River Manor Boutique Hotel by The Living Journey Collection

The staff were very attentive and friendly. The facilities are good. It's a lovely boutique hotel with all the little niceties you would want, like the living room sofas by the fireplaces in winter. Nice touch. Breakfast was also very nice - freshly cooked and all the other options. They have a lovely courtyard and 2 swimming pool areas. Standard rooms are ok but a bit small. I would recommend booking a much larger and more comfortable superior room. Finally, the location is great. It's a 4-5 min walk into the middle of town (very safe) with loads of great bars and restaurants to choose from.

Our stay at The River Manor by Living Journey was nothing short of outstanding—an unforgettable experience that perfectly blended elegance, comfort, and warm South African hospitality. Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, this charming boutique hotel is a peaceful oasis that feels both secluded and yet wonderfully central, just a short walk to the town's vibrant cafes, galleries, and wine bars. From the moment we stepped through the gates, we were greeted with genuine warmth by the staff, whose attention to detail and pride in their service set the tone for a truly exceptional stay. We’d like to give a special commendation to Anathi, who truly went above and beyond during our stay. Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine care made a lasting impression on us. She anticipated our needs before we even voiced them and made each interaction feel personal and heartfelt. Anathi is a true gem and an incredible asset to the River Manor team. Our room was beautifully appointed—tastefully decorated with a blend of classic and contemporary touches, immaculately clean, and incredibly comfortable. The bed felt like sleeping on a cloud, and the little thoughtful touches—from luxurious toiletries to made it feel special. The gardens and pool area were serene and lush—ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring wine country. We often found ourselves lingering there just to soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Breakfast each morning was a highlight: a generous spread of fresh fruit, pastries, hot dishes made to order, and delicious coffee, all served in a bright, sunny space overlooking the garden. The staff were consistently attentive and kind—always ready with a smile or a helpful recommendation. What truly stood out at The River Manor was the staff. Every person we encountered went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and happy—from helping us with restaurant bookings to offering insider tips on wineries and nearby sights.

The bedroom was lovely with air conditioning, a comfortable bed and large well equipped bathroom. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The two swimming pools were perfectly situated in a small but pretty garden. Breakfast was excellent with lots of variety on offer. The location is perfect for walking access to all the restaurants, shops and bars that Stellenbosch has to offer. The whole place felt like an oasis in the middle of a town.

You cannot beat the location of this boutique hotel. The hotel is a collection of several beautiful historical buildings. The property has two pools, so there is no overcrowding. The staff is super friendly and always helpful with whatever your needs or wishes may be. The hotel offerers a complimentary hight tea and had a 24 hr coffee bar. The breakfast was absolutely the BEST with a huge selection of cold European and hot English/ American choices. Plenty of fresh fruits, yogurts and pastries. They also offer a light lunch and dinner menu. But the hotel is an easy 5min walk to the center of Stellenbosch with all its amazing and affordable restaurants, ice cream parlors and chic cafes.

All the staff were exceptional a pure delight The beds were comfortable. Breakfast service was efficient with a good selection though fresh juice would be a bonus rather than carton.