Hi, I am planning my first trip to South Africa for December, and I am trying to decide about where to stay in Stellenbosch. I am choosing between the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch Dorpshuis & Spa.

I was wondering which of the two people would recommend. In particular, I was wondering about the room quality, which seems to vary a lot across Protea properties and among individuals rooms within a property. I assume that booking with points (as only a Marriott Rewards silver member) and traveling in December, that I would get a standard/basic room, so if one of the hotels has significantly better standard rooms, I probably would choose it. FYI, I am not expecting a luxury room or a large room. I only am trying to avoid a room that is in need of repair or updates to the extent that it would make a short stay unpleasant. If there is not a big difference in room quality, I prefer the location on Dorp Street to give me the option of walking to restaurants for dinner, although I will have a car. Also, if either location is not suitable (i.e., safe) for a solo female traveler, that is another factor for me.

Thanks!