Situated on the western outskirts of historic Stellenbosch, in the shadow of Jonkershoek Mountain, Lanzerac Manor is a prestigious hotel situated on one of South Africa's oldest and best-known wine estates. The hotel is centered on a handsome 300-year-old manor built and whitewashed in the classic Cape Dutch style, reached via a long driveway lined with tall trees, and newer extensions are built in the same style to create a strong period feel.
The reception hall sets the tone of this opulent hotel with its patterned marble tile floor, hardwood doors, tables and stairwell, Oriental carpets, chandeliers and dark wood reception desk. The reception staff is professional
and formally courteous. The same building hosts a large formal lounge decorated with comfortable sofas and antique furniture, a more casually furnished bar and the elegant Governors Hall restaurant, which is legendary for its fine French and Cape-style cuisine, and for its lengthy wine list, which includes several award-winning vintages dating back as far as 10 years. More casual dining is offered at the shady Lanzerac Terrace, which is especially pleasant at lunch and on warm summer evenings.
The hotel is a useful base for exploring the historic center of nearby Stellenbosch, and for undertaking wine tours of some of the hundreds of fine estates within 
a 30-km radius. The on-site wine-tasting room is as good a place to start as any, since Lanzerac produces several top-notch wines, with the heavily oak Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon particularly recommended. Other facilities include a world-class spa, a large outdoor pool, and plenty of walking opportunities in the surrounding wine estate.
Several types of rooms are available, but even the smallest are exceptionally large and luxurious, with wood-paneled ceilings, pastel brown walls and curtains, Edwardian-style furnishings and light brown carpets. All rooms have king or twin beds, comfortable armchairs, wooden desks, TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and tea- and coffeemakers. The enormous baths have marble tiled floors and both tubs and separate showers.
This is the most prestigious hotel in the Stellenbosch area, and perhaps anywhere in the Cape winelands, with a price tag to match. It undoubtedly lives up to its elevated reputation, exuding an atmosphere of old-world luxury, but is also a little old-fashioned by comparison to the Spier Hotel, and it may be a bit stuffy for the taste of many under-40s. But for those with deep pockets and a taste for formal finery, it should be an absolute winner.