Akademie Street Boutique Hotel

This was our third visit to Akademie Street and the standard is always excellent. Having stayed in the Oortuiging A on our previous times this time we choose the Gelatenheid B. We arrived a little early, but not a problem, Manette took us out to the pool area and quickly a cool glass of Chardonnay arrived while we waited. Staff - As usual the Staff at Akademie really do make you feel at home from the minute you walk through the door. We missed Declan on this visit, so there was no Celtic banter. However, Manette was a super hostess and her team gave her superb support. No where we have been has matched this team for service, professionalism and personal interaction with each and every guest. Nikki in the evening on the piano is a real treat with you drink before heading out for the culinary delights of Franschhoek. It is such relaxing to here here play that we now make it at least one evening where just sit and listen to her play. All the while enjoying a cool glass of Chardonnay. Room - On this visit we booked the Gelatenheid B for a change. On the first floor the suite offers you views of the mountains from a generous and comfortable balcony. The is also a hot tub out here as well. The suite is more of a modern décor, but still spacious and a really comfortable king size bed for a simply relaxing nights sleep. There is plenty of sitting room and a work desk if needed. The bathroom is also spacious and has both a shower and bath. There are all the little extras you need in both the lounge area and the bathroom. A well stocked mini bar with a variety of drinks and snacks is complimentary as was the bottle of champagne in you room on arrival. The housekeeping Team keep you room clean and fresh everyday and no request is too much. Food - As always the legendary Akademie breakfast is a real master piece from the fresh fruits, yoghurt, and home made granola fresh juice and smoothie to the delicious cooked breakfasts we have not encountered better in all our travels. Its a shame they do not do an evening meal as well. Location - Situated on Akademie St, the hotel is a short walk to the centre of Franschhoek making it easy to get to all the restaurants, bars, coffee shops and the numerous boutique and stores in town. It is only a 5 minute walk to the Franschhoek Wine Tram pick up point and the Huguenot Museum. We find it an ideal place to stay when in Franschhoek. Two streets back from the main Franschhoek street there is no noise, except the sounds of birds and the occasion squeak from a startled squirrel. On this visit the new extension was in progress and we are certainly looking forward to our next visit and hopefully it will be complete and a new suite to try out. This is not the Best Boutique Hotel only it is the best Team. Which probably makes it the best!!!!!!! Yes you pay for the luxury and it is worth every cent.

The team at Akademie made the Franschhoek portion of our honeymoon so memorable!! The staff were incredibly accommodating and welcoming, the room we stayed in was perfect for us with lots of privacy with our own pool and hot tub. The breakfasts served were 10/10, and we loved popping over to the Orangerie for drinks before (and after) dinner! Thank you Declan and team for such an incredible stay - would recommend Akademie to anybody travelling in the area.

Very few properties are able to capture the hearts of its guests…Akademie is one of those places. Facilities are fantastic and the staff is incredibly hospitable. I would not hesitate to stay again; in fact, I wouldn’t even look at other options for a future visit to Franschhoek.

Myself and my husband spent one week here in Franschhoek this month. From the moment we were greeted by the welcoming smiling manager, Declan ( fellow Irish person!) , we knew we had made the right choice. Akademie is an old world, stylish, Dutch style boutique property, packed with antiques with 5 star facilities. But what really makes this place special, is the wonderful staff who treated us with professionalism but more importantly, with warmth and friendliness. We really felt like one of the family! From the delicious, homecooked breakfast served by lovely Babs and her team by the pool, to sundowners in the Orangery served professionally and generously by Glen and Bernard, no request was too much by the whole team. Often accompanied by Nikki and her amazing piano playing. We have travelled extensively throughout the world, but this place truly will hold a special place in our hearts. We will be back Declan!

This is an amazing hotel. It is in a great location. The surrounding streets are so quiet. The rooms are wonderful and well equipped. Everything in the mini bar is included! In fact, there is nothing to pay over and above the cost of the room. Breakfast is out of this world. Granola with yoghurt; plenty of fresh fruit and, if you are still hungry the avocado with poached eggs and pomegranate is a must try. If it couldn’t get any better the staff are charming and under the guidance of Declan nothing is too much trouble.

This is hospitality at its finest as we have nothing but fantastic things to report about the Akademie Street Hotel. Declan, Babs and the rest of the team make you feel right at home and ensure your stay is the best it can possibly be. Vreugde was our suite and it was simply incredible between the room, expansive bathroom and private pool. I highly recommend asking the team to heat up the wood burning hot tub. I would also highly recommend ordering in food one night and eating while the pianst plays in the orangerie. It served as the perfect evening over live music and a warm fire as we needed a break from all the restaurant dining we did in Cape Town. The breakfast in the orangerie was also a highlight. Unfortunately, our airport transfer came too early to enjoy the second morning we were there, but Declan made sure we were fed before leaving and arranged a to go box for us. You will not go wrong staying at this amazing botique hotel. It has fantastic location with easy proximity to downtown Franschhoek and walking distance to the tram terminal.