Franschhoek accommodation for the whole family.

Franschhoek accommodation attracts visitors from far and wide. Situated at the very heart of the Cape Winelands, this verdant region is known as one of South Africa’s most important wine production areas and home to a great many historic estates. Imagine spending a weekend in the opulence of a Franschhoek hotel, sipping a maiden vintage on the veranda of your en suite room as the sun goes down… Now picture this with children running around.

Doesn’t quite work, does it? It’s a sad fact that many accommodation establishments are becoming increasingly intolerant of young children. One can understand their argument; patrons who don’t have children of their own seldom have much patience with rambunctious children and often complain of noise and disturbance. This puts managerial staff in an awkward position.

So, does this mean that you’ll be banished to the Holiday Inn until your ankle-biters hit puberty? Not necessarily. There are still a few Franschhoek hotels that go the extra mile to accommodate families. Here is a list of the child-friendly Franschhoek accommodation venues we recommend:

1. Franschhoek Country House: This Franschhoek hotel and spa is a mere hour’s drive away from the bustling metropolis of Cape Town and is the perfect location for a weekend breakaway. A restored manor house and former perfumery that dates back all the way to 1890, the Country House offers a variety of accommodation options including luxury en suite rooms, villa suites and garden cottages.

The garden cottages are perfect for families with children as this will allow your offspring to amuse themselves in the garden instead of running amuck in the hallways of the big house. There are also two swimming pools (one of which is heated) that are sure to keep everyone cool and entertained for hours on end.

The Country House is renowned for the delectable Modern French cuisine served at their onsite restaurant, Monneaux, which has been voted one of South Africa’s favourite restaurants. Children of all ages are welcome at this lovely Franschhoek hotel. All you need to do is call ahead; secure a booking and you could be on your way to paradise in no time.

2. Mont Rachelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards: Interested in introducing your sprouts to the finer things in life? The Mont Rachelle is where you want to go. Situated on the slopes of the beautiful Franschhoek mountains, this exclusive Franschhoek hotel provides plenty of opportunity for outdoor leisure pursuits like hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horse riding – perfect for active families. You can even participate in a spot of paragliding if you wish!

Add to this exceptional service, beautiful décor, an award-winning onsite restaurant and a gorgeous setting and you can understand why some patrons have trouble heading back home.

3. Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa: Pining for a pampering weekend away, but don’t have the heart to leave the kids at home? No worries, the Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is at your service. Book in for a weekend of luxurious beauty treatments and in between take the kids out horse riding, fishing and swimming at facilities in the vicinity.

The very essence of sophisticated charm, this stunning establishment boasts three lovely restaurants and 79 beautifully appointed en suite bedrooms.

Having children shouldn’t exclude you from enjoying the finer things in life. Pack up the kids and head out to one of these family-friendly Franschhoek hotels for a well deserved weekend away.

Hailey Morrison works for a Franschhoek accommodation website that specializes in child-friendly Franschhoek hotels.