A night at the world’s best hotel

You won’t believe it, but South Africa’s La Residence in Franschoek captured the number one spot last year for the Top 100 Hotels and Resorts. The real question is… is it really the best hotel in the world?

There are some pretty luxurious and swanky hotels out there, but that doesn’t even begin to describe this place. La Residence Hotel & Spa in Franschoek Valley is perfection to a tee, and plenty of other people agree. Well, it did come in first as the best hotel in the world, so let’s find out why.

It seems that it is extremely hard to find fault with the place, and believe me people have tried!

- The WiFi? It is strong and there is connection anywhere you go in the hotel.

- The food? It’s included and it is delicious! You even have the option to go into the kitchen and help out or just observe, if the urge to be creative strikes you. Since the hotel can be booked as all inclusive or as a bed and breakfast, you can stuff your face as much as you like.

- There has to be screaming kids, right? Nope, not at all. Adults only in the main house and if you bring your kids along, you’re welcome to one of the villas. The great thing is that the separate villas are larger, family-friendly and even have their own pool!

- Stuffy butlers bothering you? Of course not. While you can pretty much get anything your heart desires with a simple phone call, and all the staff are very attentive, they also understand that most people just want to be left alone.

When La Residence was named the nest hotel in the world, it was described as a place that, “appeals to those who wish to be close to the action, but out of the limelight.” That’s actually a perfect description. It is nestled above Franschoek on a private road less than an hour from Cape Town, it benefits from being close to the bustle of the city, and also that it is in a quaint, arty village. Plus La Residence just happens to be in the food and wine capital of South Africa!

Each of the 11 suites and 5 villas has its own different vibe, colour scheme and fancy furnishings you’d expect to find in the world’s best hotel. Let’s not forget, it is said to have the nicest bathrooms in the whole southern hemisphere.

But, La Residence doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is plenty that is quirky about this place, like cool over-sized chairs on the balcony and unique art on the walls. The attitude they have is great, they are classy and not snooty at all, that’s one of the big things they have going for them.

La Residence really embodies what a true luxury boutique hotel should be. The only fault you can make here is to only stay for one night!

For a luxurious, self-catering apartment, with amazing views of the Mother City - book in at 808 Cartwright Corner today!