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SW1 Lodge

5.0 star property
Guests sip refreshing drinks by the garden at this Somerset West retreat, where serene surroundings create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding

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Photo gallery for SW1 Lodge

Interior entrance - SW1 Lodge (Cape Town)
Courtyard - SW1 Lodge (Cape Town)
Interior entrance - SW1 Lodge (Cape Town)
Free daily cooked-to-order breakfast - SW1 Lodge (Cape Town)
Exterior - SW1 Lodge (Cape Town)
SW1 Lodge in Somerset West offers a tranquil garden setting. Start your day with a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. Enjoy refreshing drinks at the poolside bar or relax in the library. Guests particularly appreciate the attentive staff.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View

Garden view

Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Luxury Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace

Luxury Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace

Luxury Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Suite, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace

  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View

Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Double Room, 1 Bedroom, Pool Access, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Suite, Fireplace

Luxury Suite, Fireplace | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Suite, Fireplace

  • Partial sea view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Somerset West, a neighborhood in Cape Town, SW1 Lodge is in the suburbs and by the sea. Dorp Street and Spier Wine Estate are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Blue Rock Adventure Park and Cape Town Film Studios. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Markötter Sports Complex or Van der Stel. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, rock climbing, and mountain climbing nearby. Visit our Cape Town travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Cape Town
Map
30-32 Elsenham Avenue, Somerset West, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7130

What's nearby

  • Spier Wine Estate
    Spier Wine Estate
    12 min drive - 11.2 miles
  • Camps Bay Beach
    Camps Bay Beach
    36 min drive - 35.3 miles
  • Heidelberg Golf Club
    2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Erinvale Golf Club
    9 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Vergelegen Wine Estate
    9 min drive - 4.6 miles

Getting around

  • Firgrove Station
    6 min drive
  • Cape Town Bellville Station
    26 min drive
  • Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)
    28 min drive

Restaurants

  • Steffanie's Place
    16 min walk
  • Mugg & Bean
    4 min drive
  • Schoon
    4 min drive
  • Sapphire Sushi Restaurant
    4 min drive
  • WCafe
    3 min drive

About this property

SW1 Lodge

Luxury guesthouse located in Somerset West
Free cooked-to-order breakfast, a poolside bar, and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at SW1 Lodge. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a garden and a library.
Additional perks include:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • Airport drop-off service (surcharge), coffee/tea in the lobby, and concierge services
  • Free newspapers, tour/ticket assistance, and barbecue grills
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and have comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches like separate sitting areas and bathrobes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
  • 40-inch TVs with Netflix, streaming services, and satellite channels
  • Balconies or patios, wardrobes/closets, and separate sitting areas

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour airport drop-off shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Bicycle storage
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Colonial architecture
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Living plant wall
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch TV with satellite channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee: ZAR 300 for check-in between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: ZAR 300

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 11 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 750 per person
  • Late check-in fee: ZAR 300 for check-in between 6:00 PM and 1:00 AM
  • Late check-out fee: ZAR 300 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts major credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property uses solar energy
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
24-hour pool access
Children 11 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

SW1 Luxury Guest Retreat
SW1 Luxury Guest Retreat Cape Town
SW1 Luxury Guest Retreat House
SW1 Luxury Guest Retreat House Cape Town
SW1 Lodge Cape Town
SW1 Cape Town
SW1 Lodge Cape Town
SW1 Lodge Guesthouse
SW1 Lodge Guesthouse Cape Town

Frequently asked questions

Does SW1 Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is available 24 hours a day.

Is SW1 Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at SW1 Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:30 PM. Late check-in is available from 6:00 PM– 1:00 AM for a fee of ZAR 300.

What time is check-out at SW1 Lodge?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for ZAR 300 (subject to availability).

Does SW1 Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's a shuttle from the hotel to the airport. A fee of ZAR 750 per person applies.

Where is SW1 Lodge located?

Located in Somerset West, this luxury guesthouse is within 3 mi (5 km) of Helderberg Nature Reserve, Lourensford Wine Estate, and Ster-Kinekor Somerset. Helderberg is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.

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Reviews

SW1 Lodge Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 30 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 30 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 30 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 30 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harvey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property Is stunning, if you’re looking for an oasis of peace and tranquility then you won’t be disappointed. Rooms were beautiful and well appointed, staff were attentive and really friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

benoit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic property

The property is fabulous, situated in an upmarket suburb and very well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay at SW1 Lodge.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diego

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service. All the people in the hotel were extremely attentive and friendly. I will definitely stay there again. Thank you for everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic place . Better than a hotel. Would recommend this to anyone a special treat .
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful place. Highly recommended

Mareaze and her staff were so lovely and accommodating. It was a beautiful location and space, very close to the winery where I was attending a wedding
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Guillaume

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb

Super stay! You don’t often come across this level of service anymore. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Battal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Simply excellent !

Absolutely nothing to complaint. Just a little advice: increase the variability of the breakfast.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yehuda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful experience, don’t miss this place

This place is absolutely incredible. I’ve heard a lot about it and was very pleased they had availability. The property is surrounded by a beautiful garden (with a pool), the rooms are exceptionally clean, new, and comfortable, and have everything you can ask for (it shows that this place pays attention to details). The staff is professional, helpful, and very kind. The breakfast was one of the highlights —amazing selection of fresh baked breads, fruits, and many other goods. I absolutely loved this place and will definitely stay here again when I’m back in Cape Town. Cannot recommend it more.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Myco

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I'm torn about this place. Our stay was great overall: good breakfast, clean & wonderful room, secure property not impacted by load shedding. However, 2 things happened that made me lower my rating: 1. When I called to arrange late-night check in, I was told the service fee is R350. The SW1 website states the fee is R300. My South African partner called another time to inquire and was told it is R300. Thanks for adjusting it on my bill, but either update your site, inform your staff of the accurate price, or maybe just don't take advantage of "foreign" guests. 2. I left my gym shoes behind in our room's armoire. When I called a few days later, I was told housekeeping did not find anything. Listen, it's a boutique hotel with less than 8 rooms. If this was the Hilton or another large chain hotel with hundreds of rooms I could buy that answer. The manager who answered my call recognized my name & remembered the room I stayed in, which means it's a small enough hotel where the staff notices things. With 5-7 rooms total, your cleaning staff most likely did find my shoes, didn't report it (or did - who knows), and kept them. I'm familiar with how South Africa works. It's my own fault I left the shoes. The hotel isn't responsible for my belongings, but they are responsible for their staff & general conduct. The lack of principle here is bothersome: clearly taking advantage of a "foreigner" & the general dishonesty in conducting business. Don't think I'll return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Petrus

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lekker hotel en super vriendelijke medewerkers
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Heerlijk verblijf

Prachtige lodge aardig personeel mooie kamers en een goed bed. Aamrader!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Sylvia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Prima verblijf

Het was een prettig verblijf. In eerste instantie had ik last van de harde matras maar heeft Antoni snel voor mij opgelost. Antoni is een lieve gastheer die altijd voor ons klaar stond. Ontbijt is heerlijk maar ik miste een zoete warme optie als French toast. Zwembad is plezierig om na een actieve dag te kunnen genieten en afkoelen.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erich

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Das Gästehaus hat 5 Sterne Niveau in allen Belangen.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eduard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Koch SW1

Very friendly owner. Good service. Clean.
Stayed 11 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our entire experience at the SW1 Lodge was amazing. We were treated so well. Staff and owner are very attentive and the breakfast was wonderful. We felt relaxed and at home. Beautiful area of Capetown as well. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tonetha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Awesome stay

Everything was fantastic. Would love to return soon. Thanks to Ed, John and Mercy, and all the staff for making my stay memorable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had an incredible experience! The only thing that wasn't 'excellent' was the wifi. There was hardly any wifi signal in the room. Had to step out and into the lounge to use the phonr
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nach einigen schwierigen Jahren wieder top! Gerne wieder.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sabine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Toller und herzlicher Empfang, äußerst nettes Team, tolle und geräumige Zimmer - wir würden jederzeit wieder kommen
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Furnishings in our bedroom tired. Bath and pool towels stained. Pool cushions very faded. Disappointed with breakfast as very basic and not enjoyable Management needs to review overall standard
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hospitality and lovely people
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

AMBASSADOR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

VERY COMFORTABLE-SW1 LUXURY GUEST HOUSE-SOMERST WE

MY WIFE AND I GREATLY ENJOYED THE EXCELLENT SERVICE,VERY FRIENDLY STAFF-FROM MANAGERS TO THE CHEFS TO THE CLEANERS AND CHAMBER MAIDS. THE ROOMS WERE WELL APPORTIONED AND VERY COMFORTABLE.ALL WITH THEIR OWN PATIOS. WE LIKED THE BREAKFAST ROOM. BREAKFAST WAS A BIT LIMITED, BUT WE WERE NOT REALLY FOCUSED ON EATING IN THE HOTEL. THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WAS PEACE FUL AND LAID BACK.QUITE PLEASANT. WE THINK ITS BECAUSE EVERYONE WAS ON VACATION ELSEWHERE. THERE IS A LOT ONE CAN DO IN THE VICINITY, BUT A GOOD RENTAL CAR-COMFY,IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE OF ALL THE DRIVING. WE HAD A GREAT TIME . MY WIFE THINKS WE SHOULD HAVE STAYED LONGER.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

F

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025