The Wacky Wine Festival was a mere few weeks ago in the country town of Robertson. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend, however, I had JUST visited the little wine loving town and had a great time. Home to the Klipdrift Distillery, Bon Courage, Graham Beck and Viljoelsdrift, if you’d like to start exploring Robertson, here’s a lovely B&B for you to stay in: Excelsior Manor Guesthouse.
Why It’s Great to Stay at Excelsior Manor Guesthouse
- Good location
- Affordable
- Safe for girls’ weekends away
- Great for families (children over age 12 welcome)
- Great for those who like to be outdoors
- Warm, family, welcoming environment
- Farm animals around (chickens, dogs, cats, very sweet!)
- Food included as an option
- Very clean
Excelsior Farm
The De Wet family have been farming in the Robertson area and at Excelsior Estate since 1859. This is their home and they welcome you to visit. Located on a working farm, the Excelsior Manor Guesthouse is the perfect location to explore the valley of Robertson with the town close by, as well as their winery right next door.
Excelsior Hotel in Robertson
The Excelsior is a converted old farm house. It offers a number of rooms, all en suite, lounge area, pool area and a BIG ol’ farm yard to explore. The house is scattered with fantastic antiques like chairs, artwork and old time living.
Excelsior En-Suites
Mr John and I stayed in a lovely, large room with double bed on en suite bathroom. Each room has been tastefully decorated and every bathroom is great combination of modern comforts (bath, shower, gowns) and country living (fresh flowers, old styling, antique wooden furniture). Adorned with country classics like material tissue holders, a little bottle of schnapps, large windows and high ceilings, we were very comfortable in our room for the night.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by James who showed us to our room. He was the host all weekend and did a FANTASTIC job! The general manager, Kirstin, who was present the next day also really fantastic and their input ensured we felt welcome and at home at Excelsior.
It’s a Working Farm
Expect animals, but not in a horrible way. I love to find a dog at the front door or kitties in the yard. We even found a few chickens, which were fun to see.
Sunset at Excelsior
Before dinner, Mr John and I took a stroll around the farm. We found a little dam with a boat, boathouse and playground. It was lovely to take in the last of the dusk colours on the surrounding mountains, enjoy the peace and quiet and relax in the cool air.
Dinner at Excelsior
While Excelsior may be a small hotel, they do offer food. We were welcomed into the dining room for breakfast and dinner. The food is simple, but adequate. I loved my fillet and loved watching the faces all of the foreign guests try ‘Transkei Mud’ for the first time, the quintessentially South African caramel and mint dessert. Each course was paired with Excelsior wine. The savignon blanc was WAY to sour for me, but the rose was really good (Michelangelo Award winning in fact).
Breakfast Poolside
Breakfast also offered a good spread although they had modernised it. For example, the ‘English Breakfast’ actually included skewers, which was really nicely done. Sit inside or soak up the morning sun outside at the pool area.
Booking at Excelsior Manor Guesthouse
Prices range from R1100 to R2080 and the hotel gets booked out QUICKLY! So if you’re thinking of staying, be sure to reserve now! Find Excelsior Manor Guesthouse here or book a room at Excelsior on Booking.com.
**Additional images by Team Team Photography