Hideaway Guesthouse

Hideaway Guesthouse: Our full report

Rooms
4 suites, 1 room
Open
All year

One of the oldest houses in the town of Swellendam, the small Hideaway Guest House is also a national monument, set in a large garden featuring a number of rose bushes. While the town is usually used just as an overnight stop, it has much to offer anyone who has an interest in history, nature and outdoor activities.

The original Victorian frontage of the Hideaway leads into a guesthouse with just four spacious, air-conditioned suites and one standard room.

All the suites face the garden and have their own entrances. Each has a minifridge stocked with port, muscadel and a selection of cold drinks, beer and bottled water, which are included in the rate. Other amenities, in the suites, include tea/coffee stations, satellite TVs and complimentary WiFi.

  • The Queen Elizabeth, named after the pink Queen Elizabeth rose, has an en-suite bathroom with separate bath and walk-in shower. The bedroom features a kingsize bed as well as a sleeper couch, both made from indigenous woods.

  • The Double Delight, named for a deep pink-and-cream rose, has a queen-size bed, while its en-suite bathroom with separate bath and walk-in shower opens directly onto the garden.

  • The Ecstasy Rose, which takes its name from a rose that grows in abundance in the garden, is probably the most luxurious of all with its queen-size leather sleigh-bed. The large en-suite bathroom comes complete with a double bath, twin handbasins, double walk-in shower and even his and hers toilet paper!

  • The Peace Suite has two single beds and an en-suite bathroom with bath and walk-shower.

  • The Drostdy Room is the only accommodation within the original cottage. Smaller than the suites, it is still comfortable, with a queen-size bed and an en-suite shower room. While it doesn't open onto the Hideaway's back garden, it has the benefit of the veranda at the front of the house.

    Inside the main house there is a comfortable lounge where complimentary pre-dinner wine and snacks are usually served. Guests normally have breakfast in the dining room, with its glass sliding doors opening directly onto the garden. There is also an indoor solar-heated plunge pool.

    Our view

    ,
    The Hideaway is a small and quite delightful guesthouse. It makes a good stop-over, which may well prompt visitors to make a short exploration of Swellendam. You can expect a very warm welcome from the owners, Stephen and Jackie.

    Geographics

    Location: Garden Route, South Africa

    Ideal length of stay: 1 – 2 nights

    Key personnel

    Owner: Stephen & Jackie Young

    Food & drink

    Usual board basis: B&B

    Dining style: Individual Tables

    Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

    Drinks included: Drinks supplied in the suites and before dinner are included; others are charged extra.

    Children

    Attitude towards children: The Hideaway welcomes families with children

    Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided.

    Central communications

    Power supply: Mains Electricity

    Communications: Free WiFi and internet is available, and the area has cellphone reception.

    TV & radio: The suites are all fitted with local satellite TVs.

    Health & safety

    Malarial area: No

    Medical care: There are doctors and a hospital in Swellendam.

    Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are placed outside the rooms.

    Extras

    Disabled access: In Place

    Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available free of charge for extended stays only, and can be provided at extra charge for those staying just one night.

    Money: Each room is fitted with an electronic safe. Currency exchange is not possible.