Finding the Missing Link at The Cellars-Hohenort, Cape Town

Drum roll, please… we finally made it to the renowned Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town! For the next 7 days and 6 nights, this luxury hotel will be our home. From the moment we drove onto the property, it felt as though we were entering a private, high-class estate. Nestled in the heart of Constantia Valley, the hotel is part of the Liz McGrath Collection, and it instantly lived up to its reputation.

First Impressions

We had secured an excellent offer on our room, and upon arrival, everything was immaculate. Though we briefly considered upgrading to a larger suite, we quickly fell in love with our reserved room in the main building. It was smaller and more intimate, but beautifully appointed, and best of all—conveniently located near the restaurant and lobby. Sometimes the best choice is the one you’ve already made.

While waiting for our room to be prepared, we enjoyed a light lunch on the property. The dining space, overflowing with greenery both indoors and outdoors, was stunning. We sampled calamari, a Caesar salad, and refreshing drinks, and were immediately struck by the hotel’s unique touch: every meal arrived with bread, breadsticks, hummus, and olive oil. From the bellhops to the servers, the service was nothing short of royal treatment.

The Room

Our room struck the perfect balance—luxuriously understated yet wonderfully comfortable. Decorated in soft green and white, it featured a plush couch, double closets with robes and slippers, a mini-fridge stocked with treats, and a bathroom fit for royalty: double sinks, a large shower, a bathtub, and plenty of linens, as well as two large linen closets. The highlight was the king-sized bed with crisp white linens, a white comforter, and a bold leopard-print headboard. Outside, a private patio offered striped lounge chairs and views of lush greenery—perfect for soaking in the sun.

Exploring the Hotel Grounds

Beyond the room, the hotel had endless charms. A boutique shop showcased South African handmade goods, a salon tempted me with a complimentary hair wash and head massage, and the gym and spa were just steps away. While the spa treatments were pleasant, we found the facilities to be more modest compared to other luxury resorts, lacking extras such as a sauna or hot tub. Still, the charm and service more than made up for it.

Dining & High Tea

The dining experiences were consistently delightful, even if the menu was limited. We enjoyed lamb tandoori, beef ribs, salmon, and, for Wayne, venison—which turned out to be surprisingly tasty, even for me after a cautious bite. One of the highlights was the hotel’s elegant High Tea: fragrant teas (ginger became our favorite), trays stacked with pastries, and even champagne to begin the service. Though my nut allergy limited what I could sample, what I could enjoy was superb.

🔗 The Missing Link: Wine!

As history lovers, we were fascinated to learn that the property was created by combining two historic manor houses: The Cellars, once the wine cellar of the famous Klaasenbosch estate, and The Hohenort, a 20th-century manor house. Together, they became today’s five-star hotel.

But here’s the twist—the hotel no longer offers on-site wine tastings or cellar tours, despite its heritage. For us, wine felt like the missing link. While we could certainly order wine by the glass, the full “winery-hotel experience” had to be found elsewhere in Constantia Valley. A minor disappointment, but one that opened the door for us to explore nearby estates.

Final Thoughts

Despite small drawbacks—its secluded location (no nearby walkable restaurants) and a spa that didn’t fully match the grandeur of the hotel—we rate The Cellars-Hohenort 5 out of 5. The impeccable service, exquisite food (much of which was sourced from the property’s own gardens), and timeless charm made this stay truly unforgettable.

🍷 Hotel Review: The Cellars-Hohenort, Cape Town

• Room: 💙💙💙💙💙 (5/5)
  

• Dining: 💙💙💙💙☆ (4/5)
  

• Service: 💙💙💙💙💙 (5/5)
  

• Location: 💙💙💙💙☆ (4/5)
  

• Spa & Amenities: 💙💙💙💙☆ (4/5)

✨ Overall Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙 (5/5)

As slow travelers, we especially loved how this hotel bridges the past and present. Its roots as a working wine cellar make every toast in Constantia feel like a nod to history. And while the “wine” may have been missing here, we soon found plenty to savor in the vineyards just beyond its gates.

👉 Stay tuned—next, we’ll share our wine-tasting adventures in the Constantia Valley!