“Former family owned holiday home turned hotel Birkenhead House is the address in Hermanus for whale watching. A two-hour scenic drive from Cape Town it is well worth the trip. On brand colourful interiors courtesy of The Royal Portfolio it is the perfect family holiday or romantic retreat.”

Hotel review

Sitting out on the expansive terrace, listening to the sound of the ocean and feeling the salt spray on your skin, there are few more idyllic ways to spend an afternoon. That is until a waiter brings you a pot of tea and a slice of carrot cake, and points out two breaching whales in the distance. Yes, you really can spot them from the comfort of your room, dining table, or sofa at Birkenhead House. This former holiday home turned boutique hotel is the number one stay in Hermanus, the best place on the Western Cape for whale watching, and a watersports hub. Colourful rooms and lavish interiors add a touch of luxury, whilst an indulgent seasonal menu ensures guests want for nothing (yes there are some excellent restaurants in town, but you'll probably find yourself coming back to the hotel to eat, a testament to the chef)! Take a scenic walk along The Coastal Path into town, and meander through the native fynbos. Don't forget to pack your binoculars!

Megan Lambert
Megan Lambert Review published: 31/10/2018

Recommended for

  • Families

    • A perfect family break - excellent food and enough to tire out even the most active
  • Romantic Break

    • Utterly indulgent, Birkenhead House's wild backdrop makes for a romantic escape
  • Back to Nature

    • The Atlantic Ocean is right on your doorstep - a great stay for wildlife lovers
  • Watersports

    • Scuba diving, shark cage diving, surfing - there is plenty to do in the water in Hermanus
  • Great walks

    • Take a walk along the coastal path into town
  • Diving

    • Hermanus is a hub for scuba divers
  • Free wifi

  • Views

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Intimate

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Romantic

  • Four poster beds

  • Luxury

  • 5* Luxury

  • Child friendly

  • Antiques

  • Gym

  • Boutique

  • Spa

Facilities

  • Rooms

    11 rooms in this hotel
  • Swimming Pool

    Outdoor pool
  • Airport transfer

    Surcharge
  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Safe

  • Parking

  • Bar

  • Fireplace

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • In room DVD

  • Outdoor dining

  • Massage

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Spa

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Room service

  • Free wifi

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • In room music system

  • Four poster beds

  • Air conditioning

Activities

  • Watersports

    • Scuba diving, shark cage diving, surfing - there is plenty to do in the water in Hermanus
  • Great walks

    • Take a walk along the coastal path into town
  • Diving

    • Hermanus is a hub for scuba divers

Map & Location

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