Frequently Asked Questions

Bonne Esperance offers three types of accommodation in central Stellenbosch:

• Guest House (B&B): rooms in our main house at 17 Van Riebeeck Street, with breakfast included. Options are classic rooms, loft rooms, deluxe rooms with a balcony or patio, family rooms and a budget single room.
• Studio Apartments (self-catering): at 1 Murray Street, a short walk from the main house. Each apartment has a kitchenette. Options are standard studios, a honeymoon studio and a one-bedroom apartment (Studio 8).
• The Villa (self-catering): a three-bedroom house with a fully equipped kitchen, sleeping up to 8 guests.

• Couples and romantic stays: the Deluxe Rooms with balcony or patio in the B&B house.
• Long stays: the Studio Apartments, which have kitchenettes
• Families and groups: the Villa, which sleeps up to 8 guests and welcomes children of all ages.
• Solo travellers on a budget: the Budget Single Guest Room in the B&B house.

Yes, Bonne Esperance offers a range of options for families to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

In the B&B House:
Children aged 6 years and older are welcome. We have two Family Classic Rooms, each accommodating up to three guests, making them ideal for smaller families. For families who prefer to stay close, some of our rooms are interleading, providing both privacy and convenience.
In the Villa:
Families with children of all ages are welcome to stay in our Villa, which offers a fully self-catering option. This setup provides the flexibility of home-style living, with ample space for families to relax and enjoy quality time together.
Whether you're traveling with older children or little ones, our accommodations are designed to meet the needs of families, ensuring a memorable experience in the heart of Stellenbosch.
At the Studio Apartments – One Bedroom Apartment:
This apartment is ideal for families traveling with children. The lounge area includes a double sleeper couch, providing additional sleeping space for kids.

• Guest house (B&B): we can’t accommodate children under 6, including babies. Children aged 6 and older are welcome. We have two Family Classic Rooms, each sleeping up to three guests.
• Studio 8 (One Bedroom Apartment): We sometimes make exceptions for children under 6. The lounge has a double sleeper couch for extra sleeping space. Please contact us before booking to ask. 
• The Villa: Children and babies of all ages are welcome.

Yes. The Studio Apartments at 1 Murray Street have kitchenettes, and the Villa has three bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Breakfast isn’t included in either, but it can be added at an extra cost.xperience.

We have hosted guests with mobility challenges, and suitability is assessed case by case, so please contact us before booking. There are steps into the main building and reception, and the baths and showers don’t have grab rails. The main house is a heritage building, so some areas may not be fully accessible.

No. Pets are not allowed at any of our three properties.

Yes. Book through our website and receive 5% off your room rate with code DIRECT5. Direct bookings also give you easier access to our team for special requests. Offers can’t be combined with other promotions or discount codes.

No, we don't have a minimum stay requirement. You're welcome to book for as many nights as suits your plans, whether it's a one-night stopover or a longer stay.

Our standard cancellation policy is as follows:

• 15 days or more before arrival: full refund minus a 10% administration fee
• 8-14 days before arrival: 50% of the total booking value is charged
• 7 days or less before arrival, or no-show: 100% is charged
• Changes to booking dates are treated as cancellations.
• Bookings of 4 or more rooms follow our group booking terms

Please see our Booking Terms for additional policies.

We don't host weddings or large events at Bonne Esperance, but we're a popular choice for groups travelling together - whether it's a family gathering, birthday celebration, or a trip with friends. Groups are welcome to enquire about a booking discount code. Contact us directly at [email protected] or call +27 21 887 0225 and we'll be happy to assist.

We're situated on the corner of Neethling and Van Riebeeck Street in the heart of Stellenbosch, Western Cape - within easy walking distance of the town centre, Dorp Street, and Stellenbosch University. Our Studio Apartments are located just around the corner at 1 Murray Street. You can find us on Google Maps here.

We’re about 40 km from Cape Town International Airport (travel time varies with traffic). Uber works well in Stellenbosch, and we can help you arrange a transfer. Town is a 5-minute walk, so you can reach restaurants, shops and wine bars on foot. For wine estates, take an Uber or book a tour through us.

Check-in time is from 14:00 to 19:00, and check-out is by 10:00. 

Early check-in is usually available on request - if your room isn't ready, you're welcome to leave your luggage with us and make use of the facilities. If you need alternative arrangements, feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to help.

If you’ll arrive later, let us know in advance. There’s a contact number at the front door for late arrivals, and our night guard will assist you.

Yes, parking is free at all three properties: off-street at the guest house, and behind a gate at the studios and the Villa. A security guard monitors all three overnight.

Yes, it’s safe to walk to the restaurants. We recommend taking caution very late at night, and Uber is an easy alternative.

Breakfast is included for rooms in the B&B house. For Studio Apartments and the Villa, breakfast is not included but can be added at an additional cost.

Breakfast is served at the guest house during the following times:

• Weekdays: 07:00 to 10:00
• Weekends and public holidays: 07:30 to 10:00

We also offer an afternoon bar menu for in-house guests daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with bar snacks, sandwiches, cheese boards, and a selection of drinks.

We don’t serve dinner, but Stellenbosch’s restaurants are an easy walk away (see our Restaurant Recommendations). Our pool bar menu of snacks, sandwiches, cheese boards and drinks is available daily from 10:00 to 19:00. Just order at reception.

Yes, we're happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. We always have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, and we can cater to halal requirements with advance notice. That said, it's always helpful to know your requirements ahead of arrival so we can make sure everything is ready for you. Just mention it when you book or drop us a message before you arrive.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout all three of our properties. We have a 400 Mbps fibre connection, making it ideal for browsing, video calls and remote work, so you can stay connected throughout your stay.

Yes, all our rooms are equipped with air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay, regardless of the season.

Yes - all three of our properties have their own pool. Whether you're staying in the guest house, the studio apartments, or the villa, you'll have access to a pool, sun loungers, and pool towels. 

All our rooms are thoughtfully equipped to enhance your comfort. Amenities include:

• Beverages: Complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, including a Nespresso machine in every room. Minibars are stocked with sodas, juice, water, beer, and wine. A limited selection of local wines and spirits is also available upon request at reception.
• Entertainment: Smart TVs with DSTV channels in the B&B and Studio Apartments.
• Essentials: Premium toiletries, a hairdryer, an electronic safe, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
• Additional Features: Studio Apartments include a kitchenette, while the Villa boasts a fully equipped kitchen for self-catering stays.

Yes, we provide a laundry service for our guests at an additional charge. Whether you’re staying for a short visit or a longer holiday, we can help keep your wardrobe fresh and ready.

Learn more about our guest services here.

Our housekeeping team services rooms daily. Each room has a do not disturb sign - simply hang it on your door handle to let the team know your preference. One side reads "Do Not Disturb" and the other "Please Make Up My Room." If you'd like your room serviced at a specific time, just let us know at reception and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

We offer an in-room mobile spa service through Beauty Direct, a professional mobile beauty therapist who comes to you. Treatments are available for guests across all three properties. To make a booking or find out more about available treatments and pricing, please contact reception and we'll arrange it for you.

The best time to visit Stellenbosch largely depends on your interests, but generally:

🍇 Best Overall Time: September to April
This period spans spring to early autumn in South Africa.
You’ll enjoy warm, sunny weather, perfect for wine tasting, outdoor dining, and exploring vineyards.
December to February is peak summer—hot and lively, but also busier and more expensive.
September to November (spring) and March to April (early autumn) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery, especially with flowers blooming or vineyards turning golden. We call this the secret season.
🍁 Wine Lovers' Favourite: Harvest Season (January to March)
This is grape harvest time—many wine estates offer special tours, tastings, and festivals.
Great for seeing the winemaking process in action.
🌿 Quiet & Scenic: May to August (Winter)
Cooler and wetter, but quieter and more affordable.
Still a great time for cozying up in wine estates with fireplaces, and the scenery is lush and green.

☀️ Summer (December – February)
Temperature: 25–35°C (77–95°F), occasionally hotter
Weather: Hot, dry, and sunny
Daylight: Long days, perfect for outdoor activities
Vibe: Lively and festive—peak tourist season
Best for: Wine tastings, festivals, al fresco dining, and beach trips (nearby)

🌼 Autumn (March – May)
Temperature: 18–28°C (64–82°F)
Weather: Mild and pleasant, with less intense heat
Scenery: Vineyards turn golden, beautiful for photography
Vibe: Calmer after summer rush; grape pressing season
Best for: Wine experiences, scenic drives, and lower crowd levels

❄️ Winter (June – August)
Temperature: 5–18°C (41–64°F)
Weather: Cool, with rain on and off—wettest season
Vibe: Quiet and cozy, especially in wine estates with fireplaces
Best for: Wine, food, and relaxation—some estates offer winter specials
Note: Some outdoor activities may be limited due to rain but the best time to savour all the fine dining restaurants of Stellenbosch

🌸 Spring (September – November)
Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F)
Weather: Warming up with occasional rain early on
Scenery: Lush landscapes, wildflowers, and blossoming vines
Vibe: Fresh and vibrant; before the peak summer crowds
Best for: Outdoor exploring, garden walks, and nature photography

Stellenbosch has a lively calendar of events throughout the year - from harvest festivals and wine weekends to markets, concerts, and art exhibitions. We recommend checking Visit Stellenbosch for up-to-date event listings. Our team is also happy to suggest what's on during your visit.

Our team is happy to assist with booking tours, wine tastings, and activities during your stay. You can also find our recommendations on the website under Activity Recommendations and Things to Do. Contact us at [email protected] or pop by reception and we'll point you in the right direction.

Explore our blog, Our Top 5: Picnics in the Winelands, for the ultimate guide to relaxing outdoor experiences. From lush vineyards to riverside retreats, we highlight the most scenic locations perfect for a picnic. Don’t forget to bring your blanket and enjoy local delicacies in these serene settings.

Stellenbosch is a coffee lover’s paradise! Check out our blog, Our Top 5: Coffee Shops in Stellenbosch, for the coziest and most vibrant spots to enjoy your next caffeine fix. Whether you prefer artisanal blends or a laid-back café vibe, we’ve got the perfect places for you.

Looking for a warm, inviting atmosphere on a chilly day? Our blog, Our Top 5: Fireplaces in Stellenbosch, lists the best restaurants, wine estates, and lounges with crackling fireplaces. Perfect for sipping wine and staying cozy.

Thrill-seekers, take note! Our blog, Our Top 5: Adventure Activities in Stellenbosch, covers everything from ziplining to mountain biking and hiking. Discover the best ways to get your adrenaline pumping while enjoying Stellenbosch’s stunning natural beauty.

Stellenbosch is home to incredible art and culture. Read our blog, Our Top 5: Art Galleries in Stellenbosch, for a curated list of galleries showcasing local and international artists. A must-visit for art enthusiasts!

Treat yourself to some pampering with our blog, Our Top 5: Luxury Manicures in Stellenbosch. Discover the top spots for exquisite nail treatments, where relaxation meets style in the heart of Stellenbosch.

Looking for tranquil outdoor beauty? Read our blog, Our Top 5: Gardens in Stellenbosch, to discover the most stunning and serene gardens in the area, from botanical wonders to vineyard landscapes.

Golf enthusiasts, rejoice! Our blog, Our Top 5: Golf Courses in the Winelands, highlights the most scenic and well-maintained courses for an unforgettable golfing experience, surrounded by breathtaking vineyard views.

No, both the guest house and studio apartments run entirely on solar panels with lithium-ion battery backup, so you won't notice load shedding at all during your stay. All lights, appliances, air conditioning, and WiFi remain fully operational.

Bonne Esperance is committed to sustainable tourism and actively participates in eco-friendly practices, including:

• Supporting the Stellenbosch Trail Fund by providing Stellenbosch Trail Water in our minibars.
• Reducing single-use plastics through reusable and recyclable alternatives.
• Implementing energy-saving measures and eco-friendly waste management practices.
• Sourcing locally to reduce our environmental footprint and support the community.

Discover more about our sustainability efforts here.