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The Alphen Boutique Hotel: A Wine Country Wonderland
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The Alphen Boutique Hotel - Above GoPro 2

Let it be said: the Alphen Boutique Hotel is not your mother’s wine country lodging.


If you’re looking for a quaint and provincial place to lay your head, you might prefer alternate accommodations. But if you aspire toward an in-your-face, near-hedonistic, and totally original experience — we’re talking gold lacquer furniture! — you’ll find all that and more at this 5-star standout in Cape Town’s famous wine and culinary epicenter of Constantia.

Alphen Boutique Hotel Rich Past, Opulent Present

The Alphen Boutique Hotel’s stunning 11.5 acres have played host to the world’s rich and famous for hundreds of years. From winery to working farm, it has evolved over time into the decadent hotel celebrated today. This national monument’s most recent renovation ushered in a new golden era for this cherished local treasure.

While the building itself dates back to the 17th century, the Alphen Boutique Hotel’s interior has been completely overhauled with a refined flair and sense of whimsy which keep things from getting too serious. Nineteen well-appointed rooms feature contemporary amenities and high-tech facilities, including flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, iPod docking stations, minibars, and even gourmet Lavazza coffee machines for your caffeine fix. Even the bathrooms are noteworthy, thanks to details like double basin sinks and an abundance of luxury toiletries.

Three bars, two restaurants, a deli, a spa, and an outdoor pool area with a terrace perfect for soaking in the glorious South African sun add up to an unparalleled setting for wine enthusiasts looking for reinvigorating relaxation… and an unexpected change of pace. Guests also enjoy a satisfying complimentary breakfast to start off each day.

Just how extraordinary is the transformed Alphen Boutique Hotel? It claimed a coveted spot on Conde Nast Traveler’s 16th Annual “Hot List” in 2012.

The Culinary Cutting Edge

It’s no surprise that the Alphen Boutique Hotel’s two restaurants are equally unafraid to push the boundaries of epicurean expectations. Bistro/bakery La Belle serves rustic, fresh-out-of-the oven meals in a hip yet comfortable setting, while 5 Rooms Restaurant and Bar delivers an intimate and completely unexpected dining experience.

And don’t miss 5 Room’s extraordinary line up of live music, displaying everything from the talents of accomplished jazz pianists to celebrated guitar maestros.

Alphen Boutique Hotel also recently introduced a decadent High Tea. Serving sweet and savory treats daily in 5 Rooms Restaurant every late afternoon, it’s the ultimate in lavish luxury. Just be sure to make a reservation ahead of time in order to avoid disappointment.

Beauty Abounds

While the verdant valley of Constantia is a gorgeous backdrop, the hotel interior is in itself a work of art. As if the carefully cultivated all-white rooms accentuated by bold accents aren’t enough, the walls of the hotel are bedecked with more than 300 impossibly grand classical works. The result? A breathtaking fusion of classical references and contemporary glitz and glamor.

If you do venture off the stunning grounds, Groot Constantia Winery, Glen Winery, and Kenilworth Racecourse are just minutes away, as are the shopping, dining, and entertainment venues of Constantia’s lively town center. Whatever activity or excursion you have in mind, the Alphen Boutique Hotel’s friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you arrange an itinerary.

For a dose of natural beauty, meanwhile, take advantage of the region’s outdoor pursuits, like golf and horseback riding, or stroll the Alphen Trail. Just off the road leading to the hotel, this scenic path twists and turns with the Diep River while delivering glorious views of Le Sueur Meadow and Constantiaberg Mountain. We dare you not to feel a thrill as you traverse one of the trail’s many bridge crossings.

The Alphen Boutique Hotel is a delightful and unforgettable departure from traditional wine country establishments. If a Cape Town wine tour is on your bucket list, don’t miss out on the wonders of Constantia and the Alphen Boutique Hotel. Just prepare to have more than your taste buds dazzled.

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