Situated at the base of Paarl Rock, Grande Roche is a restored 19th-century manor house turned luxury hotel. The current house actually dates to the 1950s, and has been through several renovations since then, but it's modelled on the original Victorian-era structure. The landscape that surrounds the home has changed even less in the last century; in front of Grande Roche stretch the extensive vineyards of the Drakenstein Valley, and beyond them, the rugged Paarl mountains.
A local landmark, Grande Roche opened as a hotel in 1992 and since then has won a number of awards for its luxury accommodation and fine restaurant. It's generally regarded as one of the best hotels in the Winelands region.
The atmosphere at the Grande Roche is a little formal but not overly so. While the history of the building is apparent, it's also in many ways a very modern resort. The interiors are clean and have a very contemporary feel, and the gardens carefully manicured. There's a lovely sheltered pool for relaxing, shaded by palm trees.
The service at Grande Roche is to a high standard, and the food exceptional. As a small, luxury hotel, the service is personal and dedicated.
Grande Roche is a great hotel from which to explore the Winelands. It's about 10 minutes from the centre of Paarl. The hotel staff organise tours of the vineyards, and there are numerous cycling and walking trails in the local area.
Accommodation
34 suites and standard rooms, all comfortably furnished in a modern style. All rooms are air-conditioned and heated (underfloor heating), and have the expected mod-cons: satellite TV, safe, tea/coffee facilities, minibar, and complimentary toiletries. The suites have a separate lounge.
Dining
For formal occasions, the award-winning Bosman’s Restaurant is a dinner restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine. The Bistro Allegro, on the other hand, offers a more informal atmosphere, with meals served either on the pool patio or in its modern interior.
Grande Roche's wine cellar has some 6,500 bottles.
Facilities
- Two large swimming pools
- Gymnasium
- Tennis courts
- Spa and hair salon
- Wine cellar
- Private dining room
Activities
Available locally (mostly at an additional cost):
- Explore the beautiful Winelands region
- Wine tasting
- Golf (3km from Grande Roche)
- Tennis on the hotel grounds
- Hiking and biking excursions
- Paragliding and helicopter trips
- Chocolate and cheese tasting
- Visit the numerous local wineries
Child Policy
Children of all ages accommodated.
