Proprietor Susan Huxter, without whom, I believe, Franschhoek would be Paarl and not the culinary and hospitality destination it now is, has an eye for knowing what top-end travellers want, so it is not surprising that the savvy make a bee-line for her property.
Finding a hotel in Franschhoek that isn't overstuffed with French faux also takes some effort and thankfully guests here are spared from most of it, although the lavender hedges are one of the old country's best exports.
Book The Four Quarters, the villa-style accommodation at Relais & Chateaux member property, Le Quartier Francais for a more secluded deluxe stay rather than in the main hotel, which hugs the most charming garden and pool. With Reuben's, Ryan's and their own The Tasting Room and The Common Room restaurants within easy walking distance of Le Quartier Francais, a stay here places you at the epicentre of the village's fine dining establishments.
Emphasis at The Four Quarters is on space. The four vast suites are each 110m², built around a central pool and exclusive-use sitting area. It is idea for a family or friends travelling together who want the place to themselves. Although pitched at a premium room rate of R8,100, it comes with lots of added value such as complimentary mini bar and in-room snacks. It also has a Nespresso machine but then most top hotel rooms nowadays do, too.
We really enjoyed artist Richard Scott's paintings in the room and the kick-off-your-shoes-and-flop-into-the-couch comfort of the furnishings. Having a walk-in wardrobe meant we could be as messy as we liked while dressing and the room remained pristine.
Great to have free Wi-Fi but it only worked intermittently during our stay, which frustrated us somewhat. Nowadays I think that free, strong signal and fast Wi-Fi is more important to guests than under-floor heating (which they have) is or some of the fripperies that hotels spend money on like chocolates on the pillow etc.
A plethora of plugs (local and international adapters are standard), iPod docking station, DVD player with a varied library and two massive plasma screens means if you want to build a log fire and spend the day watching movies with your feet up on the couch with your butler bringing popcorn or coffee every 10-minutes this property provides many reasons to stay in. In fact, if your plan is to spend all of your time out, look for room categories on the website that cater for those of you after just a bed and great shower.
Dining at The Tasting Room is the subject of legend and something anyone who cares about food should do at least once before they die. The Common Room, however, should not be reserved for fine-dining experiences only, even though it too falls under the talented toque of Grand Chef Margot Janse.
Breakfast, and here's a dirty little secret, is available even if you aren't staying at the hotel and, from my standpoint, is beyond compare. Not merely full or low-fat yogurt is offered but buffalo or cow's yogurt. There aren't the usual large bowls of fruit and berries to wilt and worry under the lights but individual glasses of berries and single-serving tubs of toppings that are frequently replenished. For paleo and non-starch eaters there were many great options but if your diet is not restricted the sticky bun, an unctuous and gooey mass of roasted nuts, sugar and crisp yet yielding yeast pastry is worth the calorie load. I fondly remember them from my greedy past.
The other real value is not immediately visible. Only the very best suppliers are accepted at Le Quartier Francais and, case in point, sister-property Bread & Wine's Neil Jewell charcuterie is superb and free of all the toxins you can expect to find in bacon and sausage these days. From the hot breakfast menu order Eggs Benedict and substitute the muffin for steamed spinach if you're going the low-carb route.
Another hidden reason to stay here is that behind the tip-top furnishings and fine cuisine is a team of mainly local people who have been up-skilled to deliver not simply a world-class experience but the high-bar of attentive, friendly yet never invasive or condescending service.
