Staying in national monuments

Enjoy a sundowner at the Alphen Country House Hotel

© 2005 Alphen Hotel

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Visitors to a country often seek out that quintessential flavour that makes a place unique. Staying in a national monument gives not only a sense of place, but a sense of a bygone time as well.

South Africa is filled with accommodation in national monuments, be they on the tourist trail or off the beaten track.

The Royal Hotel in Pilgrim's Rest is a very well known hotel in a national monument. An attraction in its own right, the hotel is also a showcase of many of the historic stories of this gold-rush town.

In the heart of historic Karoo town, Graaff-Reinet, you'll find the Cambeboo Cottages, lovingly restored to their former glory. Over 200 homes in this town have been declared national monuments, so staying in one really does give you the chance to live like a local.

Visiting the winelands? The Alphen Hotel in Constantia is a national monument, dating back to the 18th century. It's close to Cape Town, but a world apart from the bustle of a big city.

Once a thriving stopover for people heading between Cape Town and Johannesburg, Philippolis was left stranded by the rerouting of the N1. In the calm that remains, visitors can stay in one of the town's many national monuments either passing through, or staying to soak up the peace.

Whether you're just staying in a national monument as a place to rest your weary head or actively seeking them out, their evocative ambience will win you over and make them a destination in their own right.