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4- and 5-star hotels in Hermanus
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Hermanus, from town-centre boutiques to a nature reserve and a country estate. It is for travellers who want rated, well-reviewed places to stay near the cliff path, the beaches or the golf course.
Staying in Hermanus
Hermanus is a coastal town known for land-based whale watching, particularly southern right whales seen from the cliff path between June and November. The town centre is close to the Old Harbour, restaurants, shops and whale-watching spots, and the cliff path is walkable. Several of these hotels sit along Marine Drive, minutes from the centre, while others are in Westcliff to the west and Voëlklip to the east.
The shortlist suits different trips. Couples and short-break visitors are well served by the Marine Drive and Harbour Road boutiques; families have options with family rooms, playgrounds and pools in Voëlklip and the Arabella estate; and golfers or spa-goers can base themselves at the estate or the reserve. Ratings run from 4.4 to 4.8, so even the most-reviewed properties hold up well.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Grootbos Nature Reserve
148 Route 43, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereSet 22.2 km from Hermanus centre on the 148 Route 43, Grootbos Nature Reserve pairs a 5-star stay with a spa, an outdoor pool and horse back riding on site. Families are well served by family rooms, a playground and babysitting service. With 4.8 out of 5 from 693 reviews, it suits guests who want a nature reserve base away from town and are happy to be there rather than in the centre.
See Grootbos Nature ReserveOne Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
1 Marine Drive, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA 5-star boutique hotel 0.7 km from the centre, One Marine Drive puts sea views, an outdoor pool and beach access within a short distance of Hermanus town. Couples and small parties have a lounge, bar and room service, with golf and diving nearby for active days. Rated 4.8 out of 5 across 174 reviews.
See One Marine Drive Boutique HotelArabella Hotel Golf and Spa
Arabella Country Estate R44 To Kleinmond Overberg, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereArabella Hotel Golf and Spa is a 5-star country estate 14.2 km from Hermanus, built around a golf course with indoor pool, gymnasium and fitness centre. Family rooms, a cot and babysitting service make it workable for guests travelling with children, and dining runs from buffet to bar snacks. Rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 2386 reviews.
See Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa7 on Marine
7 Marine Dr, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay here7 on Marine sits on Marine Drive 0.7 km from the centre, and its balconies face the sea. A 5-star house with a jacuzzi, sauna and outdoor pool, it appeals to couples and anyone who wants coastal views, a lounge and restaurant within walking distance of town. Guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 from 154 reviews.
See 7 on MarineMosselberg on Grotto Beach
253A Tenth Street Voelklip, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereMosselberg on Grotto Beach is a 5-star guest house 5.4 km from the centre, close to the beach and lake, with an outdoor pool and garden. Kitchen and kitchenette units plus family-friendly spaces suit longer beachside stays, and massage is available on site. It holds 4.7 out of 5 from 107 reviews.
See Mosselberg on Grotto BeachThe Marine Hermanus
Marine Drive, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereThe Marine Hermanus, 1.0 km from the centre on Marine Drive, is the town's long-standing 5-star address, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and massage among its facilities. Concierge and babysitting service support both couples and families, and whale-watching, golf and diving are within easy reach. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 826 reviews.
See The Marine HermanusOn the Cliff Guest House
42 Westcliff Rd, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereOn the Cliff Guest House, 1.1 km from the centre on Westcliff Rd, is a 5-star property with sea views, a salt water pool and sauna. Family rooms and a garden make it comfortable for households, while massage and a lounge cover quieter evenings. No guest rating is shown for this hotel.
See On the Cliff Guest HouseWhales & Waves
109 Church Street House 17 Beach Club, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Pool bar
Why stay hereWhales & Waves is a 4-star apartment-style stay 2.8 km from the centre, offering a private beach, outdoor pool and games room for families. A full kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave suits self-catering groups, and there is a playground and picnic area on site. Guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 from 1034 reviews.
See Whales & WavesMisty Waves Boutique Hotel
21 Marine Drive, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereMisty Waves Boutique Hotel lies on Marine Drive 0.7 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, garden and easy access to the beach. Family rooms and kitchenette units suit longer stays, and dining covers lunch and dinner with a bar on site. It scores 4.6 out of 5 from 904 reviews.
See Misty Waves Boutique HotelFestina Lente in Onrus
5 De Kock Close, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereFestina Lente in Onrus is a 4-star house 5.1 km from the centre, with a fireplace, terrace and garden for relaxed days. The kitchen, washing machine and dishwasher suit families and longer self-catering stays, and pets are allowed. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 88 reviews.
See Festina Lente in OnrusOn The Rocks
93 Westcliff Road, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereOn The Rocks is a 4-star property 1.7 km from the centre on Westcliff Road, with sea views, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The kitchen, terrace and family rooms make it a practical choice for groups, and there is parking and a garage. Guests give it 4.7 out of 5 from 103 reviews.
See On The RocksSeven on Flora Hot Tub Modern with Amazing Outside Area
7 Flora Avenue Main House, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSeven on Flora is a 4-star house 0.3 km from the centre, with a jacuzzi and hot tub and a large outside area. A kitchen with oven and dishwasher plus family rooms suit groups and longer stays, while the garden and pool cover downtime. It rates 4.5 out of 5 from 831 reviews.
See Seven on Flora Hot Tub Modern with Amazing Outside AreaAuberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa
16 Harbour Road, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereAuberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa is a 4-star address 1.0 km from the centre on Harbour Road, with an outdoor pool, sauna and spa. Breakfast, room service and a restaurant are on hand, and a kitchenette unit helps for longer visits. It is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 234 reviews.
See Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & SpaHarbour House Hotel
22 Harbour Road, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHarbour House Hotel, 1.0 km from the centre on Harbour Road, is a 4-star hotel with sea views, a spa and jacuzzi. Kitchen and kitchenette units, family rooms and a pool suit couples and families wanting harbour-side self-catering options. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 763 reviews.
See Harbour House HotelHarbour House Hotel Harbour Square
22 Harbour Road 3, Hermanus, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHarbour House Hotel Harbour Square is a 4-star property 1.1 km from the centre on Harbour Road, looking out to the sea. A pool, spa and restaurant are on site, and kitchen units with oven and microwave support longer stays for families or groups. Guests rate it 4.4 out of 5 from 762 reviews.
See Harbour House Hotel Harbour Square
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grootbos Nature Reserve | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 693 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 22.2 km |
| One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 174 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,386 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 14.2 km |
| 7 on Marine | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 154 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Mosselberg on Grotto Beach | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 107 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 5.4 km |
| The Marine Hermanus | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 826 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| On the Cliff Guest House | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.1 km |
| Whales & Waves | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,034 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 2.8 km |
| Misty Waves Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 904 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.7 km |
| Festina Lente in Onrus | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 88 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 5.1 km |
| On The Rocks | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 103 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.7 km |
| Seven on Flora Hot Tub Modern with Amazing Outside Area | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 831 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 234 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| Harbour House Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 763 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 1.0 km |
| Harbour House Hotel Harbour Square | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 762 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.1 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Whales & Waves lists family rooms, a playground and a pool bar, and Harbour House Hotel adds family rooms, a pool and kitchens. Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa has family rooms, a playground, babysitting, indoor and outdoor pools, and Misty Waves Boutique Hotel offers family rooms, a pool, kitchenettes and babysitting.
Whales & Waves · Harbour House Hotel · Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa · Misty Waves Boutique Hotel
For couples
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, 7 on Marine and Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa are all rated 4.5 or higher, with sea or coastal settings and spa or sauna facilities. Mosselberg on Grotto Beach sits near Grotto Beach in Voëlklip, with a pool, garden and massage.
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel · 7 on Marine · Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa · Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
For golf and spa
Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa has a golf course, gym, indoor pool and spa on a country estate. Grootbos Nature Reserve offers a spa, sauna and outdoor pool in a reserve setting. Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa has a pool, sauna and restaurant in the town centre.
Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa · Grootbos Nature Reserve · Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa
Closest to the centre
Seven on Flora is 0.3 km from the centre, while One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, 7 on Marine and Misty Waves Boutique Hotel are each 0.7 km away. All are in or beside central Hermanus, within easy reach of the cliff path and whale-watching spots.
Seven on Flora Hot Tub Modern with Amazing Outside Area · One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel · 7 on Marine · Misty Waves Boutique Hotel
Where to stay in Hermanus
Westcliff
A residential area on the western side of Hermanus, known for quiet streets and proximity to the cliff path, with views over Walker Bay. On the Cliff Guest House and On The Rocks both sit on Westcliff Road, and On The Rocks has sea views.
Our picks here: On the Cliff Guest House · On The Rocks
Voëlklip
A coastal suburb to the east, popular for beaches such as Grotto Beach and Kammabaai and a gateway to the cliff path. Mosselberg on Grotto Beach is here on Tenth Street, 5.4 km from the centre, with a pool, garden and massage.
Our picks here: Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Hermanus is about 120 kilometres from Cape Town, accessible by road via the N2 and R43. There is no airport in Hermanus; the nearest major airport is Cape Town International. Buses and shuttle services connect Cape Town to Hermanus, and the journey takes around two hours. Getting around Hermanus is easiest by car, but the town centre and cliff path are walkable. Local taxis and ride-sharing services are available, though less frequent. For exploring nearby beaches, vineyards and the Overberg region, having a vehicle is helpful.
When to go
The best time to visit Hermanus is during the southern right whale season, from June to November, with peak sightings typically from August to October. The Hermanus Whale Festival usually takes place in late September or early October. Summer, from December to February, offers warm weather for beach activities, while spring (September to November) brings wildflowers and mild temperatures. Winter (June to August) can be cooler and wetter, but it is prime whale-watching time.
Things to do near Hermanus
- A September Whale-Watching Day Trip from Cape Town to Hermanus
- Driving Cape Town to Hermanus Along Clarence Drive: Where to Stop
- Getting to Hermanus from Cape Town: Road, Bus and Air Options
- Hermanus in October: Whale Season and Cliff Walks from Cape Town
- Hermanus in October: Whale Watching Logistics and Timing
- A long weekend in Hermanus and the Overberg: a three-day plan from Cape Town
- Hermanus hotels with whale-watching sea views, ranked
- Whale-season hotels in Hermanus and the Overberg, ranked
Questions, answered
Which hotels are closest to the centre of Hermanus?
Seven on Flora is 0.3 km from the centre. One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, 7 on Marine and Misty Waves Boutique Hotel are each 0.7 km away, while The Marine Hermanus, Auberge Burgundy and Harbour House Hotel are about 1.0 km.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
Yes. Harbour House Hotel and Festina Lente in Onrus both list pets allowed among their facilities. Both are 4-star, rated 4.4 and 4.8 respectively.
Which hotels have a pool?
Many do, including Grootbos Nature Reserve, One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa, Mosselberg on Grotto Beach, The Marine Hermanus, On the Cliff Guest House, Whales & Waves, Misty Waves Boutique Hotel, On The Rocks and Harbour House Hotel.
Which hotels are best for families?
Whales & Waves and Misty Waves Boutique Hotel list family rooms. Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa adds a playground and babysitting, while Harbour House Hotel offers family rooms, kitchens and a pool. Whales & Waves also lists a playground and games room.
Which hotels have a spa or sauna?
Grootbos Nature Reserve has a spa and sauna, as do Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa and Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa. 7 on Marine and On the Cliff Guest House list a sauna, and Harbour House Hotel lists a spa.
Is parking available at these hotels?
Yes. Free car parking is listed at nearly every property, including Grootbos Nature Reserve, One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, Arabella Hotel Golf and Spa, 7 on Marine, Mosselberg on Grotto Beach, The Marine Hermanus and Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Which hotel is the top-rated pick?
Grootbos Nature Reserve and One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel share the highest guest rating, 4.8 out of 5, from 693 and 174 reviews. Festina Lente in Onrus is also rated 4.8, from 88 reviews, and 7 on Marine, Mosselberg on Grotto Beach and On The Rocks are rated 4.7.