Hidden away in a shady, green and peaceful corner of the Stellenbosch Winelands, Protea Hotel Devon Valley has rewarded many a weary traveller and casual visitor with an oasis of relaxation.
Location
20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 35 minutes drive via the N1 or N2 to central Cape Town. 6km from Stellenbosch City Centre. 12 km from Spier Estate. Minutes from historical monuments and nightlife.
Attractions
Steeped in history, there are many attractions in the village and surrounding areas. These include a brandy cellar, cheetah conservation area, a herb nursery and a Toy and Miniature Museum, the only one of its kind in South Africa.
One of the most famous roads in the town, Dorp Street, has the longest row of historical buildings in the country. In the lower part of Dorp Street an elegant, gabled mansion houses the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Museum. Next to it is the Stellenryck Wine Museum.
The Stellenbosch Village Museum, in Ryneveld Street, is a superb collection of historic houses ranging in periods from 1709 to 1850; and each is restored and furnished in the style of its particular period. Well worth a visit.
Other interesting buildings include the Theological College, the Old Reading Room, the Old Parsonage, the Old Lutheran Church (now an art gallery) and Oom Samie se Winkel, one of Stellenbosch`s first general dealer stores, crammed with traditional fare, bric-a-brac, curios and other exciting goods.
Hotel Rooms
Classic Rooms (21 rooms) - 30 sq. metres
These rooms are situated in the historic cedar wood building and the adjoining courtyard annex and have all been wonderfully refurbished to reflect the contemporary colonial feel of the hotel. All these rooms have luxurious bath rooms with the majority having separate free standing Queen Anne baths and spacious showers. Double rooms have queen size extra length beds and twin rooms have two three quarter extra length beds. They are individually air-conditioned and the valley facing rooms each have their own private decks. The north facing rooms open into private courtyards and have wonderful views of the vineyards or olive groves.
Junior Suite (1 room) - 45 sq. metres
This generously spacious room has a stylish lounge area, extra length queen bed, luxurious bath room with a separate free standing Queen Anne bath and shower. Double French doors lead out onto a tranquil courtyard with views of the vineyards. This room is individually air-conditioned.
Family Suite (1 room) - 47 sq. metres
This room is situated in the historic cedar wood building and has been wonderfully refurbished to reflect the contemporary colonial feel of the hotel. It has a luxurious bath room suitable to the family with a double vanity and a separate free standing Queen Anne bath and spacious shower. The main room has a queen size extra length bed and the children's room has two three quarter extra length beds. They are individually air-conditioned. The room is north facing and opens into an intimate courtyard with water feature and olive grove.
Cellar Rooms (8 rooms) - 40 sq. metres
These rooms are located in the original Devon Valley cellars and have unobstructed views of the valley each with its own patio. They are spacious rooms with high ceilings, tiled floors, ceiling fans and their own fire places. The mood is that of the wonderful rustic charm of the wine lands. The rooms have baths with over head showers.
Manor House (8 rooms) - 30 to 50 sq. metres
The original farm house set in beautifully landscaped gardens has a variety of rooms to offer classically spacious living with fire places and large bathrooms and other more intimate leading to the pool. The house has it's own private pool and Jacuzzi. Spacious rooms have two queen size beds for families while the twin rooms have two three quarter beds.
All rooms have colour satellite TV.
Hotel Facilities
Flavours Restaurant: The hotel was home to the highly acclaimed Vineleaf Restaurant which won numerous awards, including the Diners Club Winelist of the Year Diamond Award for 2000, 2001 and 2002. However, as part of the hotel's rejuvenation process, the restaurant has been newly christened 'Flavours' and offers GUESTS and visitors authentic, Contemporary Cape Cuisine. The restaurant has a gentle and homely ambience, offering any special occasion understated elegance in a picturesque setting. The restaurant's focus is on bold flavours, celebrating classic, uncomplicated dishes and fresh, clean tastes. Best described as concept of food that is essentially simple, but where flavour always comes first.
'Flavours' is about bringing people together and celebrating what is good about life.
Vineyard Terrace: The hotel's bar and lounge area lead out onto the Vineyard Terrace, which is the ideal spot for light and lazy lunches with breathtaking views of the Devon Valley and the Helderberg in the distance. It is extremely popular for functions and weddings and many a memorable occasion has been facilitated by the natural beauty of the area, the friendly and attentive staff and the delectable, authentic yet contemporary, Cape cuisine.The terrace is a place to unwind after busy activity. If you can find the time for quiet contemplation, some much-needed relaxation, or a joyous celebration - the Vineyard Terrace has to be the ultimate destination.
Cedarwood Lounge: Formerly known by the quirky name - the 'Cat & Moose Bar', the stylishly decorated Cedarwood Lounge proudly boasts some of the most comfortable and trendy leather couches in the entire Stellenbosch Winelands area. This much-coveted and ever-popular seating area is highly conducive to long evenings alongside the cosy fireplace. The Cedarwood Lounge and Bar is also home to one of the largest collections of Single Malt Whiskeys in South Africa and is frequented by self-confessed whisky lovers from all over the globe. The enigmatic and fairly controversial beverage, 'Absinthe', which has fascinated and delighted people for centuries, can also be sampled here.The Cedarwood Lounge will inevitably lay claim to quite a large portion of any unsuspecting visitor's schedule and a fair amount of time should be allocated for the thorough enjoyment of this wonderfully welcoming and cosy corner of the Protea Hotel Devon Valley.
Sporting and Leisure Facilities:
The hotel has 2 swimming pools and boules on a dedicated Petanque court. Vineyard walks are very popular and an 18-hole golf course is less than 10 minutes away. Serious hikers can enjoy an optional 12km or 24km trail over the Pappegaaiberg while birdwatchers can find a fascinating variety of bird life at nearby protea plantations.
Tutored wine-tasting afternoons can be arranged in which local wines are introduced, along with hand-made farm cheeses. Private tastings and cellar tours at nearby estates can also be arranged.
Conference and Banqueting Facilities:
The SylvanVale Rooms 1 and 2, as well as the Platters Room, are flooded with natural light from large bay windows, fully air-conditioned and can be configured to almost any seating requirement.
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