Homestays w: Eastern Cape, South Africa

Bartholomew's Loft isn’t just accommodation – it’s a standout experience that blends historic charm, practicality, and warm hospitality, making it my go-to recommendation for anyone visiting Grahamstown. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or for a cultural trip, this converted gem checks every box with style and ease. Unbeatable Central Location with Historic Charm Nestled in the heart of Grahamstown’s historic Artificer’s Square – the original 1820 settler artisan quarter – the property oozes character from its restored colonial architecture, wagon stones, and cobbled gutters. Its location is unbeatable: just a 5-minute walk to the city centre, 600m from the Cathedral in High Street, and 1km from Rhodes University, putting shops, restaurants, and landmarks within easy reach. Even better, the lively restaurant and bar scene is a short stroll away, while Sunshine Coast beaches are a manageable 37-mile drive for a day trip. Spacious, Well-Equipped Accommodation for Every Group The loft’s converted spaces are a highlight – once an old church, the property features double-volume living areas, exposed timber beams, and high ceilings that feel airy and welcoming. The self-catering units are incredibly spacious (the main loft sleeps up to 6 adults) with open-plan lounge, dining, and kitchen areas perfect for groups. The fully equipped kitchens come with stoves, microwaves, fridges, and kettles, making meal prep a breeze. Beds are comfortable (some with electric blankets for chilly nights), and rooms include thoughtful touches like heaters, irons, and free toiletries. Private courtyards and garden access add to the peaceful vibe, while secure off-street parking gives peace of mind. Warm Service & Thoughtful Amenities The staff and hosts go above and beyond to make guests feel at home. Check-in is seamless, and their friendliness and willingness to help – from offering local tips to accommodating last-minute stay extensions with discounted rates – truly stands out. The amenities are tailored to comfort: free Wi-Fi throughout, DStv for entertainment, daily housekeeping, and a lovely outdoor swimming pool to relax in. For those on the go, breakfast is available (with a “breakfast to go” option), and dinner can be arranged upon request. Laundry facilities and a 24-hour front desk add extra convenience. Exceptional Value in a Unique Setting What makes Bartholomew’s Loft truly special is its balance of uniqueness and value. You’re not just booking a room – you’re staying in a piece of Grahamstown’s history, with all the modern comforts you need. The property’s cleanliness (rated 8.9 by guests), comfort (8.6), and value for money (8.5) speak for themselves, making it affordable without compromising on quality. It’s equally suited for families, friend groups, or visitors attending events like the Standard Bank National Arts Festival. For anyone visiting Grahamstown, Bartholomew’s Loft is a no-brainer. It combines historic charm, unbeatable location, spacious accommodation, and warm service – all at a great price. I’ve recommended it to friends and family and will always choose it for my return trips to this lovely city.

A Pleasant Stay at Carslogie House, Port Elizabeth We arrived late at night and were warmly welcomed by the gentleman on duty, who was friendly and helpful, making us feel immediately at ease after a long drive. Our room was spacious, clean, and overlooked the pool, creating a very pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. All the facilities were excellent, and we appreciated being able to safely park our rental car inside the property. Breakfast the next morning was delicious, with a good variety of options and a thoughtful vegetarian choice for me. The setting was calm and comfortable, perfect for starting the day. The only issue we experienced was during breakfast service, where the staff seemed more focused on the larger groups and overlooked us for quite some time. We eventually had to go to the kitchen to place our order. It wasn’t a major problem, but it did stand out given how excellent everything else was. Overall, we had a very good stay at Carslogie House. The accommodation, location, and overall hospitality were all great.

Staying at River Front Estate was an absolute dream. The location is picture-perfect, and our room was beautifully designed, complete with a terrace overlooking the river. We enjoyed breathtaking sunsets and woke up to serene mornings with a coffee in hand, pure bliss. We were also lucky to have daily visits and cuddles from Duchess, the gorgeous Great Dane, and a 17-year-old cat we affectionately named Nala (lol). The owner, Lisa, made our stay even more special, she was incredibly welcoming, accommodating, and even came to our rescue when we realized we’d brought the wrong plug! Also want to add that all the ladies working there were SO LOVELY and kind! They are absolute angels.  The location is perfect for anyone visiting Addo National Elephant Park, just a short drive away. Plus, having a huge Spar around the corner made grabbing groceries easy and convenient. This was a stay we will never forget. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!

We had a slight mix-up with our booking before arrival, but the team quickly stepped in and offered us an upgrade. In hindsight, the new cabin didn’t quite have the deck or view we had originally booked, so it didn’t entirely feel like an upgrade—though we did really appreciate the inside shower, which turned out to be a nice bonus. That said, the staff were absolutely wonderful—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. The location is fantastic, and we loved the added charm of two little springboks roaming around the property! We also enjoyed a couple of great braais during our stay, and the massage before we left was the perfect way to end the trip. All in all, we had a lovely and memorable experience, and we would definitely recommend it.

Self-driving Garden Avenue, depending on the positioning of the hotel. The location is good, go down a bit at N2. When I arrived at the hotel, I discovered that the hotel looks better than the pictures. I booked a family room, but it turned out to have three beds and a small garden with the side door open. The room is very spacious. The decoration of the hotel is very retro, and breakfast is generally a buffet. Overall, the price/performance ratio is high. It’s also great to go around. The location is good. Highly recommend the restaurant next to the hotel, the lamb shank is super delicious!

Our stay at Barefoot was absolutely amazing and we loved the property and the fact that we were away from the hustle and bustle! The staff are fantastic and make you feel like family! Shout out to George, Olivia, Kellen and James! Our game drive on the property was one of the best I’ve experienced with James being so knowledgeable about different wildlife, plant life and nature conservation. We will definitely visit again. Thanks for making us feel so at home!

Very clean, very pretty small guest house, located not far from the beach. Note, you must drive everywhere after dark for your safety. Rooms were well appointed and clean but had a central chandelier which I headbutted everytime I went to the toilet during the night. On arrival the leady wasn't very welcoming leaving us sat in the car while she treble checked the booking. The house rules were rather passive agressive in tone but all in all a nice stay.

A truly luxurious stay from start to finish. The service was excellent, the rooms felt beautifully clean and indulgent, and the food was fantastic. Our family unit was wonderfully spacious, the views from the hill were stunning, and the friendly, helpful staff — along with thoughtful little touches — made the experience extra special. Highly recommended.

It is very close to the airport, only a few hundred meters away, and it takes a few minutes to drive there. The independent courtyard is safer. The room itself is quite warm, with complete hardware and software, and drinking water, milk and snacks are also prepared. The price is cheap, and it is more suitable for a transit overnight.

Very easy to find location and communicate with very friendly householder The apartment is cosy but slightly ascetic (no fully isolated bathroom from main room) Beautiful orchard and view around site Gorgeous ancient city in Dutch style with delicious meals in restaurants and awesome local paleontology museum