The Last Word Franschoek: Our full report

Often known as simply ‘The Franschoek’, The Last Word Franschoek is a small, smart small boutique hotel with just six rooms in the town of Franschoek, in the heart of the Cape’s winelands. It’s a very short walk from restaurants, shops and art galleries – and a good base from which to explore the surrounding vineyards during the day.

The entrance to The Franschoek is directly off the main road along a narrow paved walkway lined by bougainvilleas and a rose garden. Steps to the side of the building lead up to a wooden deck around an old oak tree with views across the mountains. We understand the tree is home to spotted eagle owls, and we saw a juvenile in the garden!

The décor throughout The Last Word Franschoek is elegant, and the colour scheme of neaturals and creams, with pale greens, blues and the occasional (tasteful) floral pattern gives it sophisticated and really tranquil atmosphere.

The open-plan main area of the Franschoek is divided into a lounge area to the left and a breakfast area to the right. Directly in front, glass doors lead out on to a pretty courtyard patio and a swimming pool with a few sunloungers. There is also a small residents’ bar and library with a guest computer.

From meeting the managers here, Conrad and Franklin, long experience of its sister-properties, and reports from travellers, we’d be confident in expecting very high levels of personal service from the small team here; it’s the kind of place where they’d be likely to go above and beyond what travellers expect in terms of helpfulness.

All the rooms were occupied on our last visit in November 2011 – which isn’t unusual for this popular small hotel – and so although we couldn’t look around them when we visited, we know that they have just six rooms, comprising two ‘pool suites’ and four ‘superior doubles’.

Standard features in all of the rooms include under-floor heating, tea/coffee trays, electronic safes, air conditioning, telephones, flat-screen TV with satellite access and DVD player, a bedside clock and telephone. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with hairdryers and shaving points, heated towel rails, bathrobes and slippers and complimentary toiletries. Added extras in the rooms are fresh flowers and port decanters, and each room also has free internet access.

The ‘superior doubles’ each have a private patio and garden area, whilst the ‘pools suites’ – which are about 50% larger – each have their own private pool and courtyard.

Our view

The Last Word Franschoek is a very smart little boutique hotel in the heart of the very lovely village of Franshoek. It offers the high levels of service and comfort promises that we’d hope for from a good boutique hotel – and we believe that it delivers these. It’s not inexpensive, but we have no hesitation in recommending it enthusiastically.

Geographics

Location: Winelands, South Africa

Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights

Directions: The Last Word Franschoek is located opposite the BICCS on the main road in the town of Franschoek. It is about 1.15 min drive from Cape Town

Key personnel

Owner: Part of a very small chain – The Last Word – of boutique hotels. Includes The Long Beach and The Constantia

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Drinks included: All drinks are included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children over 8 years are accepted.

Generally recommended for children: Although children over eight years of age are accepted here, the atmosphere is quite quiet and smart – and so probably best suited to adults or very well-behaved older children.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Free WiFi is available throughout and there is a guest computer in the library. The area has cellphone reception.

TV & radio: Each room is fitted with a 13 channel satellite TV.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: There is a hospital in the town

Security measures: There is 24-hour security and the managers live on site.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are well placed around the property.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

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