Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel descritpion

In the middle of the rolling Stellenbosch hills, at the foot of a quiet dam, this 5-star hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. It features an outdoor pool with a terrace.
The air conditioned rooms at Asara Hotel are decorated with warm colors and elegant wooden furniture. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private balcony or patio.
Guests can enjoy European cuisine at Raphael’s. The Wine Bar hosts unique wine tastings. Sansibar offers cocktails and light meals, but is mostly a cigar and whiskey lounge.
The Asara Wine Estate & Hotel offers a cellar tour, where guests can taste an impressive selection of award-winning wines. Guests can explore the hotel’s beautiful surroundings with a rental car or bike.
Free on-site private parking and free Wi-Fi are also available. The Stellenbosch Golf Club is 3 miles from Asara Wine Estate & Hotel, and the Cape Town International Airport is 12 miles away.

Recommand

Low rates——Best price for 2 guests: $175+ • No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
132 properties in Stellenbosch——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
621 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at Asara Wine Estate & Hotel. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
The staff speaks English——Asara Wine Estate & Hotel's staff speaks:Zulu,Xhosa,English,German,Afrikaans
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.

Facilities of Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (all year) | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Hiking | Cycling | Massage | Bicycle Rental

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Languages Spoken ：Zulu | Xhosa | English | German | Afrikaans

Reviews for Asara Wine Estate & Hotel

Review 1：Awful place. Air conditioning not working in room and staff unable to fix. Got no sleep as room temp was over 27degrees and hotel still expected us to pay for the pleasure!

Review 2：Wine tasting was good.

Review 3：The wine tasting wasn't the best. Felt rushed.

Review 4：We stayed in the Avalon Suite. The suite was bigger than our flat in London! Beautiful room. The view of the vineyards and the mountains was stunning. Staff were fantastic. Great experience all round. Food was lovely.

Review 5：Main restaurant was closed for the evening. The other one failed to cope with the amount of footfall, meals were very late getting to table. Not much variety on the menu.

Review 6：Wonderful backdrop against the wine estate, beautifully laid out. Room was beyond expectations. Staff all very friendly. Highly recommended.

Review 7：My wife and I came to Asara as the last leg of our wonderful honeymoon trip. We had an amazing time in South Africa (every other place we stayed received 5 stars) until we arrived at Asara.I apologize about the length of the review--I want to give as much detail to you, the reader, as possible so that you can make your own decision about whether to stay at Asara. If you don't feel like reading the below story, that's fine. It just reflects my one experience and what I observed during my time at Asara. My one sentence review is that while Asara is beautiful, it's not worth it; every hotel in Stellenbosch is beautiful and at other places management cares about its guests and its service backs that up.Now to the story.Arrival at Asara: Like many others who are travelling to South Africa's wine country, my wife and I rented a car. We plugged in Asara into our google maps and started driving from Cape Town. When we were just a mile away, the GPS told us to drive down what can only be described as a rocky dirt path. I said to my wife "are you sure we should go this way" but she rightly pointed out that there was nothing else we could do: we're in a foreign country with no idea where we are, and there are NO signs anywhere telling us what to do. I was concerned one of the tires was going to blow, but what was I going to do? As we continue down and around this winding dirt path we see an estate up ahead and pray it's Asara, otherwise my wife and I were lost. As we continue further, we realize our GPS has led us into the back gate at Asara, which is locked. I flag a staff member down and he runs over to let us in, making a joke about how we "took the hard way in." I told him our GPS navigated us this way, and he stated that we were the 4th couple that day to come in from that road. It was only 3pm at that point! I can only imagine how many people had the same experience as us but this occurred in the dark.

Review 8：The rooms are large and they have nice views.

Review 9：This is my third time to stay at Asara hotel. The room was good but worse than last two visites. Last two times I made booking directly to Asara but this time is through Booking.com.

Review 10：A breakfast is excellent. A Wifi speed was upgraded very much comparing to last year.

Review 11：They could have easily gone the extra mile by adding a bottle of wine to our room or offering an unlimitted (instead of 3 wine) wine tasting.

Review 12：Amazing views, large and beautiful rooms, great food and wine!

Review 13：It was lovely to stay at Asara. The staff is super friendly; stunning rooms with breathtaking views and devine food. Thank you for a 5star experience.

Review 14：Sometimes the staff were obsequious. It was a bit much. The restaurant staff in the morning were uninterested and slow.

Review 15：The views from the whole estate are exceptional. The bedroom was very spacious.

Review 16：The property wasn't that easy to find, as the adress could'nt be found in our GPS.

Review 17：Staff, Room, Pool, Breakfeast - extraordinary Hotel. Free wine tasting incl.

Review 18：I think they can do more with the rooms. Its nice but for the price I expected a little more. Our beds was not even turned down on the one night, no water etc.

Review 19：Location and Restaurant is great

Review 20：No access to pool through the buildings (only via a lawn (which was heavily covered in bird droppings). WiFi inside room broke down on day 2 of 6 and never got re-established. (OK in rest of hotel though).

Review 21：Very nice estate, wonderful surrounding landscape. Huge room and bathroom. Friendly and helpful staff. Nice restaurant and bar. Ice cream stand!!! :)

Review 22：The Sansibat let the hotel down. We were hurried both times we went there and mopped around during the evening as a sign that we should leave! Also when we ate there (early evening) we were given the bill before we had finished!

Review 23：The restaurant was great.

Review 24：Could improve card machine facilities upon arrival. Not a nice feeling when you want to check in to have your card declined when the account has the funds required! Electrical equipment should be checked in between guests visits.

Review 25：It was a lovely venue for a special occasion!

Review 26：The accommodation is stunning. We stayed in the Avalon Suite and it was beautiful, stunning views over the vineyard and mountains, and the room itself was excellent. The staff were fabulous and the location is perfect for a relaxed holiday. I wish I had stayed for longer.

Review 27：Nothing. Everything was perfect

Review 28：Our stay was perfect, amazing staff and facilities. Great bedroom, with a massive balcony and excellent bathroom with a shower and bath. The estate is immaculately kept and rooms are also extremely clean!

Review 29：They only had plunger coffee in the room; no decent sachets of coffee. Food is bit pricey for what you get.

Review 30：Excellent location. The staff were customer oriented. The room was comfortable and spacious with beautiful finishings and the most comfortable kingsize bed.

Review 31：Nothing - we can't wait to return.

Review 32：Loved this hotel - great room, staff,view, facilities... I could go on! We can't wait to go back. Beautiful backdrop and staff who are enthusiastic and helpful. Amazing breakfast and lovely dinners in the two restaurants. Great job by housekeeping too.

Review 33：We loved this property, from the friendly and professional staff at check in to the spaciousness of our room overlooking the water. It was my birthday and our anniversary. The bakery baked a small chocolate mouse cake that said 'happy birthday' with a bottle of bubbly waiting in our room when we checked in. We will be back.

Review 34：we were called when we left to check if we had been smoking in our room ..they must have got the wrong room as we firstly we both have an aversion to smoking as we are health fanatics and also we nevers saw any evidence of cigarettes in the room ..we were room 215 ..

Review 35：friendly staff ...quality furnishings ..quiet .. excellent breakfast choice ..good efficient service

Review 36：Beautiful grounds and rooms overlooking the vineyards. The most gorgeous breakfast we've had in very sumptuous surroundings. the wine tasting was great in a glass room overlooking wine barrels. We got a great deal at £80 so this was a bargain. very close to visiting all other wineries in the Stellenboch area.

Review 37：The TV channels is a poor selection specially sport (only one channel) and news no proper local chanel. some channels you can't watch as it is poor quality due to snow. The food is very expensive and is not value for money

Review 38：Location, settings, room,and facilities Excelent.

Review 39：It was too clean and cold the room had no ambience the dinner table was unromantic and stiff the staff was friendly but un genuine the same person that drove us too our room paraded the dinner hall (hostel) We did not enjoy our stay

Review 40：The drive way was very nice everybody was very friendly and helpful the service was great The food was great nice and clean

Review 41：1) Our welcome was great from the front desk however, I was then asked for payment in full (which I thought had been taken, prior to our visit). I requested that we would be using the restaurant and would prefer to settle all payments when we were due to leave. I offered 2 credit card to guarantee any services taken, this was denied twice on each occasion of asking. I explained my reasons, they explained it was due to a number of fraudulent customers. I personally I'm not a fraudster, or do I want to stay in a place where such people are attracted! My welcome soon moved from a good one to a poor first impression. The outcome was we dined in Stellebosh rather than the hotel on the first night. 2) there was a charge for herbal tea, bizarre! 3) there was no gym or access to the outside pool.

Review 42：Location and restaurant very good

Review 43：staff at the reception was quite cold, not explaining all the options of the estate..despite it was a quick stop..we could have enjoyed it more. minor remark: we had a free wine taste included but we arrived just later than the duetime after a long trip...a pity there was no derogation possible at least for a glass.

Review 44：Location, amazing view, excellent breakfast

Review 45：Everything was perfect; the service is exactly what you do you expect for a 5 stars. Very nice restaurant and a bar. Big rooms and big bathroom with shower and bath. From all the area (rooms, bar, restaurants etc) you will have an incredible view over the vineyards

Review 46：During our stay at Asara, we got the feeling that everything is about squeezing as much money as they possibly can out of you. R100 extra for a service fee when ordering room service. There is a price list in the room for every single item, including the toiletries in the bathroom. Check out is strictly at 11. They are not even slightly flexible about it. We only arrived at 7pm and asked if we can check out the next day at 12, but we were told that it would add 50% to our bill. For only one hour later!!!! We paid our bill when we checked in and then at check out we received another bill only for tourist tax. All the extra charges are quite extreme.

Review 47：Location is divine. Their wines are amazing.

Review 48：TV channels not properly set. No SABC2 for 7de Laan.

Review 49：Friendly staff, going out of their way do give an experience that exceed expatiations. Thank you Team Asara.

Review 50：Upon booking I learnt that when staying over you get a free wine tasting and chocolate experience from the deli. The Deli manager argued that this is not the case and we had to pay. I would also suggest the deli not be left as an after thought. It was so quiet while we were having our coffee. Really felt like we were just left to our ace so they can lock up. Unpleasant to say the least. Nobody offered to take our bags to our room. We walked with our bags to and from with staff never once offering to assist. At breakfast , our cutlery were forgotten, milk for our coffee forgotten and I had to wait for my honey for my coffee which made it worse.

Review 51：The views are amazing, rooms are lovely and the sparkling wine gesture in our room was appreciated.

Review 52：too broad. otherwise no problem. not good for family ideal for couple

Review 53：we visited there in winter. can stay with very cheap price at this 5star hotel. amazing breakfast!

Review 54：The wine was average but the tasting was complimentary so no complaints!

Review 55：The staff is wonderful, the rooms and facilities are spacious and the location is great. You must try the salted caramel chocolate truffles... And the staff at the whiskey bar (and the whiskey) is amazing.

Review 56：Lovely view and beautiful ambience at the bar and restaurant areas. Quiet and peaceful location. The room was quiet and very comfortable. Friendly and efficient staff. Will be back!!

Review 57：there is nothing to not like

Review 58：Asara is just a beautiful setting, and the staff friendly and very helpful, Sansibar is brilliant for a drink before dinner. Martha in the Deli is very friendly and helpful, can't wait for our next visit.

Review 59：How is it acceptable that a top notch boutique hotel such as thischarges me extra for an espresso at breakfast. Further investigationsays its an instruction by the owner/manager.....!!! Internationallythis is not done, I have complained about this before at the same hotelwith no response. How arrogant and out of touch is this person. After asecond round of this frustration I'm ready to not go back myself orcontinue booking my overseas guests here. It irks much more than normalbecause a person in charge, against the opinion and suggestions of allthe staff working there, says they must charge extra!!!

Review 60：I like everything about this hotel, its amazing except what I said undernegatives!

Review 61：The bathroom has consumables of mediocre quality which need to be purchased. The restaurant is VERY expensive. The quality of the food is average. The seating in the restaurant is on couches and was uncomfortable.

Review 62：Spacious rooms. Style and quality of the accommodation was superb. Location on the wine estate is magical. On arrival guests are treated to a glass of wine from the estate. Very efficient staff. There was a lovely fire burning in the fire place on the cold winter's night. Shower was prepared for the disabled guest.

Review 63：Until before check-in it was mentioned and advertised that massages will be in room, when we inquired about the times we were informed that it is not in room. Before hand appointments made for massages where not confirmed at check-in regarding times. Request a few days before arrival was not confirmed or mentioned at check-in for example whether we would like breakfast in room or apples in room.

Review 64：Attention was given to our personal reasons for the stay for example: a surprise birthday cake and champagne and chocolates in room. Staff let you feel welcome and special.

Review 65：There is so much to love about Asara, it was absolutely beautiful, with so much to do. The rooms were gorgeous, warm and comfortable. The restaurant was excellent and of course the wine was AMAZING. It's the perfect venue for a little romantic get away.

Review 66：Both bar and restaurant had very uninspiring food which was rather highly priced. We ate elsewhere by choice. Decor was clean but rather sterile

Review 67：Staff helpful wine tasting good. We bought and then dropped a bottle which was replaced quickly

Review 68：We had dinner at the restaurant and think that for the price it could have been a lot better. Especially the tuna steak, the waiter should warn customers that it was frozen.

Review 69：The famous restaurant Raphael's, was a big disappointment. The meal was well below average. Except for the risotto which was mouth watering, my husband's main fish course was dry, mine was tasteless and my son's steak overcooked.

Review 70：We loved the location, the room and the accommodating staff- the free movies for the kids to hire and watch in the room was great! The breakfast was amazing too.

Review 71：The one breakfast waiter really was rather unfriendly and left you feeling as if they were doing you the greatest favour every time you asked for something! We hadn't even been seated at a table yet and this person shoved a menu in our hands and asked for our breakfast order! Very strange - anyhow we addressed the behaviour with the manager who was very apologetic. The rest of the staff were great. The only other little niggle was the fact that our room was in a seperate building to the main hotel and quite a walk from the main hotel and restaurant.

Review 72：Awesome location and views. Great food and spacious room and bathroom.

Review 73：You cannot fault this place.

Review 74：Beautiful setting, great wine and food, very comfortable accommodation. Staff were outstanding. Very nice deli too. Enjoyed my jog around the estate.

Review 75：Coffee: tasteless and weak No gluten free products for breakfast despite telling them before I got there.

Review 76：Luxurious and relaxing break. Fantastic spacious room with a glorious view of the vineyards and lake. Breakfast was also yummy, although the coffee was a real disappointment. We ate at Zansibar and it was very pleasant. Great free wine tasting at the hotel too. We will return

Review 77：The property has lovely vistas. Rooms are luxurious, spacious, well maintained and very clean. Staff are very friendly, efficient and accommodating. Wine tasting experience was certainly enjoyable and food is of a good overall standard.

Review 78：Very pleasant staff, beautifully clean, very comfortable bedrooms and good size bathroom. Sansibar and dinning room - good service and beautifully presented food. Stunning outlook over dam and vineyard.

Review 79：Service was great with the exception of the breakfast staff. They were not very skilled or friendly. A bit of a let down compared to the rest of the hotel.

Review 80：Great rooms, scenery, location.

Review 81：It was out 16 year anniversary and the service was great. Got back to our room to a bottle of champagne, chocs and heart petals all over the room. Amazing

Review 82：Staff served red wine from a ore-opened bottle even though it should have been new. Then put it in an ice bucket. B'fast staff were rude.

Review 83：Sunsets. Location. Setting. Simply stunning. It's a beautiful place to stay.

Review 84：Reception was not on the ball, they called to say we need to check out, but we had already requested this from them, so processes seem a bit confused

Review 85：Great views. Free upgrade. Good rooms and bathrooms. Great breakfast

Review 86：Nothing bad!

Review 87：Lovely grounds, excellent wine tasting experience, fantastic restaurant with superb food, a lovely pool area to relax in and friendly staff.

Review 88：Booked a courtyard room which we were not given they decided to upgrade us to a room where bathroom was upstairs via a spiral staircase. Not suitable for older couple. When we complained they tried to send us to a room at the end of estate far from facilities - again not suitable for older couple. So what happened to our room that we booked months ago! This spoilt our whole trip!

Review 89：Wine tasting for hotel guests is a little disorganised competing with groups arriving on tours.

Review 90：Set amongst the vineyards by a lake it is an idyllic setting for this luxury hotel. Suite was superb with balcony. Staff all very helpful and always willing to help

Review 91：The employees simply work there but clearly do not go the extra mile. The bar cloased at 23:00 because there were not enough guests (we were 6 people who consumed substantially more than just one drink each, but in a condescending manner were we told to move out of the bar. No service at the pool, we had to go and ask for service, finally a server came about 1 hour later. The hotel is clearly lacking the 5 Star service level as well as the infrastructure: e.g.no shower by the pool, poor Wi-Fi, BEWARE: The entire stay will be charged to your credit card upon check-in, without the receptionist telling you !! Also, if you check out just 10 minutes late, they will charge you 50% of an entire night !!

Review 92：The location of the hotel is superb. Excellent panoramic view.

Review 93：Poor wifi reception, because of out of town status apparently. Somewhat isolated from town, therefore limited dining options to on site.

Review 94：Being upgraded to a premier room. Excellent facilities. Helpful staff.

Review 95：Breakfast was great but the toast was wangy not sure I've even been to a hotel that has been able to do a great job of toast...

Review 96：Really great spot, we just had one night and it was fab! We had a ground floor room which was huge, great bathroom, stunning view over the pond/lake. Other half had a great run around the vineyard!

Review 97：It's good for relaxing, not somewhere to go if you want a lot to do.

Review 98：We stayed here for a couple of nights to relax and enjoyed the vineyards, it is beautiful here. Lovely for relaxing and worth the money. Lovely bar, food and staff with nice wine tasting included, cute deli for ice cream and cakes too. You can even have treatments in your room.

Review 99：Power cuts from time to time (everywhere in the Cape area)

Review 100：Comfortable and quiet accommodation. Wonderful views from most of the rooms. A very quiet pool. Good restaurant. Great walks through the 128 acre vineyard.

Review 101：It hasn't quite got the five star touch.

Review 102：Very spacious rooms with lovely views all around. Very well maintained property. Excellent value for money.

Review 103：This is not a 5 star hotel by UK standards - more like 4 stars. Still a nice comfortable place to stay. We did find the furnishings in the bar grubby and the bar lacked atmosphere! Also no gym!

Review 104：Comfortable hotel with friendly staff.

Review 105：We stayed in a beautiful room overlooking the mountains. We were highly impressed with the standard of our room, the staff and all the facilities. Asara has some lovely wines and we enjoyed the helpfulness of the staff helping with the choices of our wine selection.

Review 106：We never saw any senior management. Our luggage was not loaded in our car as arranged (we were also at fault for not checking)

Review 107：The restaurant was good and the wines were excellent and well priced

Review 108：Checkout was at 11. We asked if we could check out at 12 and they wanted us to pay for half a days stay which was a bit ridiculous and they wouldn't budge.

Review 109：The scenery, the rooms, the food, everything was perfect.

Review 110：The location was peaceful with a great outlook. Lovely swimming pool with plenty of umbrellas for shade. Staff friendly and helpful. Everywhere was very clean

Review 111：Shower floor was slippery when wet so had to be very careful not to slip & bed (mattress) very hard.

Review 112：Loved the views from bedroom balcony - felt like I was in Tuscany. Bedroom really spacious and has everything one needs ie bathrobe, slippers, coffee & tea as well as fridge, iron and large tv. Breakfast was great and the views on patio are just amazing. Staff are all so helpful and friendly. Will definitely be back!

Review 113：We had great stay at the Asara! Everything about the place is fantastic - the room, the Restaurant, the Bar, the swimming pool and the service - it couldn't be faulted. We also sampled some of the fantastic wines, which were great and very reasonably priced. We've already booked for next year!

Review 114：Rooms in the courtyard are a little dark Poor TV

Review 115：Great view on a sprawling wine farm. Great vista, excellent restaurant at Raphaels and good breakfast Highly recommended

Review 116：The pool was dirty without a pump,its impossible What a pity for such a hotel!!! its the first time in South Africa we paid a taxe and a administrative 3,5 procent the breakfast was not good the quality of cheese terrible and also the ham and the salami

Review 117：The view was phantastic large rooms

Review 118：Wifi was very slow.

Review 119：The staff was great, very helpful in booking a wine tour for the next day, and the property was beautiful. We had a free wine tasting at the estate, and the pool was nice for relaxing in the afternoon. Great restaurant, breakfast was excellent, and the scenery was incredible.

Review 120：We felt that some of the serving staff in the restaurant required a little bit of extra training.

Review 121：Loved the views, location and the hotel itself. The tailoring of the bed set up appeals to my pedantic side. The reception was welcoming and efficient. When we had any questions the staff were more than happy to go the extra mile. The room was big and clean, with the personalized letter was a nice touch.

Review 122：The WiFi was very poor. It is free but the connection speed and reliability were dismal. This is not a problem limited to this hotel, as WiFi can be quite poor in many places

Review 123：Spectacular location and very close to the centre of Stellenbosch (although you will need a car or to get a taxi if you want to travel into the centre). The staff were all very friendly and efficient. The hotel is fairly modern, but can lack character. For me, it was a very comfortable place but could not be described as luxurious. The food in the bar and at breakfast was acceptable but we've eaten far better in South Africa.

Review 124：Evening meal perfectly acceptable but not up to standard of rest of hotel. Breakfast good.

Review 125：Superb location and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. Excellent room with all required facilities. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Review 126：Had to pay extra for latte at breakfast Service at breakfast

Review 127：Size of room Comfort of bed Efficient air conditioning View Friendliness of staff in general

Review 128：The turn down service was extremely varied - two nights only weather card on pillow without any "turn-down" of the bed. Two nights excellent with all the trimmings. WiFi did not work. Nowhere.

Review 129：Loved the setting and the views from the room. Nice walking trials on the estate.

Review 130：The noise of toilet can be heard even if the other is in the room. Wifi speed is very slow.

Review 131：The room upgraded was very comrortable and vier from the room was fanstastic.

Review 132：The location is beautiful , overlooking the vineyards and mountains. Even though we got the room for a cheap price, The staff were friendly and gave us 5 star service.

Review 133：We spent 2 nights at this luxury place. Everything was so nice, comfortable and peaceful. All the staff made us feel very welcome. The facilities were great with the swimmingpool, the restaurants and the suroundings. We also did winetasting and had a tour in the winecellar. It was great.