Overall Ratings & Reviews De Doornkraal Vinotel

We loved our stay at Doorn Kraal. Firstly the staff are lovely and so professional. Our room (the 2 bedroom cottage) was super neat and tidy, and it had everything we needed and it was very quiet as it’s a bit further away. Just be mindful at night, there may be one or two spiders in the trees when you walk to the cottage (have a flashlight). The food was soo delicious, we could not stop thinking about the wonderful dinner. We will stay again. Thanks to all the staff!

Friendly Clean Enjoy stay

The property is in a parlous state of repair. Windows that a terrible and need replacing, the shower in our room was unacceptable as was the floor in the bathroom. None of the doors fitted and the locks were useless. Our bedroom was tawdry and needs a serious revamp - acually everything does. Dinner was mediocre although the estate shiraz was good . Breakfast was good but very slow. Will I stay here again? No! Very expensive for what you get

We stayed here to break up the drive from Cape Town to Knysna. Traveling with a 5 and 2-year old, we wanted a place that was family friendly. The staff was exceptionally friendly and accommodating for our family, the pool was a great relief from the warm summer day, and the food was prepared to perfection by the spirited chef. We stayed in the two-bedroom cottage and it was perfect for a family of 4. A sleepy city, but if you are looking for a relaxing place to help break up a long car ride, a perfect stop.

This hotel could be wonderful with better and friendlier service and greater attention to detail. The hotel is in one of Riversdale's historic buildings and in a quiet location well off the main road. We arrived to find the reception office locked. The proprietor arrived, asked us into her office, sat at her desk and after some time asked us to sit down. We felt rather like naughty schoolchildren in front of the teacher's desk! Her only real comment to us was that she was glad we had paid in full, because it was less work for her. She directed us to our room, but gave us no information about the hotel, times for dinner and breakfast, etc, nor was there any of this information in the room. The room was small, with only one upright chair, so one person had to sit or lie on the bed. There were no toiletries of any kind provided in the bathroom - we had to ask for a bar of soap so that we could wash our hands. The shower leaked considerably and flooded the bathroom. On the plus side, the bed was comfortable, with good sheets and pillows and the room was attractively furnished. We decided we would use the pool after our journey, but it was covered in scum and fallen leaves, so changed our minds. There were a few loungers, but with no cushions nor pool towels. We had to track someone down to ask for a beer. Dinner was well cooked and presented. Huge potential but at present a disappointing place to stay.

Overnight stopover during garden route travels . Excellent experience with Chris and his team making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive until you leave . Rooms are comfortable and very clean . Gardens well maintained and encourage you sit back and relax and enjoy the sunshine . The restaurant is like an oasis in a desert with some of the best food I have enjoyed in south Africa . A substantial menu choice in a very nice restaurant with great service and excellent food . Would definitely recommend that you experience this hotel and the great service from Chris and the team for yourself and don't think that you will be disappointed and will leave with a smile on your face. Will definitely stay here again

Free laundry because we stayed three nights. So helpful, lovely staff.

The restaurant is Fantastic , dinner and breakfast 5* . The hotel is I would say 3* It is an old hotel and has a lovely garden and bedding and bed is fine just that no airconditioner and for a 4* and at R1500 per night per couple , I think that should be included. I would really go back for the food but you can get alternative accommodation at a lower rate. The Manager is great and he is also the fantastic chef! So spend your money on the food!

This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed with exceptional hospitality and professionalism. The room was beautiful with a vineyard out the window and a willow with birds' nests. High security, amazing food and delicious wines. Paradise all around.

my wife and I stayed for one night on the recommendation of a friend who stayed last year. We were not disappointed. The rooms were very basic but clean, and need air conditioning..there is a fan. The swimming pool was just the right temperature and very clean. Christopher , the manager, is an excellent host and could not do enough for us. He is a really fine chef and we had the most wonderful meal. I would recommend this hotel for only a one night stay

This is a historic building but well maintained and functional. Absolutely awesome is the only way to describe the service you get at De Doornkraal. I wish we could have stayed longer as 1 night wasn't really enough. We were the only guests the night we were there and were treated like Royalty from the moment we arrived and nothing was too much trouble. Dinner was full al a carte service with a full menu with plenty of choice and again for breakfast. Often hotels cut back menus etc when times are quiet but not here and I am sure nothing changes when it is busy either. Big hotel chains should send their staff her to learn what hospitality is about and how to treat customers.

There has been very few occasions in our travels when we have been so very impressed with everything BUT this stay was by far the best experience we had in a month of travelling SA.. Chef Christopher and his well trained team looked after us so well from the moment we arrived. We cannot fault any aspect of our stay and we will for sure return! Not only was this the best place to stay the food was utterly wonderful and we were so sad to leave. You dont have to go anywhere else in Riversdale just relax and enjoy the specialist attention..its a very rare treat!

We had a lovely time in every way. The room was good but the plugs for recharging toothbrush holder, Ipad and electric shaver were too low. My husband had to lie on the floor to shave! Very welcoming staff and excellent food and wonderful ambiance.

From the time we arrived & were given a warm welcome by Chris, we loved our stay at De Doornkraal. Our evening meal was a delight & breakfast too.The perfect place to stop off on the garden route. We had been staying in Knysna & decided to find somewhere en-route to Cape Town to divide up the journey. This place out did expectations in every way.

Fabulous chef/manager. He will make you laugh and fill your belly with good food. Staff all gracious and eager to please. A hidden gem. Go and stay here and support people trying to make a difference in SA.

Excellent host and general manager who is the chef de cuisine. Would visit again for the hospitality and food

A wonderful welcome to this charming hotel. Staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. Food was amazing in the restaurant and a delicious breakfast with lots of produce fresh from the hotels garden. Just wish we had stayed longer. Highly recommended.

Proprietor kindly honoured much lower rate incorrectly quoted by expedia, and was extemely solicitous.Welcome drink of our choice by pool. Vine cottage had kitchen and sitting room in addition to the two en suite bedrooms. Excellent meals and large portions.hotel in quiet location in very pleasant friendly town.

We stayed here on the way from Knysna to Cape Town. All of the staff werre friendly and helpful. The colonial style buildings were cool inside - and rooms were large. The food at breakfast and dinner was excellent. For a 1 night stay i highly recommend this hotel.

Excellent stay - unfortunately only for 1 night. Staff extremely helpful and hospitable. Fabulous evening meal and breakfast. Would definitely return.