mess of an Itinerary (and My Brain)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (in a Gorgeous Setting)
- 14:00: Arrive at Cape Town Airport (CPT). Oh god, the flight. Let's just say, I'm intimately familiar with the texture of airplane peanuts. Thank heavens for the pre-flight gin. Praying my luggage (and sanity) made it.
- 15:00: Car rental chaos. Let's be honest, I'm a danger on four wheels, especially on the "wrong" side of the road. Pray for the other drivers, and for the car’s GPS to not lead me to a goat farm.
- 16:30: Arrive at 7 Ackermann Place. First impressions? Gorgeous. Seriously, the pictures didn't do it justice. The bougainvillea! The pool! I'm already picturing myself sipping wine under a lemon tree. Existential dread subsides… for now.
- 17:00: Unpack. Or… attempt to. My suitcase is basically an Escher drawing of clothing. I swear, I packed a whole wardrobe. Why? Who knows!
- 18:00: Explore the guesthouse. Found the honesty bar. Winner! Seriously, a well-curated honesty bar is a sign of good taste and better things to come.
- 19:30: Dinner recommendation hunt. Google seems to be overloaded with options. Okay, maybe the guesthouse owner has thoughts. Time to charm the helpful staff. Dinner might be at The Fat Butcher. I'm already eyeing the meat menu.
Day 2: Wine, Wineries, and Slightly Embarrassing Moments
- 09:00: Breakfast at the guesthouse. Ooh, the promises of a perfect omelet, fresh coffee… and some actual human interaction after yesterday's travel isolation.
- 10:00: Wine Tasting Extravaganza begins. Today, we’re tackling the Stellenbosch wine route. My plan? A delicate balance of wine appreciation and avoiding a public meltdown.
- 11:00: First winery: Doesn't matter, I can't remember it now. But the wine was delightful, and I may have bought a bottle of something expensive. Regret is a dish best served chilled… ideally with a cheese platter.
- 13:00: Lunch at a winery. Oh, the food! The views! The slight wobble in my knees! I may have told a very elaborate story about a squirrel and a monocle. It's possible I don't remember.
- 14:30: Second winery. Another winery, another wine, and another opportunity to make a fool of myself. I'm starting to feel that delicious, warm bubble of happiness… and I’m pretty sure the wine is talking to me. "Drink more, darling! Tell me all your secrets." Who am I to argue?
- 16:00: Third winery…or possibly fourth? Who needs a map when you have a wine-fueled sense of adventure?! I think I need a nap. And water. Lots of water.
- 18:00: Back at the guesthouse. Staggering through the door after my wine tour. Pool beckons. Definitely need a swim to sober up, or at least be less obvious about being drunk.
- 20:00: Dinner. I'm really not sure what's going on… or where I am. I think it's the guesthouse. Pretty sure I didn't fall asleep in the car.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and a Hike That Nearly Killed Me)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Okay, time to rehydrate and assess the damage from yesterday. I feel… alive. (Mostly.)
- 10:00: Stellenbosch town exploration. I’m determined to see the church, the university, maybe even buy a ridiculous hat.
- 11:00: Walking through the town. It's beautiful. The people are friendly. The buildings are gorgeous. Why don't I live here? Okay, maybe not the "driving on the wrong side of the road" thing.
- 13:00: After lunch, I made a bad choice. A very bad choice. A strenuous hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Strenuous. Me. Hiking. I think my lungs are still screaming. The views were (admittedly) spectacular. This is where the 'almost died' part kicks in… the best of nature's view is never on the flat.
- 16:00: Back. Staggered back to the guesthouse. I'm pretty sure I’m going to need a week of bed rest.
- 18:00: Dinner and a much-needed early night. I am officially too old for this hiking nonsense.
Day 4: Farewell, Stellenbosch (and My Liver?)
- 09:00: Breakfast one last time.
- 10:00: Pack up my things.
- 11:00: Check out. Tears might be involved. Seriously, I’m not ready to leave this place.
- 12:00: Drive back to Cape Town Airport.
- 14:00: Flight home.
- 15:00: Reflecting. The good news is that I had a wonderful time, and I will never forget this life-changing trip. I'm looking forward to the next time, when I can be a more responsible traveler.
- 16:00: Home.
- 17:00: Never travel alone again.
This itinerary is, of course, subject to change. Or complete collapse. But hey, that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? Roll with the punches, embrace the chaos, and try not to embarrass yourself too much. Cheers to South Africa, wine, and the hilarious messiness of life!
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7 Ackermann Place: Unveiling (or Is It?) Stellenbosch's "Best Kept Secret" Guesthouse - You HAVE to See This (Yeah, Really?)
Alright, alright, so the hype is real-ish. 7 Ackermann Place is a guesthouse... a *really* nice guesthouse, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch. Think cobblestone streets, the scent of freshly baked bread (sometimes, you can almost *smell* it!), and a vibe that whispers "charm" *slightly* louder than the wine it’s famous for (which is saying something!). The whole "best kept secret" thing? Well, it used to be. Now? Everyone's banging down the door (metaphorically, of course. Don't actually *bang*!).
Basically, it's a beautiful, almost embarrassingly well-appointed place. From the outside, it looks all stately and old-world – think Victorian meets Cape Dutch. Inside? Well, that’s where the magic (and the secret, I guess) really happens. Think plush beds, amazing artwork (I drooled shamelessly over a particular landscape painting), and bathrooms that could single-handedly convince you to install a freestanding tub in your own, less-impressive, bathroom.
Good point. The "secret" ship has probably sailed, frankly. I stumbled upon it through a friend of a friend… who'd found it on, you guessed it, Instagram. So, no, the cat's OUT of the bag. BUT (and this is important!), it still *feels* special. Maybe because it's not a huge, impersonal hotel. It's got that lovely, intimate atmosphere. Like, you could actually imagine bumping into the owner and having a proper chat, not just some hurried 'hello' at the front desk.
But yeah, the secret is… less a secret and more a slightly-less-crowded-than-average-for-Stellenbosch place. Still, go! Just… maybe book a bit ahead of time. And don't expect to be the *only* one there, admiring the ridiculously gorgeous garden.
Okay, let’s talk brass tacks. Room types? They’ve got options! From cozy little suites to larger, sprawling affairs. There are even places that are perfect for families (but I'd try to sneak off for a romantic weekend - a girl can dream, right?). Prices? Okay, here comes the slightly painful part. It's not *cheap*. But honestly? Considering the location, the quality, and the sheer *gorgeousness* of the place, it's not highway robbery either. You're looking at probably a mid-range price tag, BUT the quality is definitely above mid-range.
I’m thinking you should check their website for the absolute latest pricing, because it fluctuates (like the price of wine!). Expect to pay more in peak season and a bit less during the off-peak times. But believe me, comparing this guesthouse to other hotels in Stellenbosch, I found the value to be quite reasonable. Just… save up a little, okay?
Oh. My. Goodness. Breakfast. Prepare to be *blown away*. Seriously. I'm a breakfast *snob*. I can't help it. I need perfectly poached eggs, crispy bacon, amazing coffee, and a general sense of well-being before I'm even remotely functional. 7 Ackermann? They *nailed* it. Nailed it!
Fresh fruit, pastries that practically melt in your mouth, a full cooked breakfast menu (eggs benedict, anyone?), and coffee that actually tastes like coffee (not burnt dishwater, which is a common breakfast-related tragedy). There was even this amazing fruit salad that I could have eaten a whole mountain of. Their bread! The bread, oh, the bread! I remember almost getting into an argument with another guest over the last croissant. Totally worth it, by the way. The woman was just a little too slow. I REGRET NOTHING. I would seriously consider staying there *just* for the breakfast.
Convenient? YES! Fantastically so! It’s right in the heart of Stellenbosch. You can walk to pretty much everything. I parked my car (which, by the way, parking is a bit of a nightmare in Stellenbosch, so this is a BIG plus) and didn't need to use it for the entire weekend.
The location is seriously perfect. Wine farms are a short drive away. Restaurants, cafes, shops… all at your doorstep. You can just wander around, soak up the atmosphere, and not worry about getting a taxi. Seriously, the location is worth a significant portion of the price tag on its own, in my opinion! If I had one tiny gripe, it would be that there's a bit of street noise at times, especially if your room faces the road, but even that's manageable and honestly, part of the charm!
Alright, alright, let’s be brutally honest. No place is perfect, and I'm a woman who can spot a flaw at 50 paces. Firstly, it can be tricky to get a booking, especially during peak season. That whole "secret" thing – it’s made it more popular than ever, hence the need to plan ahead. Also, during my stay, the Wi-Fi was a *touch* spotty in my room on the first day. Not a deal-breaker for me, because, hello, I was there to relax. Let's be honest, it did force me to actually *look* at the amazing view from the balcony rather than stare at a screen. But for some, that might matter.
And listen, this isn’t a huge, sprawling resort. It’s intimate. Which is part of its charm, but if you’re looking for multiple swimming pools, a thousand different activities, and a gym… well, you're in the wrong place. But that’s the only issue, for me personally, the positives FAR outweigh the negatives. In my experience, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and the minor niggles are easily overlooked. It’s just a beautiful, well-run guesthouse where you’ll, most likely, totally fall in love.
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