A Review Of La Residence In Franschhoek

After so many years of working in the travel industry I am often asked by friends where my favourite place to stay is and the answer has for a long time (and shall remain as well) been La Residence. This stunning property on the outskirts of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands blends together all of the elements required to create the perfect hotel stay. Whilst this may seem like a grand statement, please allow me to elaborate why.

With 11 Suites and 5 detached Villas, the property never feels busy even when full and offers plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy their meals in. The décor is wonderfully elegant and comfortable, with huge chairs to relax in plenty of shaded veranda areas, all of which command stunning views up to the surrounding mountains and vineyards. The pool area is ideal for spending a lazy afternoon by, reading a book or just simply enjoying the views. Occasionally a Springbok from the adjacent paddock wanders by the property and makes for quite a sight as you are so far from their usual semi-desert habitat.

The service is superb, very discreet and instinctive, with the General Manager Edward making for an excellent host. The staff have the knack of knowing when to leave guests alone to relax and when someone needs something, whether you are simply relaxing by the pool or enjoying a glass of wine on the veranda. There are no knocks on the door for housekeeping in the mornings as staff know who is where at all times so you are never disturbed. For those looking to pre-book restaurants and excursions through us, these details will be passed to La Residence who will always double check and make sure everything is in place, but if you want to book anything locally their contacts mean tables in even the most popular restaurants can magically appear.

The food is wonderful, with a variety of options for breakfast, whilst lunch and dinner are set menu affairs, if there is anything on the menus not to your tastes then all that is needed is a word to the chef and a dish to your liking will be prepared. Lunches can be as simple as a light salad or sandwich but favourites such as fillet of beef, Franschhoek Trout and a variety of game meats are also served. Dinners are taken in the high ceilinged dining room, with it’s chequered marble floor and grand chandeliers making for a wonderful setting, especially in winter when a roaring fire accompanies proceedings. Again the menu offers plenty of variety with game meats and fish featuring prominently, followed by a selection of deserts and local cheeses which always proves popular. They also have a Chef’s Table experience where you are guided through each course by the highly skilled kitchen team and makes for a wonderful culinary experience. Naturally, all meals are accompanied by a selection of excellent local wines with the menu changing with the seasons to help bring out the best of both the food and the wine. Dining at La Residence is a magical experience and one not forgotten in a hurry.

The final thing that makes La Residence so perfect. Well, in keeping with it’s French name, I would like to call it the “Je ne sai quoi” of La Residence. I like to make a point of popping by here every time I am in the area and whether it is for a morning coffee, a glass of wine in the afternoon or a stay in one of their superb suites, I always find it an incredibly difficult place to leave. But don’t take my word for it, speak to one of our team and we will plan a trip around a stay here so you can enjoy the magic for yourself!

Speak to our travel experts to book your stay at La Residence, call 020 7843 3500 or enquire here.

A Review Of La Residence In Franschhoek