Swartberg Hotel, Prince Albert, South Africa

Named after the mountain range surrounding the area, Mont d’Or Swartberg Hotel, in Prince Albert, was the second stop on our staycation. This National Heritage Site has been home to a hotel for over 150 years. Offering a spa, gym, swimming pool and conference facilities, the hotel is ideal for a getaway.

Swartberg Hotel Room 16

We chose to stay in one of the luxury rooms, and ours had a small, enclosed courtyard. Our room was most certainly luxurious with a king size bed, and large bath. However, a few things could have been improved upon. The coffee was nothing special and the Wi-Fi was very iffy. It did not work at all on Dave’s laptop. Seeing as we were on holiday, this was really of no importance. But as a business venue it could matter. Also, our room was right next to where the staff gather to work. They were very chatty, and loud, which was disturbing late at night and early morning. Despite the hot water taking some time to make its way to the room, the spacious shower was perfect. We were only provided with 3 towels which I found odd.

Our stay

We checked in and while Dave drove around to the secure parking, I walked through the grounds to our room. There is a lovely fireplace in our room, for looking at only as they are never used. Amenities included the regular tea, coffee and milk, as well as bottles of water and sanitiser. Their own branded shampoo, shower gel and body lotion was provided. I loved that the room had a suitcase stand making it easier for us to unpack and pack. After we had dumped our things, we headed over to The Green Prince Bar for a drink. They have an amazing selection of local gins including the Black Mountain Karoo Dry (R39) which I had garnished with lemon zest and rosemary. Sadly we were under a booze ban and I could not buy a bottle to take home.

Wining and Dining

After our drinks we headed back to our room to read before taking a walk through Prince Albert. We had dinner in the Victorian Dining Room which has a lovely atmosphere, despite the air-conditioning being set too cold. Our wine choice for the night was a bottle of Alvi’s Drift Signature (R135). Dave had peri-peri chicken livers (R55) to start and I chose the vegan option of an antipasto platter (R50), both of which were very good.

As the kudu pot pie and lamb shank were not available, we both chose the lamb pie (R120). It was served with mash and vegetables of the day and was very meaty. To end our meal we had the cheese plate for 2 (R110) paired with the local Soetkaroo dessert wine (R40). I thought the meal was reasonably priced and the service was very good.

Breakfast

Our room rate (which was cheaper on booking.com than direct), included breakfast. This was served in the coffee shop and I was quite surprised to see an open buffet for the cold part of the Continental breakfast. Fresh juice and fruit salad as well as various cereals, cold meat and cheeses were on offer. We both chose the slimmer’s breakfast of poached egg with salmon and hollandaise served on an English muffin. I found the cottage cheese an interesting addition.

Contact Mont d’Or Swartberg Hotel directly to make a booking, or for possibly better rates, use this link to book your accommodation and get 10% back after your stay.

Footnote:

I let the hotel know about the noise from the staff and this was their feedback:

Good day ,

We have taken the noise up with the staff and discussed improvements with them.

Kind regards,

Mont d’Or Swartberg

Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime February 24:

• • 2020: Pappardelle
  • 2019: Manhunt
  • 2017: Crustless Quiche
  • 2016: From Venice To Istanbul
  • 2014: Sweet Potato Country Rolls
  • 2012: Baked Apples
  • 2011: Caponata

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