The Best Hotels to Book in Bloemfontein, South Africa, for Every Traveller
Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa, but most people know it simply as a stop on the road between Joburg and Cape Town. But what’s the rush? Here’s our pick of the top places to stay in Bloem – all bookable with Culture Trip.
Take a few days to explore an intriguing city with a wealth of history, surrounded by a nature reserve with game. Museums and military buildings recall the Anglo-Boer War, and a massive statue of Nelson Mandela gazes towards the Waaihoek church where the ANC was born in 1912. But there’s also an advanced planetarium, a casino and good restaurants, including one in a township carwash. Bloem, as locals call it, is the birthplace of Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien, and packs magic, not least in the roses that line its streets – Bloemfontein means ‘fountain of flowers’. Here is our pick of the best hotels in Bloemfontein, bookable with Culture Trip.
1. The Tredenham Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Luxury
Set on the Tredenham estate at the edge of the city, this hotel in Bloemfontein has 10 luxury rooms in sophisticated dark colours featuring natural wood. It epitomises the old-school hospitality of the Free State province, and its restaurant celebrates a tradition of fine cooking. Start with venison carpaccio, go on to grilled whole trout with herbed baby potatoes, and finish with amaretto crème brûlée with maple ice cream.
2. Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Hotel
This modern hotel in Bloemfontein centres on a long pool in a garden with roses in the heart of Bloem’s business district. After a full day, unwind with a swim, sundowners on a lounger, then a satisfying dinner in the Amoretta Restaurant, before retiring to a bedroom with butter-coloured walls, and crisp linen in a big, comfortable bed.
4. Ilanga Estate
Boutique Hotel
This small hotel in Bloemfontein amid beautiful gardens punches above its weight with plush armchairs, bateau beds, even a step-up bath if you ask. There’s a pool to relax after hot days before drinks on the terrace, and a fire on winter evenings before a hearty Free State meal. Pop in at the nearby Orchid House, a greenhouse many travellers miss.
5. City Lodge Hotel Bloemfontein
Hotel
For a 151-room corporate hotel in the city, this packs unexpected charm, thanks to the well-tended gardens, swimming pool, and tastefully decorated rooms in natural colours. But the lodge’s biggest plus is its convenient position. From here you can walk to the zoo, stadium, Supreme Court, university and restaurants and shopping centres.
6. Shawu Lodge
Lodge
Under the lodge’s deep, sleepy eves lie large, tastefully appointed rooms with king-size beds, plush headboards, botanical print or subtly striped cushions and bowls of fresh flowers. Each has its own balcony or terrace to unwind after a day exploring galleries and museums. There’s also shopping at nearby Loch Logan Waterfront, with 100 shops, 17 restaurants and coffee shops, movie houses, salons and a water feature.
7. A Cherry Lane
Bed and Breakfast
This friendly little bed and breakfast on a small-holding south of Bloem has four comfortable ensuite rooms, and four self-catering units popular with families, each with its own entrance and view over a pretty garden. There’s also a pool. Windmill Casino, shopping centres and restaurants are just a few minutes away, but Cherry Lane itself serves a fine English breakfast and will do dinners on request.
8. Blue Rain Guesthouse
Guesthouse
Who could resist a guesthouse in the heart of the Free State inspired by a line from Bob Marley: “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet”? Owners Lizelle Venter and her husband, ex-Springbok rugby player Andre Venter, have travelled widely and use what they’re learned to create a winning blend of what they call “modern country meets industrial” – with zebra skin throws on slasto floors, natural wood headboards and glass and chrome finishes. There are self-catering units for longer stays, which are unsurprisingly popular.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.