Reached by the scenic Montagu Pass, this former timber hub is now a prominent transport centre and boasts one of the most convenient airports along the Garden Route. Founded in 1811, George boasts some beautiful period buildings, including the tiny St Mark’s Cathedral and more imposing Dutch Reformed Mother Church. Our recommendations will show you the best places to stay in George for boutique luxury and total relaxation.

Five miles inland, George is a popular golfing holiday destination and is home to a selection of championship golf courses, including Fancourt Country Club and Kingswood Golf Estate. From golfing to mountain trails, it boasts a long list of outdoor activities to get stuck into. With plenty of charming, well-positioned places to stay, and some world-class facilities, little old George has some excellent options to choose from.

What not to miss:

• Take your pick and book a round at two of the best golf courses along the Garden Route, Fancourt Country Club and Kingswood Golf Estate.

• George Museum has exhibits on the local timber industry and is a great insight into the Garden Route's history. Transport enthusiasts will enjoy the Outeniqua Transport Museum, which has a wide collection of steam trains and vintage cars.

• Explore the Garden Route Botanical Gardens, which feature numerous trails and local fynbos plants.

• Head out on The Kaaimans River, a popular popular spot for hiking and white-water kayaking.

Our selection of the best places to stay in George provides a wide range of charming hotels in this quaint, historic town. Use our guide and start to plan your visit now.

The Best Places to stay in George

For value chic

• Providing excellent value, Loerie Lodge provides large en-suite bathrooms with family suites available too. There's a delightful outdoor garden, plus a pool, not to mention breakfast included in the price.
• Intimate, beautifully designed, Whispering Oaks Guest House ensures guests a cosy stay. Behind its Edwardian façade, white palettes are juxtaposed with soft lighting and antique furnishings. A home-cooked breakfast is served. You'd be hard-pressed to get such stylish interiors at this price elsewhere along the Garden Route.

For families

• Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains, 9 Fern Rest is an ideal family stay. This two-bedroom cottage, with open-plan living, includes indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas, as well as a fully-equipped kitchen — not to mention sprawling gardens and plenty of activities nearby.

For a boutique stay

• Out of town, along the coast, the clue is in the name at Views Boutique Hotel & Spa, set on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it's a modern coastal stay. Interiors are cool and nautical, plus you'll find luxurious bathrooms with huge tubs and private terraces for soaking up the vista.

For a guest house stay

• Delightful, three-bedroom, owner managed property, Malvern Manor, located on a working dairy farm, provides a wonderfully bucolic stay. Enjoy a homemade breakfast, and soak up the South African sunshine from the saltwater pool.
• A little rugged in places, Over The Mountain Guest Farm delivers on the price and homely service. Located just off the Montagu Pass, this 19th-century guest house forms part of the original town of Herold. There's even an inviting Tea Room popular with cyclists.

For all-out luxury

• Surrounded by manicured grounds and nearby golfing, Fancourt Hotel provides leisure and luxury in equal measure.

For golfing enthusiasts

• With its own 18-hole golf course, Oubaai Hotel Gold & Spa spoils guests with plenty of spa treatments and excellent dining.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to George?

• If you want to rent self-drive to explore the scenic Garden Route, visit our online partner Rentalcars.

• Alternatively, George Airport is but a 10-minute drive from town, with daily flights from Cape Town International Airport.

• For the best weather aim to visit between November and February, where temperatures are usually in the high 20°Cs. Between May and September see the coldest weather, though temperatures seldom drop below double figures.

Still not sure?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in Knysna, Mossel Bay, and Wilderness.
• Take a look at our guide to The Garden Route.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in George