Stays in George

The Manor House at Fancourt is an adults-only retreat in a historic building in George, so families with children should choose another property at the estate or elsewhere. For adults, rooms have air conditioning, private pools and balconies. Guests also use indoor and outdoor pools, a hot spring bath, a sauna, a fitness centre, a tennis court, a garden and a sun terrace. Guests score it 9.5 across 29 reviews.

The Hawthorn is a five-star boutique lodge in George, and it is one of the better-rated places on the list at 9.2. Rooms have air conditioning, minibars and flat-screen TVs, with options for terraces, balconies and garden or pool views. The year-round outdoor pool, sun terrace and lush garden make the days easy, and a restaurant and bar are on site. I would recommend it for families and couples who want a refined, quiet stay.

The Alpine Inn is a Cape Dutch style house in the Garden Route area, opposite Fancourt Golf Estate. Families can choose double rooms or self-catering apartments, which helps with meals and children's routines, and the pool, spa and barbecue facilities give everyone something to do between outings. Free WiFi and secure parking are included. It is a tranquil place rather than a lively one. Guests give it a high 9.0 across 196 reviews.

Fancourt suits families who want a full resort, especially golfing ones. The estate has three Gary Player golf courses and a wellness centre, and rooms have elegant furnishings and balconies looking toward the Outeniqua Mountains. Several dining options are on site. George Airport is 7 km away, so arrival is simple. This is a resort built for relaxation and outdoor pursuits, so the mood is quiet rather than city-lively.

17onWellington is a self-catering apartment property in central George, with a swimming pool and a garden to share. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchenette, a dining area and a flat-screen TV, and views look over the city or the garden. Breakfast is available on request. The 8.4 rating from 132 reviews suggests a comfortable stay, and families will appreciate having their own space for meals.

Premier Express Inn George offers elegant air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a breakfast buffet. It stands in the historic centre of George, close to local attractions, and has a smart-casual bar. Each room has a well-lit work desk and tea and coffee facilities. An 8.4 rating from 986 reviews is good, making it a practical three-star for short stays and work trips.

Loerie Guest Lodge is a three-star lodge in central George, built for tranquil stays. It has an outdoor pool and a terrace with sun loungers, and a spa and wellness area makes it a relaxing base. Each room has a TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. A golf club is close, which golfers will appreciate. With an 8.3 rating, I would recommend it for calm, simple stays in town.

Protea George King George is a golf-course hotel that also works for families. It sits on the 11th fairway of the George Golf Course, and rooms look over the course, the mountains or lush gardens. Three outdoor pools give children plenty of water, and the spa suits parents. The accommodation is lodge-style. George's attractions are a short drive away, so the setting is calm rather than central.

Pine Lodge suits families who want to cook and spread out. Each unit has a kitchenette with a barbecue, microwave, oven, stovetop, kettle and toaster, plus a private bathroom, TV and free WiFi. Children have the outdoor pool, the garden and a tennis court to share. George Museum is 3.6 km away, Outeniqua Pass 10 km and George Airport 17 km. Free private parking is on site. It is an independent stay rather than full hotel service.

Oakhurst Hotel is a central George hotel that suits families who want a practical base in town. Rooms are en suite with vaulted ceilings and original artwork, a TV and tea and coffee facilities, and WiFi covers the hotel. The pool gives children a place to swim and the spa is there for parents. Golf facilities are part of the offer. The business-district location is urban rather than secluded, and works for business and leisure alike.