Champagne Castle Hotel

The luxurious and spacious Deluxe Rooms come in a variety of orientations: Mountain View, Mountain Facing and Garden Facing. Although the views may change depending on which room you choose, the quality and standard remain the same.

You will be greeted with complimentary sherry on arrival, after which you can slip into some soft gowns provided by the hotel, before becoming acquainted with your living space. The rooms are minimalist in their design, with a focus on space and natural light. Finely crafted mahogany bedside tables flank the central bed which can consist of twin beds or a double according to the guest’s preference.

Comfortable wicker chairs provide the perfect place to sit and enjoy some local television or to contemplate the day’s events. All the Deluxe Rooms are ensuite, with both a shower and a bath. Each Deluxe Room also comes with its own private patio, perfect for capturing the early morning sunshine or basking in the tranquillity of the moonlight.

For larger parties, there is an option for a double-storey Deluxe Family Room which offers partial views of the Drakenberg mountains. These special rooms consist of a main upstairs bedroom which comes complete with all the amenities available in the other Deluxe Rooms, such as the king size bed, private patio, shower and bath with the added bonus of a downstairs bedroom.

This second bedroom has twin beds, as well as a third pullout bed perfect for a young child. The downstairs bathroom consists of either a bath or a shower, as well as hosting its own private patio. Two of the Deluxe Family Rooms also have convenient wheelchair access in an attempt to make everyone’s stay as comfortable as possible.

Slightly smaller than the Deluxe Rooms, the Standard Rooms consist of a main bedroom separated from a sun-room by elegant Louvre doors. The sun-room is suitable for one child and affords guests staying in the bedroom some well-earned privacy. Each room contains comfortable double or twin beds and has a bath with shower capabilities, as well as a private patio.

These quaint, airy, white-walled rooms look out onto the colourful and beautifully maintained garden and are available in two styles: Hotel Room or Thatched Rondavel. The Rondavel is an authentic homage to the traditional conical huts popular with the indigenous tribal people of South Africa, with all the amenities and conveniences you would expect from a luxury hotel. The rooms are simple yet classy, and come with a seperate bath and shower as well as a twin or double bed.

For those seeking a bit more independence during their stay, the self-catering chalets are the perfect option. Seven of these luxurious chalets dot the site and are able to host a maximum of six people including children and babies, with room for 4 adults and 2 children in the loft.

Striking tribal art adorns the roomy open-plan living area, including a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, where you will be greeted with complimentary tea and coffee on arrival. Enter the toasty underfloor heated lounge and take a seat on the plush couch or wicker chairs and spend the night reminiscing in front of the fire with friends and family about the day’s events.

Before retiring to one of the two private bedrooms – the main with a deluxe king size bed and the other with twin beds which can be converted into a double – while the children rest in the open-plan loft bedroom upstairs which comes with its own private dressing room. If you want to sample some of the glorious African sunshine, guests can also relax on their private patio which comes with a dining table and loungers as well as a Weber braai grill perfect for a summer BBQ with friends and family.

Six of the seven chalets come with three bathrooms equipped with a shower and a fourth with both a bath and a shower to provide maximum choice. A slightly smaller dog-friendly chalet is also available, it comes with one less bathroom although it is fully fenced and tiled throughout making it the perfect place to bring a small pet which are welcomed after securing a special arrangement with the hotel.

Slightly away from the rest of the accommodation, nestled besides the nearby forest and overlooking the hotel’s trout dams are the two Luxurious Suites. This opulent living option consists of a bright and spacious open-plan lounge / dining / kitchen area with all the understated elegance you can expect from Champagne Castle Hotel. Two bedrooms, hosting a king size bed and double beds respectively, offer you the perfect place to rest after you have soaked in one of the leisurely spa baths to be found in either of the two modern bathrooms.

Both the lounge and bathrooms are equipped with underfloor heating to make sure you are always walking in complete luxury. As well as all this interior indulgence, step outside onto a large furnished patio which services the lounge and two bedrooms and offers a breathtaking view of the Drakenberg mountains.

The hotel restaurant can seat 140 people and offers impressive views of both the hotel verandah and the storied peaks of the surrounding mountains. An extensive menu is offered for all three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and is served buffet style in a true communal spirit.

For those seeking a slightly different outdoor experience, the large mountain-facing patio which also overlooks the pool, provides its own menu which is available 10am – 5pm daily (baring 12 – 2:30pm on Sundays where guests can enjoy lunch in the restaurant).

Open till late, the atmospheric hotel bar also provides patio access and a view of the mountain range as well as an open fire to relax besides.

The luxury of the hotel is maintained by a smart-casual dress code which takes effect after 6pm and prohibits the wearing of shorts.

Located just below the Drakensberg, the hotel is the perfect base to plan a foray up into the mountains on one of the eight hiking trails which leave directly from the site. Use the intuitive free app Wikiloc (which the reception team will be happy to help you access) to help guide you on your way. Whether it’s witnessing the spectacular power of some of the multiple waterfalls nearby, the serenity of the Duiker Dam or capturing a glimpse of a Drakensberg Rockjumper or another member of the area’s prodigious aviary population, you will not be dissapointed.

For those seeking a more communal experience, daily guided walks are also available and led by local experts with extensive and interesting knowledge about the area.

Hiking isn’t for everyone, and perhaps you are looking for a more relaxing way to pass your time while staying at the hotel. If so, the on-site Spa and Wellness Centre is the perfect place for you. The centre offers a wide range of natural treatments suitable for both men and women aimed at revitalising your mind and body. From deep massages with organic plant extracts to deep cleanse facial treatments, there is something for everyone at the Spa and Wellness Centre.

A host of sporting activities are available at the hotel which are sure to grab your interest regardless of skill level or preference. Tennis and badminton courts are available for anyone interested in more active teamsports, whereas those seeking a slower pace of fun can enjoy a game of lawn bowls or attempt to unleash their inner chess master on the giant chess board.

Any prospective anglers can also try their hand at fishing in the trout dams located within the hotel grounds.

The hotel is also host to its very own animal farm and bird aviary, perfect for wildlife lovers of all ages. The diverse collection of native wildlife is not just for visual enjoyment, as guests can even clamber atop the energetic horses and take a ride around the site, soaking in the beautiful vistas the region has to offer.