See all properties

De Doornkraal Vinotel

4.0 star property
Travelers unwind in style at this wine country retreat where garden surroundings set the stage for tastings that engage all the senses

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for De Doornkraal Vinotel

Vineyard - De Doornkraal Vinotel (Riversdale)
Garden - De Doornkraal Vinotel (Riversdale)
Cottage, 2 Bedrooms | Living area | 22-inch LED TV with satellite channels, TV - De Doornkraal Vinotel (Riversdale)
22-inch LED TV with satellite channels, TV - De Doornkraal Vinotel (Riversdale)
Garden - De Doornkraal Vinotel (Riversdale)
De Doornkraal Vinotel sits in the business district but feels worlds away. Guests attend wine release events and join winery tours at this boutique country house with its own vineyard. The outdoor pool provides relaxation after exploring the property's garden and terrace.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe

Standard Double Room

  • Garden view
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Luxury Double or Twin Room

Luxury Double or Twin Room | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe

Luxury Double or Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cottage, Garden Area

Cottage, Garden Area | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe

Cottage, Garden Area

  • Garden view
  • 24 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 33 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Riversdale, De Doornkraal Vinotel is in the business district. Julius Gordon Africana Centre and Star Nation Art Studio and Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk and Riversdale Tourism Office. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing. Visit our Riversdale travel guide
View more Country Houses in Riversdale
Map
8 Long Street, Riversdale, Western Cape, 6670

What's nearby

  • Julius Gordon Africana Centre
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Riversdale Hospital
    12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Riversdale Tourism Office
    15 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Westfield 4X4 Trail
    51 min drive - 55.4 miles

Restaurants

  • Wimpy
    2 min drive
  • Trends Cafe
    9 min walk
  • Nibbling Squirrel
    2 min drive
  • Ou Meul Bakery
    3 min drive
  • La Bella Deli & Restaurant
    4 min drive

About this property

De Doornkraal Vinotel

Upscale boutique country house in the business district
At De Doornkraal Vinotel, you can look forward to an attached winery, a terrace, and a garden. Sip and savor at this country house, which boasts a tasting room, a vineyard, and winery tours. The on-site restaurant, De Wingerdt, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and al fresco dining. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a conference center.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), express check-out, and express check-in
  • A banquet hall, 2 meeting rooms, and a porter/bellhop
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as premium bedding, in addition to thoughtful touches like free WiFi and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Egyptian cotton sheets and Tempur-Pedic beds
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs
  • 22-inch LED TVs with satellite channels
  • Patios, electric kettles, and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Daily full breakfast (ZAR 150.00 per person)
The Habit Self Catering
  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 6 reviews
The Habit Self Catering
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: ZAR 220 to 242 per person
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • De Wingerdt

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private wine tours
  • Vineyard
  • Wine tasting room
  • Winery
  • Winery release events

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop

Business services

  • 2 meeting rooms
  • Conference center (1,614 square feet of space)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vineyard

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
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 floor
  • 4 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1746
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • 22-inch LED TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

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

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
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 are welcome
Children up to the age of 6 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately ZAR 220 to 242 for adults, and ZAR 0 to 0 for children

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
This property accepts credit cards and cash
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
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
24-hour pool access
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
No pets and no service animals are allowed at 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

De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel Riversdale
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Riversdale
Historic Country House
Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel Riversdale
Doornkraal Historic Boutique Riversdale
Doornkraal Historic Boutique
Doornkraal Vinotel Riversdale
De Doornkraal Vinotel Riversdale
De Doornkraal Vinotel Country House
De Doornkraal Vinotel Country House Riversdale
De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel

Frequently asked questions

Does De Doornkraal Vinotel have a pool?

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

Is De Doornkraal Vinotel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property; nearby parking is also free.

What time is check-in at De Doornkraal Vinotel?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM.

What time is check-out at De Doornkraal Vinotel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is De Doornkraal Vinotel located?

Situated in the historical district, this boutique country house is within a 10-minute walk of Julius Gordon Africana Centre and Riversdale Old Jail / Die Tronk. Riversdale Hospital and Riversdale Tourism Office are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

De Doornkraal Vinotel Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0

Cleanliness

7.6

Location

9.2

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 37 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly Clean Enjoy stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gigi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Nice stopover between garden route and Capetown

As usual hotel.com didn’t communicate the room(2 bedroom cottage) that we booked to the hotel so they first tried to put us in a 1 bedroom cottage. Luckily our cottage was available and totally worth it, with a nice view of a pond and gardens, a comfortable living room and even a well equipped kitchen
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

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

One night stay was delightful

We loved our stay at Doorn Kraal. Firstly the staff are lovely and so professional. Our room (the 2 bedroom cottage) was super neat and tidy, and it had everything we needed and it was very quiet as it’s a bit further away. Just be mindful at night, there may be one or two spiders in the trees when you walk to the cottage (have a flashlight). The food was soo delicious, we could not stop thinking about the wonderful dinner. We will stay again. Thanks to all the staff!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Geof

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a parlous state of repair. Windows that a terrible and need replacing, the shower in our room was unacceptable as was the floor in the bathroom. None of the doors fitted and the locks were useless. Our bedroom was tawdry and needs a serious revamp - acually everything does. Dinner was mediocre although the estate shiraz was good . Breakfast was good but very slow. Will I stay here again? No! Very expensive for what you get
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

N.B.J.

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

Prettig verblijf voor eenmaal nachten

Het is een kleinschalig guesthouse met 5 kamers. Wij hadden de kleinste (Cabane) en die is echt wel klein. Hij zit er mooi uit met een prachtig opgemaakt bed, maar het is krap. De badkamer is ook krap en verouderd. Wij begrepen dat in juni 2023 de kamer wordt gerenoveerd. Mocht je hier langer willen verblijven vraag dan om een suite. Er is een klein zwembadje met 5 zeer comfortabele bedden. Drinken kun je de hele dag halen uit je minibar of uit de bar van het guesthouse. Wij vonden een minpuntje dat het ontbijt traag op gang komt. Het ontbijt moet je de voorgaande dag bestellen. Als je s morgens aan tafel gaat zitten voor het ontbijt duurt het 20-30 minuten voordat alles op je tafel staat. Deze methode is waarschijnlijk gekozen om het exclusiever te maken, maar wat ons betreft is een ontbijt buffetje veel sneller en kost alle partijen minder tijd. Overall hebben wij een zeer plezierig verblijf gehad bij Le Fleur de Soleil.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danel

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

Historisch geschützte Gebäude mit viel Scharm

Ein Erlebnis der besonderen Art. Das Historisch geschützte Gebäude ist weitgehend im Originalzustand und sehr ansprechend eingerichtet. Der Service ist sehr zuvorkommend und hilfsbereit. Das Essen ist hervorragend.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

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

A hidden gem!

We stayed here to break up the drive from Cape Town to Knysna. Traveling with a 5 and 2-year old, we wanted a place that was family friendly. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating for our family, the pool was a great relief from the warm summer day, and the food was prepared to perfection by the spirited chef. We stayed in the two-bedroom cottage and it was perfect for a family of 4. A sleepy city, but if you are looking for a relaxing place to help break up a long car ride, a perfect stop.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely house, very friendly place, nice food
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2017
Verified

8/10 Good

elli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Hübsches historisches Hotel ruhig+ländlich

Positiv + Lob für Zimmer - wunderschön, geschmackvoll, sauber Service - 1a, freundlich und bemüht Negativ leider die Ausstattung: wir waren die einzigen Gäste und vermutlich war daher auch auf Sparflamme vorgehalten. Ob Essen, Pool oder Internetnutzung, Handtücher - entweder die Dinge waren defekt, nicht nutzbar oder gar nicht vorhanden. Bei unserer Abfahrt könnten wir nicht problemlos einladen und überhaupt losfahren, da das Haus von einer mittlerweile geschlossenen Baustelle umgeben war. Zumindest was die Baustelle direkt vor den Zimmern angeht hätte ich ganz klar die Info darüber erwartet bei Buchung oder dann persönlich per Nachricht. Es war laut, dreckig, zeitlich und die Komfortabilität einschränkend. Auch dass der Pool über die gesamte Zeit des Aufenthaltes, also nicht nur temporär, geschlossen ist, sollte man informieren, und nicht erst auf Anfrage mitteilen. Trotzdessen wurde der volle, wirklich knackige Preis verlangt. Schade, den Zimmern an sich und dem Personal (im Service) würde ich volle Punktzahl geben!!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Could be great

This hotel could be wonderful with better and friendlier service and greater attention to detail. The hotel is in one of Riversdale's historic buildings and in a quiet location well off the main road. We arrived to find the reception office locked. The proprietor arrived, asked us into her office, sat at her desk and after some time asked us to sit down. We felt rather like naughty schoolchildren in front of the teacher's desk! Her only real comment to us was that she was glad we had paid in full, because it was less work for her. She directed us to our room, but gave us no information about the hotel, times for dinner and breakfast, etc, nor was there any of this information in the room. The room was small, with only one upright chair, so one person had to sit or lie on the bed. There were no toiletries of any kind provided in the bathroom - we had to ask for a bar of soap so that we could wash our hands. The shower leaked considerably and flooded the bathroom. On the plus side, the bed was comfortable, with good sheets and pillows and the room was attractively furnished. We decided we would use the pool after our journey, but it was covered in scum and fallen leaves, so changed our minds. There were a few loungers, but with no cushions nor pool towels. We had to track someone down to ask for a beer. Dinner was well cooked and presented. Huge potential but at present a disappointing place to stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eyvin og Nancy

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

Et lokalt paradis

En perle beliggende i en noe kjedelig by. Personlig service fra ansatte som virkelig hadde hjertet med seg i jobben. Vi fikk tilrettelagt egen picknick ved bassenget - til vår medbragte mat og vin. Takk for minneverdig opphold.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Claes-G

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Great dinner

Intressting hotel with excellent food
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

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

Unexpected gem

Overnight stopover during garden route travels . Excellent experience with Chris and his team making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive until you leave . Rooms are comfortable and very clean . Gardens well maintained and encourage you sit back and relax and enjoy the sunshine . The restaurant is like an oasis in a desert with some of the best food I have enjoyed in south Africa . A substantial menu choice in a very nice restaurant with great service and excellent food . Would definitely recommend that you experience this hotel and the great service from Chris and the team for yourself and don't think that you will be disappointed and will leave with a smile on your face. Will definitely stay here again
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Good stop over on N2

Free laundry because we stayed three nights. So helpful, lovely staff.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Johanna

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Average - overpriced

We decided to overnight at the hotel since it's conveniently located between Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus. The room was okay (few bugs though) and dinner at the restaurant was good (kudu steak especially delicious). Breakfast good, too, but service slow and the hours (one hour - 8 - 9 am) were puzzling. What we did not like was that although we mentioned at the time of the reservation that it's our honeymoon and also my birthday, neither were acknowledged. Only "special request" that was fulfilled was a more quieter room which was confirmed by email. Also check-out was very very slow. We also thought the hotel is part of a winery (partly why we decided to stay there) but when asking about that during check-in, they said it's closed (or something?). We did see one of the employees loading wine boxes into another guests car in the morning though... Overall we found that De Doornkraal Historic Country House Boutique Hotel was not worth the price, and would not recommend stopping there or in Riversdale.
Verified

8/10 Good

Christer

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

Kryddstark upplevelse.

Charmigt guest-house med stora vackra rum i kolonialstil dock utan a-c, men fläktar. Det man kommer ihåg mest var den fantastiska maten o vinet som presenterades av ägaren o den charmante kocken som dessutom själv gick ut o plockade örter i den rikliga väldoftande kryddträdgården. Liten trevlig insyns-skyddnde pool. Brqa skyddad bilparkering. Kan varmt rekommenderas.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Not Provided

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Fantastic 5* Restaurant but I would say 3* hotel.

The restaurant is Fantastic , dinner and breakfast 5* . The hotel is I would say 3* It is an old hotel and has a lovely garden and bedding and bed is fine just that no airconditioner and for a 4* and at R1500 per night per couple , I think that should be included. I would really go back for the food but you can get alternative accommodation at a lower rate. The Manager is great and he is also the fantastic chef! So spend your money on the food!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matti

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

Really nice staff!

The staff, including everyone but especially the manager, was just so nice to us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma

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

A little piece of paradise!

This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed with exceptional hospitality and professionalism. The room was beautiful with a vineyard out the window and a willow with birds' nests. High security, amazing food and delicious wines. Paradise all around.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great stopover on N2

my wife and I stayed for one night on the recommendation of a friend who stayed last year. We were not disappointed. The rooms were very basic but clean, and need air conditioning..there is a fan. The swimming pool was just the right temperature and very clean. Christopher , the manager, is an excellent host and could not do enough for us. He is a really fine chef and we had the most wonderful meal. I would recommend this hotel for only a one night stay
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

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

You have to experience this!

This is a historic building but well maintained and functional. Absolutely awesome is the only way to describe the service you get at De Doornkraal. I wish we could have stayed longer as 1 night wasn't really enough. We were the only guests the night we were there and were treated like Royalty from the moment we arrived and nothing was too much trouble. Dinner was full al a carte service with a full menu with plenty of choice and again for breakfast. Often hotels cut back menus etc when times are quiet but not here and I am sure nothing changes when it is busy either. Big hotel chains should send their staff her to learn what hospitality is about and how to treat customers.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Roger

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

Unforgettable fantastic stay!

There has been very few occasions in our travels when we have been so very impressed with everything BUT this stay was by far the best experience we had in a month of travelling SA.. Chef Christopher and his well trained team looked after us so well from the moment we arrived. We cannot fault any aspect of our stay and we will for sure return! Not only was this the best place to stay the food was utterly wonderful and we were so sad to leave. You dont have to go anywhere else in Riversdale just relax and enjoy the specialist attention..its a very rare treat!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Boyle

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

Fantastic service and food

We had a lovely time in every way. The room was good but the plugs for recharging toothbrush holder, Ipad and electric shaver were too low. My husband had to lie on the floor to shave! Very welcoming staff and excellent food and wonderful ambiance.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

keett

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

Beautiful Food & Great room

From the time we arrived & were given a warm welcome by Chris, we loved our stay at De Doornkraal. Our evening meal was a delight & breakfast too.The perfect place to stop off on the garden route. We had been staying in Knysna & decided to find somewhere en-route to Cape Town to divide up the journey. This place out did expectations in every way.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Stay here and feel good

Fabulous chef/manager. He will make you laugh and fill your belly with good food. Staff all gracious and eager to please. A hidden gem. Go and stay here and support people trying to make a difference in SA.