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Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro

A bed with a book, a tray with food, and a glass of orange juice. - Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro (Cape Town)
A cozy room with a wooden staircase, a dining area with chairs and a table, and a large window with a view of trees. - Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro (Cape Town)
A white building with a central entrance, stone walls, and a mountainous backdrop. - Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro (Cape Town)
A cozy living room with a brick fireplace, a wooden chair, and a bookshelf with books and decorative items. - Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro (Cape Town)
A table set for a meal with various dishes, a glass of white wine, and a tiered dessert stand. - Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro (Cape Town)
Located close to St. James Beach and Save Our Seas Shark Education Centre, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro provides a terrace, a garden, and a playground. Active travelers can enjoy surfing/body boarding at this guesthouse. Treat yourself to a massage at the onsite spa. In addition to dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices).

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Bar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Cowrie: Extra large, Excellent Sea-views

A hotel room with a large bed, a bench, a fireplace, and a shelf with decorative items.

Cowrie: Extra large, Excellent Sea-views

  • Ocean view
  • 50 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Murex: Groundfloor, Garden View

A hotel room with a brick fireplace, a bed with a white and black striped bedspread, a wooden shelf with towels, and a large arched doorway.

Murex: Groundfloor, Garden View

  • Garden view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Urchin: Large, excellent sea-view

A hotel room with a tufted headboard, a bed with white linens, two nightstands with lamps and decorative items, and a green throw blanket.

Urchin: Large, excellent sea-view

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sea view
  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Clam: Large, mountain view

A bedroom with a wooden wardrobe, a bed with white bedding, a leather armchair, a bedside table with a lamp, and a painting on the wall.

Clam: Large, mountain view

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 40 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Nautilus: Medium, sea/mountain view

A neatly made bed with a hat, pillows, and a decorative plant.

Nautilus: Medium, sea/mountain view

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Whelk: Medium, sea-view

A neatly arranged bedroom with a bed, a bedside table, a chair, a desk, and a window with curtains.

Whelk: Medium, sea-view

  • Sea view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Conch: Standard, no view

A bathroom with a sink, mirror, towel rack, and a Fieldbar coffee machine.

Conch: Standard, no view

  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Abalone: Standard, mountain view

A neatly made bed with white linens and a black pillow, a small wooden nightstand with a lamp, a mirror, and a Fieldbar coffee machine.

Abalone: Standard, mountain view

  • Mountain view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Oyster: Standard, sea-view

A neatly made bed with white linens and a black pillow, a small wooden nightstand with a lamp, a mirror, and a Fieldbar coffee machine.

Oyster: Standard, sea-view

  • Ocean view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Kalk Bay, a neighborhood in Cape Town, Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro is in the suburbs and on the boardwalk/promenade. Rhodes Cottage Museum and Casa Labia Cultural Centre are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at St. James Beach and Muizenberg Beach. Save Our Seas Shark Education Centre and Kalk Bay Harbour are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Cape Town travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Cape Town
Map
88 Main Road, St. James, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7945

What's nearby

  • A mountainous landscape with a city at its base, a coastline, and a sunset.
    Table Mountain National Park
    3 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A beach with colorful beach huts and waves crashing onto the shore.
    St. James Beach
    8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • A seal resting on a concrete dock by a calm harbor with boats and a town in the background.
    Kalk Bay Harbour
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Main Road
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Kalk Bay Beach
    15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • St. James Station
    3 min walk
  • Cape Town Station
    24 min drive
  • Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT)
    42 min drive

Restaurants

  • Lekker Kalk Bay
    11 min walk
  • Olympia Café & Deli
    13 min walk
  • Harbour House
    17 min walk
  • Sirocco
    10 min walk
  • Kalky's
    17 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: ZAR 200 for adults and ZAR 100 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Playground
  • Private wine tours
  • Surfing/bodyboarding
  • Tennis
  • TV in common areas
  • Wine tasting room
  • Wine tours
  • Winery release events

Family friendly

  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • In the mountains
  • On the bay
  • On the boardwalk/promenade
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Massage
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1926
  • Edwardian architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Limited room service

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: ZAR 500

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed with a deposit of ZAR 500 per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 250.0 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are available for ZAR 100.0 per day

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately ZAR 200 for adults and ZAR 100 for children
  • Pet deposit: ZAR 500 per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: ZAR 500 (subject to availability)
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: ZAR 100.0 per day
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 250.0 per day

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 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
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, window guards, and outdoor lighting
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
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property class

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro pet-friendly?

Yes, cats and dogs are allowed at this property. There's a deposit of ZAR 500 per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro?

Check-out is at 11:30 AM. Late check-out is available for ZAR 500 (subject to availability).

Where is Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro located?

Located in Kalk Bay, this spa guesthouse is within a 10-minute walk of St. James Beach and Save Our Seas Shark Education Centre. Rhodes Cottage Museum and Kalk Bay Harbour are also within 1 mi (2 km). St. James Station is only a 3-minute walk and Kalk Bay Station is 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Sonnekus Boutique Hotel & Bistro Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 137 out of 181 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 35 out of 181 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 181 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 181 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 181 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a lovely boutique hotel in easy walking distance to all the shops and restaurants of Kalk Bay. Very friendly host and staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly and very helpful. Room clean & comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great reception and hosts while on site. Quiet comfortable rooms.perfect relaci g atmosphere. Staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best location in Kalk Bay, across from the most beautiful beach. Hotel is quaint, staff are wonderful, and menu at restaurant is adequate to stay put and keep things simple. Extra amenities like a beach umbrella or hat available which made it even lovelier. Hotel itself is a bit dated and could use a deep cleaning (it’s old and on the beach so understandable!) but overall it was a fantastic stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Incredible place with incredibly friendly and helpful staff. If I come back in Cape Town, I will definitely come back to this place!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Regrettably the weather shrouded the mountain during this stay so unable to view the mountain. Nevertheless room was clean and comfortable, without too much noise. Ideal for this business trip. Only negative was the lack of service at breakfast. Waited in vain for more than 30 minutes for staff to take an order.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sonnekus never fails to disappoint. Great area, lovely staff, comfortable rooms. Highly recommend
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Short but wonderful stay

Excellent! Our first floor room was spacious and well decorated with all ameneties including tea/coffee, fridge, beach towels etc. TV had Netflix etc. More St James than Kalk Bay but only 10mins walk to Kalk Bay. Breakfast was excluded but we just added and the choice was extensive. parking was available just around the corner. Only two comments which did not bother us was that the room had no air-con but was very cool. Overhead fan and open windows were fine. The only other comment its that the road is quite busy and the odd train passes by but we would still definitely return!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
More 5-star hostel than hotel. Overall we enjoyed our stay but: There is no bistro, as claimed. Staff was very helpful however when it came to heating the frozen food we bought in town. Breakfast is nice but expensive. The staff does not agree with the information online that breakfast can be added for 200 rand. A number of the stated services does not actually exist, tex it said there would be a welcome drink and other benefits but the hotel doesn’t even seem to have a liquor license. It needs some love, and the website information an update. The space has suffered from wear and tear since the photos were taken. The common spaces are really odd and uncosy. Which was a shame for us who were spending our evenings on the terrace. - We were saved from feeling like we had been lured here with false information and glamorised pictures by the fact that the staff is really lovely - if a little disorganised - and the town, st James and Kalk Bay really great to visit. - If you’re travelling with children (or just like your peace and quiet) I recommend a Mountain View room and as they are nice and quiet whereas the sea view rooms overlook the road and the cars and trains go roaring by. Also, the crib is broken and the hotel does not provide bedsheets. Overall the hotel needs a remake and more honest advertising. It’s a great spot which could be lifted by easy measures, like throwing out old plants, lighting the fire and candles a/replacing some furniture would really lift it.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay - the ideal place to decompress, away from the hustle and bustle of the city! St. James is idyllic, and a holiday destination for those seeking to wind down and take things slower - Sonnekus is also ideally located for everyone looking to unwind, and enjoy local cuisine, and white sand beaches. Will definitely be coming back for more!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness
The staff was very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful view of False Bay with beach access directly across the street. Easy to walk to Kalk Bay or Muizenberg for restaurants, bars, and shopping. Friendly staff. Free street parking in front of the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed Sonnekus hotel. Very quaint design and details. I’d recommend to other travellers.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Bed was very comfortable. Josef and Thelma did an excellent job hosting us.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Definitely recommended!

Great little hotel close to the sea. Really loved the atmosphere!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We were given a room that was not the same room that we booked online and it was quite noisy as it was in the front of the hotel near the road. But they had one more room available in the back of the hotel, which was quiet and allowed us to switch rooms. That was much better. They were very accommodating about that and very hospitable. Very kind staff.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a great option for accomodation by the ocean near Cape Town. My room and bathroom were spacious and clean. Staff was accommodating to my arriving very late (after midnight). Parking is a bit tricky but it pays off to be close to all of the wonderful restaurants and shopping in Kalk Bay. I would come back if ever in this area again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
K.A.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our check in went well until I discovered they had a wrong name at which point they said the pipes were broken and moved us to a different property. Interesting that when they thought we were someone else, the room was ok. We had to ask about the included breakfast. All was fine, although the new place, not as cozy and not within walking distance of another family members booking made on purpose close by.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The shower was not working upon arrival. The next day, the shower worked, but it was leaking heavily. Also, I dropped a vitamin on the floor. When I went to pick it up, I looked under the bed. The floor under the bed was filthy.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Trevlig personal och vi blev upgraded till ett stort och vackert rum med havsutsikt, öppen spis och badkar. I rummet fanns allt vi behövde, kylskåp och te. Jättefin uteplats med café att äta frukost på. Mitt emot från en lugn strand och strandpromenad
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wat een geweldig hotel!! Prachtig onderhouden, uitstekende locatie om alles te verkennen. En ontbijt is heerlijk! Wij waren hier 3 nachten en zouden het iedereen aanraden.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Homely place, warm and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022