Schulphoek House has a tranquil setting, overlooking an idyllic bay where whales often visit. A well known eco-conscious refuge, this protected cove and its shoreline is home to many birds, small mammals and marine life which can be viewed on the coastal footpaths. The House offers 15 spacious and stylish rooms; 9 with uninterrupted sea views, and 6 that lead onto the indigenous garden and salt pool. Body therapy on request. Our kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a seasonal menu, focusing on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. A comprehensive wine collection has been curated to represent the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde and prominent wine regions. Concierge services are available to assists with planning and bookings of activities. A complimentary shuttle is available to guests in and around Hermanus. The House was built with using the latest sustainable and eco-conscious build practices to effectively run off the grid.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Location
181 Piet Retief Crescent, Sandbaai, Overstrand 7200 South Africa
We arrived at the property with a sense of foreboding, as my emails had gone unanswered and the website was still promoting a discounted offer that expired in 2022. Not things that fill you with confidence. However, from the moment we arrived, it was clear that we had no reason to be concerned. Car parking was secure within the property and under cover. Reception was friendly and efficient. Our luggage was taken to the room immediately and nobody hung around to wait for a tip. The room was modern, spacious, well equipped and had a fantastic floor to ceiling vista of the sea and coast. The bathroom was huge and had a sink area with plenty of surface space, a bath, a separate shower and a cosy heated towel rail. Having said that, the bath was ridiculously big, with almost vertical ends. Very uncomfortable, unless you were over seven feet tall, or needed to bathe three children at once. It was a classic example of design over function. The shower on the other hand, was excellent. Good pressure, choice of adjustable side shower or overhead rain shower. Design and function working together. The separate toilet had a bidet function on it for personal hygiene, which took some working out. Fortunately, this is not an automatic function and requires the pressing of a button at the side. Unfortunately, this button was discovered whilst fully dressed and not sat on the toilet, with predictable (and very humorous) results involving a jet of water. Clear instructions would be helpful here! Anyway, back to the plot. We had a really enjoyable stay. Breakfasts were superb, all the staff were friendly and happy to help. Nomfundo was particularly helpful, with practical advice and an enjoyable sense of humour. It is true that the location is not within walking distance of anywhere, other than the cliff path, but the property offers a free shuttle service into and back from Hermanus (thank you Albert!). Also, in the era of load shedding, the property has both solar and generator energy provision for the sea-facing rooms, and power was never an issue. The grounds are relatively small, but relaxing and well cared for. There is a pool, but it it doesn’t look very inviting as it is salt water and is a misty colour. Probably very good for you, but I prefer water clarity! The restaurant at the property does not serve dinner at present, but there are plenty of restaurants in Hermanus, about 15 minutes away. To sum up, we really enjoyed our stay here and will certainly come back should we return to Hermanus.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We were able to spend three nights in this great accommodation. We had a room with a view of the sea. The view of the crashing waves in the morning was unique. A coffee in bed was obligatory. Breakfast was also served in a room with a sea view. We saw the whales jumping while we were treated to culinary delicacies. You should plan plenty of time for breakfast, but it is definitely worth it.
The hotel is located in a residential area outside of Hermanus. The hotel offers a shuttle bus to the city center so that you don't have to miss out on a glass of South African wine with your meal.
It only gets 4 points because it was very cold in the room and the air conditioning couldn't compete with the single-glazed windows. It was spring and the weather was changeable. We had enough warm clothes with us so that we didn't freeze. But that wasn't a problem, everything else was just too good.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The property is located in a quiet and safe area of Hermanus. In a few minutes you arrive at the port, where you can take part in whale watching excursions. Not far away there is also the cliff, where it is possible to take peaceful walks. The hotel is in a stunning location, overlooking the sea. From the breakfast room you can admire the entire ocean. The staff was very kind and hospitable. The rooms are huge, colonial in style and all overlook a stunning garden, full of local flowers. Breakfast is served at the table and is of an excellent standard. Definitely recommended
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel was great, rooms were large, comfortable and well equipped - beverages, toiletries, fridge, coffee machine etc. The views from the large picture windows in our sea view room were amazing and it was beautiful to wake in the morning to watch the sun rise over the sea. The staff were fully accommodating, friendly and helpful and provided a driving service too. The only slight downside for us was the journey to Hermanus town, as due to the location of the township it was not sensible to walk. We would recommend the hotel but we would prefer to stay in or the other side of Hermanus on any future visits.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Note the hotel does not have evening meals or much of a restaurant, only snacks / light bites.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful interiors, a truly lovely (and lavish) breakfast, comfort + style, plus warm, friendly staff = FIVE! 'Schulphoek House' certainly earned a top score in my opinion for all the aforementioned and more. There is a small plunge pool, plus a spa and sauna, the gardens are both pretty and functional, you are steps from a coastal walking path, and there is a shuttle that will get you into - and back from - town as needed. [Thank you to Albert for the punctual, safe driving!] Add on that Hermanus is one of the premier whale watching spots on Earth, that you are a short drive from insanely beautiful beaches, plus a 15-minute drive from a world-class wine region ('Hemel en Aarde') and you're winning everywhere *The only query I had with this place is: location. It's somewhat oddly located on a quiet, small suburban street approx. one hour's walk (or 15 minute drive) into central Hermanus. That said, there are some restaurants and other services at this western end of town. All said, highly recommended!
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our 3 day stayover at Schulphoek House/Boutique Hotel in Hermanus was excellent.
The staff service throughout or stay from check in to room service and breakfast was simply outstanding.
Our first level room with sea view we requested delivered 5 star quality in terms of cleanliness, stylish upmarket amenities with a stunning sea view.
Fantastic breakfast menu to start your day.
Great location for a quite relaxing stayover with beach walks available on your doorstep.
Thank you to the Schulphoek staff for your friendly and efficient service
Udo Pfafferott
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Since we last stayed at Schulphoek House just over two years ago, the have done some great improvements. The reception is a great addition, as is the big generator on site which runs the entire place during power outages or load shedding, and the double glazing windows on the front side of rooms are also great. Despite COVID all attempted to sanitise and keep reasonable social distance and all staff wore good mask (only slight concern being the owner who wore a vented mask), and free sanitiser and even small packs were provided for all guests.We took the cheapest garden rooms, which were still nice and spacious. Only slight concern was water pressure which was super low in our bathroom. Nomfundo was amazing and made us feel very special. The complimentary waters and soft drinks in the min-bar were also a great touch, and WiFi, while expectedly slow (as Sandbaai does not yet have Fibre available - but its on the way) was amazingly reliable all over the hotel. Well done on all the work you have done to make a great place even better. The Views of the sea from some of the rooms, and breakfast room is also amazing!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Schulphoek House for 2 nights over New Year's Eve and it exceeded our expectations. The room set up is great with a ledge big enough for 2 suitcases, shelves, hangers etc separated from the bedroom/sitting room. Huge bathrooms and everything is very modern and spotless. The view through the floor to ceiling windows is spectacular. Breakfast is cooked to order (a nice change from buffets) with lots of options and very well done. Our New Year's Eve dinner was a spectacular 4 course meal with wine pairings for a very reasonable price. There are some security concerns in this area but the coastal path towards Sand Baii had lots of people on it while we were there and we felt safe walking that direction. You wouldn't want to go the other way towards Hermanus. Just ask the management staff and if they feel it is not safe, they will have someone go with you. There is a complimentary mini bar and a complimentary shuttle to and from Hermanus. All of the staff were very friendly and efficient. A really great stay and we highly recommend it.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Get a sea view room.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The sea view rooms offer beautiful views of the ocean. Quiet location excellent solution for stopping direction Hermanus (a few minutes). Excellent breakfast, but improveable value for money. Too expensive considering the visit in low season
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Camera vista mare
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We celebrated our wedding anniversary weekend at the Schulphoek House, what a treat it was. On our arrival we were met by the porter at the car park, he was the most friendliest person. Upon check in we were upgraded to a fantastic sea view room, that had the most spectacular views. Nomfundo is a GEM. Very helpful and made our stay extra nice. I was also pleasantly surprised that she is the in house chef as well. The breakfast spread was great. The rooms are delightful and airy, with the amazing sea views. The Salt Water pool was really refreshing. The bar fridge complimentary and well stocked with water/milk etc. If i could, i would have given more than an excellent rating. I will definitely be back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johannesburg, South Africa8 contributions1 helpful vote
Hi Nikolavdl,
The guesthouse is located in Sandbaai, which is a suburb of Hermanus. The centre of town is around 5 mins drive away. While Sandbaai is less developed and commercial than Hermanus central, it is a safe and charming area. The guesthouse is located on the seafront, and consists of 5 adjoined properties. Once inside and looking over the bay, you will enjoy the spectacular views and tranquility that Schulphoek has to offer. Most guests are foreign and they love to experience the coastal path that starts outside the guesthouse. I would say that if you would prefer to be in the centre of town, or away from the sea front then perhaps Schulphoek isn't for you. But if you're looking to enjoy warm hospitality and an authentic yet luxurious setting, then its the right choice.
There are more places to choose from in the Sandbaai area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 2,266 - RÂ 3,058 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOverberg DistrictOverstrandHermanusSandbaai
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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