This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Schoone Oordt Country House is a charming family-run country hotel, one of the best of Swellendam luxury accommodation, with a heartfelt passion for people, for food, for wine and for the environment. The emphasis here is on warmth, care, elegance, quality and love and we aspire to make this evident in every aspect of your time with us. We do hope you feel as though you’re visiting with the best of friends.
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.
1 Swellengrebel Street, Swellendam 6740 South Africa
Schoone Oordt Country House
1,704 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Schoone Oordt Country House is celebrated for its comprehensive amenities, including plush rooms and gourmet dining, with guests often mentioning the delight of hot water bottles and the bonus of complimentary car washes. Nestled in a prime location that exudes historical charm, this hotel's inviting colonial atmosphere and sumptuous decor have left many yearning for extended stays.
The impeccable cleanliness and personalized service, complete with welcome drinks and attentive turndown, are consistently applauded. While the rooms are praised for their comfort and coziness, a few may benefit from some refurbishment.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Extraordinary
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
What a wonderful place to stay. We tumbled out of the car and into the lovely gardens, welcomed by the most charming Zimbabwean manager. Children fell in love with him instantly! Fantastically clean and comfortable rooms, very tastefully decorated. Super roomy, lovely clean crisp cotton sheets. Great big bathroom, delicious home made truffles on your pillow at night. Swimming pool - we met the owners two very well mannered daughters there, who were very kind to our children. Dinner was served in an immaculate dining room with windows flung open onto the garden, super light and airy ambiance. The whole experience was pretty amazing. We’re from New York, and no strangers to hotels. This one is special.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2020Trip 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.
Response from Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 19 Dec 2020
Oh, what a glorious review! Thank you from the bottom of our collective heart. It was such a joy getting to know you all and we very much look forward to your next visit. Until then, keep strong, keep well and much love from all of us.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
It took the owners almost two decades and multiple stages to turn this historical building into what it is today. As a guest one can only cherish every minute of the result of their dedication... Tastefully decorated rooms, a quiet setting and very friendly staff complete the environment for a relaxing holiday in one of the oldest settlements on the Western Cape. The kitchen satisfies your taste buds via a fine combination of traditional meals with a South African touch. A gem, only three hours drive from Cape Town!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip 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.
We had an amazing stay at this delightful property. The owners were very welcoming from the moment we arrived when we were greeted with tea and homemade cakes. The location of the property is ideal in that you can easily walk to facilities in the town whilst it offers the space and privacy of a much more rural property. It is also well placed for visiting the beautiful countryside close by. Visiting the house and seeing the extent and amount of thought that has gone into the renovation works was a worthwhile experience in itself and the family have a lot to be proud of. The breakfasts and dinner were very well done and again with superb attention to detail. We have travelled quite extensively and this is one of most memorable experiences that we have had anywhere. Needless to say...highly recommended and we would love to return.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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 Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 04 Mar 2020
Wow! Thank you SO much for your fantastic feedback. You have mentioned all the bits that we try to share when encouraging guests to stay in Swellendam... and with us... and for more that one night :) Thank you so much. We very much look forward to your next visit. Until then... Much love from all of us at Schoone Oordt
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were lucky enough to one of the first guests to stay at Schoone Oordt as they opened after being closed for so long during lockdown. The owners and staff went out of their way to ensure that all safety measures where adhered to (which is a LOT of work) and to try and make our stay as 'normal' as possible. They definitely succeeded and we never once felt that we had a diminished experience due to lockdown. Our 2 rooms we booked were perfect, the weather was cold and rainy and each room had its own fireplace that kept the room perfectly warm and cosy. The bathroom with the lovely shower and bath plus all the lotions and oils was a real spoil. Breakfast each morning was delicious, with each table having their own mini buffet followed by another 2 cooked courses. You will definitely not be hungry again till dinner time!!(although they do serve tea and cake in the afternoon...) Dinner was equally delicious and the wonderful Fidney is a true GEM that put the cherry on top of our stay.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Room 1 and Room 2 share a balcony with an inter-leading door, this was great for our family of 4.
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 Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 23 Aug 2020
Ah Antoinette! What a stunning review, thank you so much! We thank you for the beautiful happy loving energy you brought to our small hotel. It was such a joy and we look forward to getting back to the business of taking care of our guests now. Thank you for making it flow easily. Come and see us again. With love from all of us.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a beautiful Victorian villa decorated with antiques and treasures that truly reflects the historic area. Alison and Richard have poured much love into this family home and, as a guest, you fall warmly into their embrace. Fidney, the ‘butler’ was on hand for every request and makes a killer G&T. Restaurant recommendations were excellent as were suggestions for local hikes.
The house itself is lovely with cool verandas, a cosy bar and a light and airy conservatory for meals. The breakfasts were fabulous - the home-made granola was so good that my husband asked for the recipe! We ate dinner here on Valentine’s Day and the food was imaginative, beautifully presented and delicious.
Rooms are in cottages set in the gardens with fountains playing outside. Again, featuring period pieces but no comfort was lacking. Lighting was great, there were lots of sockets, the bed was comfortable and, with windows on two sides, a cooling breeze meant we didn’t need the air conditioner. The bathroom featured both a bath and shower and the lighting was bright and useful.
As you can probably tell, we loved this hotel and will definitely stay here again if we find ourselves in the area.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2021
Location
Cleanliness
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 Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 13 May 2021
Love.Love.Love your review, thank you so much dear Lazzagear. Thank you for taking the time to go into detail. See you both again soon with currant scones waiting... :) With love from all of us.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We decided to stopover in Swellendam very lastminute. Alison was very friendly and accommodating and got us a room and squeezed us in for dinner as they were fully booked for Valentines day.
The whole property is so beautiful and has the most lovely feel. The room (luxury room nr 8) was very nice with more than enough space for us and our 4yr old daughter. The rooms outside balcony (klein stoepie) was perfect for after dinner drinks and early morning tea with the homemade rusks. Our daughter enjoyed the pool, Koi fish outside and inside there are plenty to explore. The cats and dog also entertained her.
Dinner was very good, staff very attentive and friendly. Alison made a lovely meal for our daughter too.
Breakfast was amazing, so many lovely dishes, preserves, drinks…
Alison, Richard and their staff made us feel very welcome. Communication was very good and they were very generous with a surprise car wash and letting us dip in the pool well after checkout as it was so hot on the day.
I would definitely recommend a stay and hope to return again.
All the best to them. Thank you, Mel, Eugene and Della
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022Trip 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.
Response from Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 28 Feb 2022
Dearest Mel, Eugene & Della... what wonderful feedback! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We had such a great time getting to know you all and we look forward to meeting mum too! :) Until next time.. much love.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James and I were married in Swellendam and chose Schoone Oordt for our little honeymoon. What a perfect place! The location is in a great part of town, really picturesque and within walking distance of many of the top restaurants. The Honeymoon suite is very romantic and as it's a separate building with its lush, tranquil veranda, looking out onto a dense garden, we felt very private and safe. The decor inside is absolutely exquisite! Thick carpets, enormous bath and shower and a fantastic 4 poster bed, everything very tastefully presented. Breakfast is delicious and the room is serviced while you're out. Then for the rest of the time absolute tranquil seclusion allowed us to really relax. However ,I know, that had we needed anything Alison would be a WhatsApp away, ready to help. How lovely to come back from dinner to find the turn down service had been, a fire lit, hot water bottles filled and chocolate truffles on the dresser. We highly recommend Schoone Oordt and loved every minute that we stayed there. Excellent service, warm, kind and friendly!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Honeymoon suite is worth it!
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 Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 04 Jan 2022
We were so happy that you chose us for your honeymoon and that you managed to rest and rejuvenate (weddings can be quite emotional!). Thank you so much for your support and we'll see you for your first anniversary! Much love and well wishes from all of us at Schoone Oordt.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved our brief stay in Swellendam and especially at Schoone Oordt. The first evening of our stay we ate at Field and Fork which was one of the best meals that we enjoyed during our stay in S Africa.
On the second evening we ate in the dining room at Schoone Oordt. A delicious meal in beautiful surroundings. Before our meal arrived my wife started to feel unwell and had to go and lie down. We had ordered our food and it was being prepared. I insisted that I pay for my wife's meal since we had ordered it but the staff, in the owner's absence, would not hear of it and refused to charge me for her meal.
I tried again to pay for the meal before we left but to no avail.I was very impressed and made our stay special. . We will definitely recommend the lovely, comfortable, peaceful lovely Schoone Oordt to anyone we know visiting Swellendam.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
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.
My husband and I recently returned to The Conservatory Restaurant - our first visit was some 18 months ago. We were very impressed the first time we dined here and this time our experience was even more enjoyable. Alison, the owner, was extremely welcoming (as were all staff members) and very attentive. The restaurant itself is stylish, beautifully furnished and looks out over the hotel's stunning gardens. And then the food is amazing! We enjoyed the Lemongrass & Citrus Glazed Seafood and Land & Sea to start with, both very delicate and bursting with flavour, then the Chicken Masala Curry and Vegan ‘Garden’ which was very creative and delicious. The Chocolate Fondant dessert... to die for!! Absolutely recommend dining here and we will definitely return.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
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 Alison Walker, Owner at Schoone Oordt Country House
Responded 14 Nov 2020
Debs, it was such a delight spending time with you. Thank you so much for your support and your fantastic review. We look forward to your next visit. Make it soon! Love from Alison and the Schoone Oordt family
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello Cristina
Apologies for replying in English, we are not able to speak Italian, being a small South African family-owned hotel...
August nights can be cold, yes, dropping down to approx. 5 degrees celsius, but during the day it gets warmer, averaging on about 15 to 18 and sometimes as high as 20 degrees. We do have fireplaces in our rooms as well as heaters and hot water bottles in the beds. :)
There is lots to do in Swellendam and surrounds, museums, nature reserves, art, crafts. We do have a link to what to do on our website.
I'm not sure what you mean by snacks? We have complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea included in our rates.
Do hope that answers your questions?
Note that we do have a winter special running through TripAdvisor at the moment, 20% off a 2-night stay.
Very much hope to welcome you to Swellendam next month.
Warmest Regards,
Alison
There are more places to choose from in the Swellendam area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 4,664 - RÂ 5,612 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
schoone oordt country house hotel swellendam
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOverberg DistrictSwellendam
NUMBER OF ROOMS
11
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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
