Originally Posted by
needtoescape
Thanks, Happy! No problem with transportation, as I will have a car. I'm not a big fan of "quaint" hotels when it really means run down, so I now am leaning towards the Techno Park property. I am planning a trip for December, and the Protea in Franschhoek is not available for my dates, so I am planning to reserve one of the Stellenbosch hotels soon.
Originally Posted by
Roger
Happy has it right!
If I were going again, of these two I'd choose the Techno Park.
I'd also be looking at bed-and-breakfasts, which are of a generally high standard in SA - we had some good stays in Stellenbosch and elsewhere - but that's a different discussion.
Good luck with your choice!
Agree on the quality of independent lodging options in South Africa.
I actually held a reservation at the "spa" property on the pre-March rate but decided it was not a property we would be happy to stay in.
Am looking at the Arabella Hotel at Kleinmond now but think we would do better to find something in either Strand or Gordon Bay instead. Very mixed reviews everywhere I read, many claimed it had fallen to disarray ever since reflagged from SPG to Protea.
I agree with a poster upthread - Marriott needs to more actively manage the Protea group to at least assure a certain standard that is required being in the Marriott family.