Stay in the Oldest Hotel in Stellenbosch
A Timeless Escape in Stellenbosch
There are places you visit… and then there are places you feel, and that is certainly true at the oldest hotel in Stellenbosch. In the heart of Stellenbosch, where oak-lined streets whisper stories of centuries past, lies a hotel that is more than just a place to stay—it is a living piece of South African history.
Welcome to Oude Werf Hotel.
Set along the iconic Church Street, Oude Werf stands on the very site of South Africa’s first church, built in 1687. Though the original structure was lost to fire in the early 1700s, what followed was a remarkable evolution—from Wium’s Inn to the Arcadia, and eventually the elegant hotel we know today. Since 1802, its walls have quietly hosted generations of travellers—among them pioneering women graduates, notable statesmen, curious explorers, and perhaps, if local legend is to be believed, a ghost or two. It is a place where history is not preserved behind glass, but woven into every corner of the experience.
At the Heart of Stellenbosch Life
One of the true luxuries of staying at Oude Werf is its location. Step outside, and you are immediately immersed in the vibrant rhythm of Stellenbosch. Boutique shops, art galleries, book stores, and charming cafés line the street, inviting you to wander without an agenda. It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with a gentle stroll and end with a glass of wine just steps from your door. And yet, within the hotel, there is a sense of calm—a quiet retreat tucked into the very centre of it all.
Refined Comfort, Timeless Charm
With just 52 beautifully appointed rooms, Oude Werf offers an intimate and considered stay. Each space reflects a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary comfort—thoughtfully designed to honour the past while embracing modern elegance. In winter, the atmosphere turns warm and inviting, with guests gathering around the fire, glass in hand. In summer, the vine-covered courtyard becomes the heart of the hotel—sunlit, tranquil, and effortlessly charming.
A Culinary Experience to Savour
At the centre of the hotel lies a kitchen that is as much a part of the experience as the rooms themselves. Visible to diners and softly lit by copper fixtures, it creates a sense of connection between chef and guest—an invitation into the artistry behind each dish. Under the guidance of Chef Albert van der Loo, the menu celebrates local flavours with a refined touch. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast, a relaxed lunch, or an indulgent high tea, each moment is designed to be savoured. It’s dining that feels both elevated and deeply comforting—much like the hotel itself.
More Than a Stay
Oude Werf is not just a place you check into—it’s a place you become part of. A place where mornings are slow, afternoons are filled with discovery, and evenings unfold over good wine and great conversation. Whether you’re visiting Stellenbosch for the first time or returning once again to its familiar charm, there is something special about experiencing it from within its oldest hotel in Stellenbosch.
A Timeless Invitation
At Wine in the Cape, we believe that where you stay shapes how you experience a destination. Oude Werf offers more than convenience—it offers connection. To history, to place, and to the enduring spirit of Stellenbosch. Because sometimes, the most unforgettable journeys… begin exactly where history once did. Book a stay today.
