"Give us a little background on this place.Located on a wine farm in the Constantia valley, this small, low-key hotel is in meticulously restored Cape Dutch heritage buildings that date back to the late 17th century. It lies halfway between the southern Cape Peninsula’s natural attractions and the city itself. Steenberg’s prized vineyards and rugged mountains (Steenberg translates to ‘stone mountain’) form a backdrop to the hotel, as well as a winery, 18-hole championship golf course and private residences.
Who else is staying here?Families with young children, mature couples with golf bags in tow, honeymooners.
Tell us more about your room.The 21 rooms and three villa-sized suites are spread out in immaculate gardens. All have been redecorated and renovated, and feature timber floors, modern fabrics and a clever curation of furnishings by South African designers. While no two rooms look exactly alike, there’s a fresh, contemporary theme and plenty of natural materials and contrasting textures, from linen to leather.
How about the little things, like the mini-bar or shower goodies? Any of that find its way into your suitcase?There's free Wi-Fi; fresh flowers from the garden, locally made organic Africology bathroom amenities, a complimentary minibar stocked with everything from fresh milk to a bottle of Steenberg sauvignon blanc.
What's to eat? Worth it?Steenberg estate has two excellent restaurants, both overseen by chef Kerry Kilpin (ex the Food Barn and La Colombe). Hotel breakfasts are served in the brand-new Tryn, the hotel’s restaurant named after the feisty original owner of the farm, Catherina Ras, who apparently outlived four of her five husbands. The intrepid owner’s gutsy yet feminine spirit is conveyed through bold colors—burnt orange, mustard, ruby and jade - and finishes in solid wood, stone and copper. It’s also open for lunch and dinner. At the winery is Bistro Sixteen82, which is very popular with Capetonians. Pre-or post-wine tasting, decadent breakfast options and delicious meal-in-one salads, gourmet burgers, tapas plates and daily specials hit the spot along with the estate’s excellent wines, many available by the glass.
Anything stand out about other services and features?The hotel has a secluded swimming pool and revamped pool lounge with special new facilities for early check-in/late-stay guests an added bonus. The three villa-like heritage suites have oodles of space and their own private pools. There is a spa with four treatment rooms for excellent QMS facials and Africology body treatments. Book spa treatments in advance if possible, as many of the estate’s residents are regulars. Steenberg’s award-winning wines—notably the Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling wines and Nebbiolo—are available to taste at the modern wine tasting centre attached to the winery.
Bottom line: is this hotel worth it, and why?Cape Town’s city center is within easy driving distance, plus you have access to the whole Steenberg private estate lifestyle—includes easy access to golf, wine tasting, a choice of restaurants, nature trails and biking routes. Guests here have easy access to the surrounding mountains for more adventurous biking and hiking, as well as the Constantia wine route and the southern Cape Peninsula’s scenic drives and pristine beaches." - Jane Broughton
