Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Corner of Neethling and Van Riebeeck, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa
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Avg. RÂ 3,347 /night, 2/17 - 2/18
RÂ 4,891
per night
RÂ 3,944
per night
RÂ 2,997
per night
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About
#3 of 74 guest houses in Stellenbosch
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Our home is your home in the heart of Stellenbosch. Look no further for the perfect stay at this landmark Stellenbosch property in the Cape Winelands, South Africa. Classic meets contemporary at this elegant Victorian villa set in a landscaped English garden. With a history spanning over a century and a recent major revamp - Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House is the epitome of modern luxury combined with the charm of historic Stellenbosch. We are also located on the best corner in town and within 500 m easy walking distance from the town center and Stellenbosch University. We pride ourselves in our truly South-African hospitality, giving recommendations, and meeting your needs - leaving you plenty of time for moments to reset your senses and experience joy. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, we look forward to creating a unique experience for you here in our home.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Coffee shop
Patio
Walking tours
Taxi service
Couples massage
Parking
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Outdoor dining area
Wine / champagne
Board games / puzzles
Foot massage
Full body massage
Manicure
Neck massage
Pedicure
Waxing services
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Safe
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Minibar
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
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
Centrally Located
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Hotel links
Location
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 84 out of 100
84
Cape Town Intl Airport
24.6 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
42 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.5
1,113 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House garners praise for its charming atmosphere and elegant dining, set in a serene garden. Guests have called out the friendly staff for providing warm, attentive service. The prime location is a hit among reviewers, offering easy access to local attractions.
While the rooms are generally appreciated for their comfort and furnishings, some guests have raised concerns about privacy and noise. The amenities, including kitchenettes and a quality breakfast, are well-received, though a few mention small pool sizes and occasional noise disruptions.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Charming
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Detailed Reviews
A charming boutique guesthouse well located within 5mins walk of the main bars and restaurants of Stellenbosch with extremely helpful and friendly staff.
We stayed in a double room upstairs which was quite pokey, although we only intended on spending minimal time in the room so that didn't really matter. The bed however was quite short, I'm only 5'11" yet my feet were hanging off the end! The room couldn't really take a larger bed however. Despite the above our 4 night stay really was fantastic. The hotel is conveniently located a short walk from all of Stellenbosch's bars and restaurants. Breakfast was included was was served a la carte style from a rather impressive menu. Their eggs benedict and french toast were particuarly enjoyable.
The small pool area out the back was perfect for a short afternoon cool off after visiting the wine estates in the area. The pool is only small but it is all you need for a quick dip to cool off. There were 6 or so sun loungers which were extremely comfortable.
What really made out stay special was the staff, from the moment we arrived they couldn't do enough for you! Our welcome was warm and included a small safety briefing of the area which was heartfelt, the staff really care about your safety here. That said, Stellenbosch felt incredibly safe compared to Cape Town, walking from the hotel to the bars and restaurants and back again at night was absolutely fine here. Throughout our stay we had a number of requests, including some emergency laundry we needed doing at the weekend. Despite the hotel's laundry hours not including weekends the staff went over and above to do our laundry, they also arranged us a private transfer for our onwards journey. They gave us their whatsapp number upon arrival and advised we could contact 24/7 should we need anything, another additional touch which you don't get everywhere!
We stayed in a double room upstairs which was quite pokey, although we only intended on spending minimal time in the room so that didn't really matter. The bed however was quite short, I'm only 5'11" yet my feet were hanging off the end! The room couldn't really take a larger bed however. Despite the above our 4 night stay really was fantastic. The hotel is conveniently located a short walk from all of Stellenbosch's bars and restaurants. Breakfast was included was was served a la carte style from a rather impressive menu. Their eggs benedict and french toast were particuarly enjoyable.
The small pool area out the back was perfect for a short afternoon cool off after visiting the wine estates in the area. The pool is only small but it is all you need for a quick dip to cool off. There were 6 or so sun loungers which were extremely comfortable.
What really made out stay special was the staff, from the moment we arrived they couldn't do enough for you! Our welcome was warm and included a small safety briefing of the area which was heartfelt, the staff really care about your safety here. That said, Stellenbosch felt incredibly safe compared to Cape Town, walking from the hotel to the bars and restaurants and back again at night was absolutely fine here. Throughout our stay we had a number of requests, including some emergency laundry we needed doing at the weekend. Despite the hotel's laundry hours not including weekends the staff went over and above to do our laundry, they also arranged us a private transfer for our onwards journey. They gave us their whatsapp number upon arrival and advised we could contact 24/7 should we need anything, another additional touch which you don't get everywhere!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Lorchy L, Thank you for your feedback, and for taking the time to write about your visit. I’m delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic stay with us! Thank you for bringing the issue with the bed to our attention. It turns out the bed had been pushed too far back under the headboard. I sincerely apologize if this caused you any inconvenience during your stay. We look forward to welcoming you back to Bonne Esperance Guest House soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The best vineyard tour guide on the Cape ,(Marius Moller- globalspringbock@gmail.com) reserved two beautiful rooms with balconies in the newly renovated Victorian Inn Bonne Esperance. I have done business with Marius a Stellenbosch local for over two years . His tailor made tours are amazing .I knew the Inn would be exquisite. The wrap around porch surrounded by beautiful grounds and garden with a Victorian colonial home nestled in the middle was something out of a fairy tale ! . We were greeted by friendly and helpful staff. The Inn had just been renovated ; it sparkled and was fresh! The delicious breakfast was served in an elegant dining room with a fire place lighting up the room on a cloudy winter day. i was extremely impressed by the Nespresso cappuccino machine and frothier in my room ! The attention to details make a huge difference!
The Bonne Esperance is a block away from the center of the City .
house
The Bonne Esperance is a block away from the center of the City .
house
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2024
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 06 Aug 2024
Dear Melissaf, Thank you for choosing to stay at Bonne Esperance. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful stay and that our newly renovated Victorian Inn met your expectations. We're glad you enjoyed the beautiful grounds, wrap-around porch, and charming Victorian architecture. It's wonderful to know that our friendly staff and the fresh, sparkling renovation added to your pleasant experience. It's also great to hear that you appreciated the elegant dining room and the warm ambiance created by the fireplace during breakfast. We’re pleased you enjoyed the Nespresso cappuccino machine and frother in your room. We believe that attention to detail truly enhances our guests' experience, and we're glad it made a difference for you. Our prime location, just a block away from the city center, is something we take pride in, and we're happy it was convenient for you. Thank you again for your kind words, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Bonne Esperance in the future. Regards-Dhilshard
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
This is a wonderful guest house right in the middle of Stellenbosch. The university sits on either side, and the restaurants and shops are all a short walking distance. The rooms are comfortable and spacious, especially the bathrooms, and the breakfasts are outstanding. The staff members are friendly and courteous and answered our many questions and were even willing to facilitate laundry on a Saturday. We would stay here again in a heartbeat.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Check out the beautiful artwork. Avoid the top floor if you have trouble walking longer distances.
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 03 Aug 2023
Dear Bravesfan, Thank you for choosing to stay at Bonne Esperance. We enjoyed  having you here. We appreciate the great review. We are thrilled to hear that you like how spacious our rooms are and that you liked our breakfast. We work hard to make sure that every one of our guests has a fantastic time. We look forward to your return soon. Warm regards, Dhilshard
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The guesthouse is very well located and the public areas are very inviting with nice wooden floors and decoration.
The standard room, however, was not what we expected.
The carpet is very old, not for walking barefoot. The window can barely be opened, so there is insufficient air coming in at night.
There was a lantern shining at night right outside the room, so we had the choice between closing the carpet and not getting any fresh air or letting the light in.
Also the cleanliness of the bathroom was not sufficient. We had small ants in the bathroom and unfortunately also a view made their way onto the pillow…
After the 2nd room service it was cleaner, so we did not spot any ants anymore.
Breakfast is average when comparing with the high standard in other guesthouses.
I love Stellenbosch but will look for another place to stay next time.
The standard room, however, was not what we expected.
The carpet is very old, not for walking barefoot. The window can barely be opened, so there is insufficient air coming in at night.
There was a lantern shining at night right outside the room, so we had the choice between closing the carpet and not getting any fresh air or letting the light in.
Also the cleanliness of the bathroom was not sufficient. We had small ants in the bathroom and unfortunately also a view made their way onto the pillow…
After the 2nd room service it was cleaner, so we did not spot any ants anymore.
Breakfast is average when comparing with the high standard in other guesthouses.
I love Stellenbosch but will look for another place to stay next time.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 23 Nov 2023
Dear Mike Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We pride ourselves in our guest service as can be seen by the 22 very satisfied 5 bubble reviews prior to your review. I am saddened to hear that we did not meet your expectations. You approached us while you stayed here about the fact that you were unhappy with your room and we were fully booked at the guest house but offered to move you to a room at our studio apartments with a wooden floor but you declined the offer. With regards to your complaints, we have very good quality Belgotex Westminster carpets in our rooms which is well maintained, but I guess it is up to personal preference. The light that shone in your room was the street light which we regretfully can do nothing about. I apologise for the fact that the bathroom cleanliness was not up to standard and will investigate it further. I am sorry to hear that the breakfast was not what you expected and will contact you directly for suggestions. I hope you enjoy the rest of you trip. Kind regards Annemien
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful victorian house with beautiful garden. Just across from Botanic Gardens, one block from the university, and short walk from historic sites and centre of town. The guesthouse has a great coffee shop for any time of day, and also excellent breakfast included.
Do take note that you can hear people moving above you if your room is underneath another room. If this is going to be a problem for you, maybe speak to the very helpful manager about getting a room without one above it.
Do take note that you can hear people moving above you if your room is underneath another room. If this is going to be a problem for you, maybe speak to the very helpful manager about getting a room without one above it.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 16 Dec 2024
Dear Karen, Thank you for sharing your thoughtful feedback. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our Victorian charm, beautiful garden, and prime location near the Botanic Gardens and historic town center. We're also glad you appreciated our coffee shop and breakfast offerings. We understand that noise from upstairs rooms can sometimes be noticeable. Thank you for highlighting this for future guests. Our team, including our manager, is always happy to assist with room preferences to ensure the most comfortable stay. We hope to welcome you back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay at this accomodation was good, but not what we expected.
There is a big parking area available, which is great.
The accomodation is situated nearby the city center, which is perfect, so you can walk to restaurants for example.
According to us, the pictures were not meeting our expectations.
We had some defects in the bathroom.
Also, the breakfast was not as expected. On the pictures, breakfast was served as a buffet. But in reality, the breakfast was service as a menu from which we could order.
If we would have known this, we wouldn't have booked this accomodation. The portions of the menu-breakfast were too big for us and it is a pity to throw food away.
There is a big parking area available, which is great.
The accomodation is situated nearby the city center, which is perfect, so you can walk to restaurants for example.
According to us, the pictures were not meeting our expectations.
We had some defects in the bathroom.
Also, the breakfast was not as expected. On the pictures, breakfast was served as a buffet. But in reality, the breakfast was service as a menu from which we could order.
If we would have known this, we wouldn't have booked this accomodation. The portions of the menu-breakfast were too big for us and it is a pity to throw food away.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 29 Feb 2024
Dear Nathalia, Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback; we really appreciate it. I am happy to hear that you like the location and big parking area. Thank you for the feedback regarding your perception of our breakfast portion sizes. We do give our guests the option of altering their breakfast option. Thank you for the comment about the buffet. We took the pictures off our listings. We discontinued the buffet during the pandemic for obvious reasons and found that it worked so well and the waste was much less that we decided to continue with it. Thank you again for sharing your feedback. We hope to welcome you back soon.. Regards-Dhilshard benjamin
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ideally located, great value - with a 5 star experience - rooms are beautifully comfortable and so well equipped to make you feel very spoilt yet very comfortable. Breakfast options were perfect and delicious. Always a first choice of accommodation for myself and family where on business or travelling to visit family.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2023
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.
Response from Annemien Kotze, Owner at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 01 Jun 2023
Dear Kerryharper2023, Thank you very much for your warm words. We had a great time hosting you. We do hope to welcome you again soon. Kind regards, Merchia
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bonne Esperance is a beautiful old building on the outside and immaculately maintained with modern comforts on the inside. The bathroom had heated towel rails and there were 2 USB ports on both sides of the bed. So good!
The hotel is surrounded by gorgeous houses and gardens and is just a short walk from the main street shops and restaurants (but Uber at night).
The hotel is surrounded by gorgeous houses and gardens and is just a short walk from the main street shops and restaurants (but Uber at night).
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 23 Sept 2023
Dear Suzanna, We are delighted to hear that you had a positive stay at Bonne Esperance. The old building with its modern comforts do make a perfect combination. The beautiful houses and gardens that surrounds us adds a picturesque setting, it surly is a serene environment. We hope to host you again in the near future. Regards-Dhilshard
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What’s not to love?! Comfy beds, no load-shedding, very efficient in-room air conditioning unit… which became a real treat for us after a day of sightseeing at scorching 35C outside. Friendly staff to top it all off… Will definitely be back sometime!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip 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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 25 Feb 2024
Dear Greg, It sounds like you had a fantastic experience! Comfortable beds, reliable electricity, and efficient air conditioning are definitely key elements for a pleasant stay, especially during scorching temperatures. And having friendly staff to top it off surely makes the experience even more enjoyable. I'm glad to hear you had such a positive experience and look forward to hosting you again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our second stay at Bonne Esperance. We stayed in one of the studio apartments. The apartment is extremely comfortable, beautifully decorated and the location is peaceful but still central enough to be within walking distance from restaurants. The breakfast on the veranda was great.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2025
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.
Response from Dhilshard Benjamin, Guest Services / Front Office at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Marilze, Thank you for choosing to stay at Bonne Esperance. I am happy to know that we had the honor of welcoming you back for your second stay with us and by the sound of things I am delighted to know that we have once again exceeded your expectation. I am happy you had another lovely stay with us. We hope to welcome you back again for you future stays with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dear Shirnina,
The rate depends on the number of guests and the room type selected.
If you send us your dates we can give you a quotation.
Kind regards,
Michelle
…
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 2,335 - RÂ 3,935 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
bonne esperance hotel stellenbosch
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeStellenbosch
NUMBER OF ROOMS
25
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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Frequently Asked Questions about Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
Which popular attractions are close to Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (0.04 km), The Stellenbosch Village Museum (0.3 km), and Dorp Street (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Helena's Restaurant, Fat Butcher, and Stellenbosch Kitchen.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Stellenbosch.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Are there any historical sites close to Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Boschendal (10.9 km) and Vergelegen Picnic (15.2 km).