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The Last Word Franschhoek
The Last Word Franschhoek
The Last Word Franschhoek
The Last Word Franschhoek

The Last Word Franschhoek


33°54’29.4"S 19°7’3.2"E

About The Last Word Franschhoek

Often known as simply ‘The Franschhoek’, The Last Word Franschhoek is a small, smart boutique hotel with ...

... just ten rooms, in the town of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape’s winelands. It’s a very short walk from restaurants, shops and art galleries – and a great base from which to explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

The Last Word Franschhoek is a smart little boutique hotel in the heart of the lovely village of Franschhoek. It offers the high levels of service and comfort 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.

Our view

The Last Word Franschhoek is a smart little boutique hotel in the heart of the lovely village of Franschhoek. It offers the high levels of service and comfort 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.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

10 rooms

Children

Accepts aged 8+, but best for adults

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of The Last Word Franschhoek

27 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


96%
27 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
22
Good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs PfromW Midlands

Arrived 11 Jan 2025, 2 nights

"Faultless"

"beautifully decorated; Very warm welcome; thought of everything …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs EfromBeoley

Arrived 25 Nov 2024, 2 nights

"The Last Word Franschhoek review"

"The staff all very pleasant warm and friendly …" Read Mr and Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms H & Mr FfromChicago

Arrived 25 May 2024, 3 nights

"The Last Word Franschhoek review"

"I would highly recommend anyone staying in Franschhoek to stay at The Last Word! …" Read Ms H & Mr F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs HfromWinchester

Arrived 15 Jan 2020, 3 nights

"Lovely hotel in the heart of Franschhoek "

"This is a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of Franschhoek. …" Read Mr&Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

RMN and ATfromLondon

Arrived 17 Nov 2019, 2 nights

"a good central base"

"Having had three nights at its sister establishment in Constantia, it was imposs …" Read RMN and AT’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs DfromStrathaven

Arrived 24 Oct 2019, 3 nights

"The Last Word Franschhoek review"

"staff and facilities were excellent..the service and hospitality was first class …" Read Mr & Mrs D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms M fromIsleworth

Arrived 23 Oct 2019, 2 nights

"The Last Word Franschhoek review"

"a wonderfully decorated large sitting area..The staff were charming and helpful. …" Read Ms M ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromFrance

Arrived 5 Feb 2019, 3 nights

"The Last Word Franschhoek review"

"An enjoyable stay. …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromBristol

Arrived 17 Feb 2018, 2 nights

"The Last Word Franschoek"

"Our second visit here and as splendid as ever. …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs CfromWestBridg

Arrived 26 Nov 2017, 1 nights

"Good stay at The Last Word Franschhoek."

"The staff were very pleasant and helpful …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all The Last Word Franschhoek reviews

Trips visiting The Franschhoek

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Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.

Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas

US$4,910 - US$7,400 per person

Read more about the Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari

The Last Word Franschhoek: Our full report

Often known as simply ‘The Franschhoek’, The Last Word Franschhoek is a small, smart boutique hotel with ...

... just ten rooms, in the town of Franschhoek, in the heart of the Cape’s winelands. It’s a very short walk from restaurants, shops and art galleries – and a great base from which to explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

The entrance to The Franschhoek 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 Franschhoek is elegant, and the colour scheme of neutrals 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 Franschhoek 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 our stay, long experience of its sister-properties, and reports from travellers, we are confident in the very high levels of personal service from the small team here; it’s the kind of place where they go above and beyond what travellers expect in terms of helpfulness.

There are just ten rooms, comprising two ‘pool suites’ and eight ‘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.

Geographics

Location
Winelands, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
2–3 nights
Directions
The Last Word Franschhoek is located opposite the BICCS on the main road in the town of Franschhoek. It is about 1.15 min drive from Cape Town
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
All drinks are included.

Special interests

Honeymoons
The Franschhoek promises a very romantic honeymoon in South Africa. There are six rooms, two of which each have their own private pool and patio; a honeymoon here offers real privacy in absolute luxury. Expect special touches from the dedicated staff at this boutique hotel.
See ideas for Honeymoons in South Africa
Luxury
The Last Word Franschhoek’s location in the French corner of the Cape proves to be a perfect setting for an idyllic, luxurious holiday. High levels of personalized service and comfort in a region with a fine tradition of wine-making make this a perfect base for wine lovers.
See ideas for Luxury in South Africa

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.

Communications

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.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There is a hospital in the town
Dangerous animals
Security measures
There is 24-hour security and the managers live on site.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are well placed around the property.

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    On Request
    Laundry facilities
    Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
    Money
    Each room has an electronic safe. Currency exchange is not possible.
    Accepted payment on location
    All major credit cards are accepted at The Franschhoek.

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    The Last Word Franschhoek's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Franschhoek.


    Excursions from The Franschhoek

    Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at The Franschhoek. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


    Winelands Private Tour

    Winelands Private Tour

    Full day

    Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer

    More about Winelands Private Tour
    100% (3 reviews)

    Other lodges in Winelands

    Alternative places to stay in this same area.


    La Petite Ferme

    La Petite Ferme

    A comfortable, elegant guesthouse, La Petite Ferme offers a broad range of accommodation in a stunning vineyard setting.


    99% (15 reviews)
    Le Quartier Francais

    Le Quartier Francais

    Le Quartier Français is a boutique hotel with beautiful rooms and a great restaurant conveniently located on Franschhoek’s main street.


    96% (14 reviews)
    Babylonstoren

    Babylonstoren

    Babylonstoren is beautiful property located on a stunning working wine farm between Franschhoek and Paarl, and is surrounded by vineyards and the Drakenstein Mountains.


    94% (10 reviews)
    Oude Werf

    Oude Werf

    Located in the historic heart of Stellenbosch, the Oude Werf is a lovely hotel and a good base for exploring the South Africa’s Winelands.


    86% (7 reviews)
    Angala Boutique Hotel

    Angala Boutique Hotel

    Angala Boutique Hotel is a luxurious, contemporary guesthouse in the heart of the Cape Winelands – between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch.


    100% (2 reviews)
    Lanzerac Hotel

    Lanzerac Hotel

    The Lanzerac Hotel is a historic Cape Dutch manor house and winery that has been turned into an opulent hotel offering some of the regions finest accommodation and first-rate cuisine.


    80% (1 review)

    When to go to Winelands

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Franschhoek in Winelands


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    South Africa in January

    January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

    As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

    • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
    • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
    • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
    • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
    • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in January

    South Africa in February

    In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

    The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

    For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

    • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
    • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
    • Slightly less busy than December & January
    • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in February

    South Africa in March

    March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

    The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

    Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

    Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

    • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
    • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
    • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
    • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
    • Accommodation can get busy during major events

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in March

    South Africa in April

    April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

    In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

    The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

    • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
    • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
    • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
    • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in April

    South Africa in May

    May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

    Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

    With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

    • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
    • Day time temperatures drop significantly
    • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
    • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
    • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in May

    South Africa in June

    Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

    The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

    June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

    In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

    Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

    • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
    • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Whales start arriving to have their calves
    • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
    • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in June

    South Africa in July

    The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

    Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

    By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

    At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

    • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
    • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Oyster festival in Knysna
    • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
    • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in July

    South Africa in August

    While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

    The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

    Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

    Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

    • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
    • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
    • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
    • Whales continue to attract visitors
    • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in August

    South Africa in September

    Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

    The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
    Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

    Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

    • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
    • Whale festival in Hermanus
    • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
    • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
    • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in September

    South Africa in October

    The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

    October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

    The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

    • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
    • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
    • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
    • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
    • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    South Africa in November

    By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

    The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

    This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

    • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
    • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
    • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
    • Last month for regular whale sightings
    • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in November

    South Africa in December

    December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

    The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

    The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

    Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

    • Long, hot sunny days
    • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
    • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
    • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
    • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in December

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