Escape to the Luxury of The Alphen Boutique Hotel, Constantia
The Alphen Hotel has been a part of the fabric of the Constantia landscape for over 300 years and truly is an iconic part of the area’s history. Despite her years, this grand old dame has only improved with age and truly is a wonderful ode to the cultural richness of the valley.
A walk around the grounds will make you feel like as though you’ve stepped back in time but in the best way possible. It’s a bit like being transported into a secret garden with the lushest green lawns you can imagine, hedges trimmed to absolute perfection with rose bushes and hydrangeas coming to life as spring sets in.
The History of The Alphen Hotel
The estate, originally a part of Groot Constantia, was sold off after the passing of owner at the time, Simon van der Stel. The homestead was built in 1753 by dutchman Abraham Leever and in 1963 was converted into a hotel. The hotel and onsite restaurants are operated by The Kove Collection and this union has blended the estate’s old-world charm, with slick, modern amenities and a super-efficient team that keep things running smoothly at all times.
Everything you Need
Visiting The Alphen Hotel is an all-encompassing experience; the facilities range from everything you would need to enjoy a luxury leisurely stay, to an organised business trip and everything in between.
We visited for a night’s escape and experienced a little of the Alphen’s renowned hospitality. Even with stringent COVID protocols in place, our check-in was seamless and efficient and the team had us ensconced in our room within minutes.
Rooms at the Alphen are plushly decorated and blend modern amenities with classic Constantia charm. In our suite, a king-sized bed, complete with luxurious linen, was framed by a tufted Victorian-style headboard. Gold-trim mirrors and furnishings, along with decorative wall mouldings add touches of glamour. A generous lounge area with a mix of velvet and leather furnishings brought colour to the space and made for the perfect place to chill with a book.
A double bathroom, split over two sides of the hallway housed both a luxurious bath area and shower. Ornate gilded mirrors are hung against glossy black subway tiles and the effect, almost art deco-esque, is beautiful.
Drinks at Incognito
Incognito is the Alphen’s bar and it overlooks a sparkling pool and lush gardens. It’s an uber-stylish space to grab a pre-meal drink or to enjoy sundowners. The bar is incredibly well-stocked and has a great menu of wine, bubbles and beer plus unique cocktails and mocktails.
After a quick scan of the menu, I honed in on the Passion Fruit Vanilla Sours signature cocktail – Dewars 12-yr old whisky with passion fruit and vanilla syrup topped off with lemon juice and bitters. My partner opted for the Irish Ginger Ale – Jameson Irish Whiskey muddled with mint leaves, lime juice and topped off with ginger ale.
Both were not only beautiful but so delish, they were the perfect pre-lunch drinks and enjoyed in such pretty setting too.
Blanko for Lunch
Blanko is the onsite restaurant and offers a menu of modern Italian food. The space, as the name suggests, is decorated primarily in white, which makes it the perfect blank canvas to showcase pieces by local artists. The outdoor area maximises the views over the central grassed lawn and is shaded by trees and umbrellas – ideal for al fresco dining!
Three courses of food revealed a menu that is unfussy and that focuses on delivering delicious flavour above all. Standouts were most certainly the ricotta-filled ravioli started – ‘pillows of pasta’ as my partner described them, served with fresh basil, roasted baby tomatoes and generous shavings of Parmesan. Also, the special of Sea Bass – cooked to perfection and meltingly tender.
Blanko’s desserts are always pretty as a picture – the Chocolate Tart with hazelnuts and salted caramel and the Limoncello Pot – cheesecake crème and biscotti were both heavenly. Several pics later we got stuck into them and savoured every last bite of them both.
La Belle Bistro & Bakery
After a very restful nights sleep in the perfect quietness of the Constantia valley, we awoke to enjoy breakfast at la Belle Bistro & Bakery, well-known for its fabulous pastries. la Belle sits alongside Blanko and offers lighter, café-style food and serves the hotel’s breakfast as well. The generous breakfast included selections from a hot menu, as well as fruits and/or pastries.
Their avo toast is unmatched in my opinion and the pain au chocolat is worth all the calories! Cappuccinos and croissants later we checked out refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Stay at the Alphen
For guests enjoying a longer stay, the pool area will be utterly delightful – with luxurious pool beds, Incognito just steps away and absolute privacy from the outside world, it’s the perfect place to kick back and soak up the African sunshine. All of this is of course ensconced in the stunning gardens of the property; guests will find The Alphen Hotel the perfect blend of English countryside and modern-day Mother City luxury.
Current Offers
The Alphen has a number of special offers on currently:
Room Only
From R1 250 Per Room Per Night.
Experience all the luxury and romance that a stay in the Cape Winelands can offer. This exclusive offer includes accommodation for 2 at The Alphen, excluding breakfast.
Use Promo Code: ARO
Spring Break
From R 1 750 Per Room Per Night. Including 2 course set menu dinner, bed & breakfast
Celebrate the sunshine with The Alphen’s offer of accommodation for 2 guests, including dinner, bed & breakfast. Enjoy a modern Italian menu with a 2 course set menu at Blanko, excluding beverages.
Use Promo Code: SPRINGA
Walk, Wander and Wine
From R 2 750 Per Room Per Night. Including wine tour & wine tasting (For 2)
Come and see why some of the Cape’s most famous wines come from Constantia with our offer of the tastiest introduction to the area. The offer includes overnight accommodation and bed & breakfast as well as bespoke wine tastings and tours at Eagles Nest, Buitenverwachting and Klein Constantia estates.
Use Promo Code: WINE
Alphen Adventures
From R 3 050 Per Room Per Night. Including Ziplining (For 2)
Spread your wings and take flight – on a zipline that is! Skim the treetops and see the world from an entirely new perspective with our exciting offer of overnight accommodation, bed & breakfast and an exhilarating experience of ziplining with SA Forest Adventures.
Use Promo Code: AZIP
Bubbles & Beauties
From R 2 750 Per Room Per Night. (For 2)
Add a little luxury to you and your bestie’s stay at the Alphen Hotel. This offer includes 1-night stay for two in one of the hotel’s stylish suites, a pampering spa treatment, a glass of bubbly and a sumptuous breakfast at la Belle the next morning. Choose from a manicure, pedicure or 30 min back, neck and shoulder massage.
Use Promo Code: BUBBLES
From R 2 650 Per Room Per Night. Including surfing (For 2)
Surf & Stay
Rule the waves at Surfers Corner at Muizenberg Beach with an overnight stay at The Alphen, including bed & breakfast. The perfect surfing spot, Muizenberg’s sandy shores and gentle swell are perfect for beginners as well as those hanging ten out at the backline. Don’t forget your swimming costume and a laidback vibe – we’ll provide towels and sunscreen.
Use Promo Code: SURF
The Ocean Lover
From R 4 880 Complete 2 Night Stay. Including water biking (For 2)
Float like a seabird on your very own water bike and explore the historical Simon’s Town harbour from the ocean’s edge. A dawn tour led by crew on a guide boat showcases landmarks (or should we say watermarks) like the pier, naval base and the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. This adventurous offer includes a 2 night stay for two including breakfast.
Use Promo Code: OCEAN
The Best of Both Worlds
From R 9 600 Per Room Per Night. (For 2)
2 nights at The Alphen + 2 nights at The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa – Includes 2 course set menu dinner, bed & breakfast + airport transfers
Build your package by choosing any 2 or 3 of the below experiences for each stay:
- Horse-riding – R300 pp
- Guided Hike – from R1750 for 2 pax
- Surfing in Muizenberg – R780 for 2 pax
- Water Biking in the sea – R490 per hour/ pp
- Golf at Steenberg Golf Club – R1015 for 18 Holes / R605 for 9 Holes
- Ziplining – R1200 for 2pax – Acrobranch Adventure Park – Enquire for info
- Groot Constantia Wine Cellar Tour – R600 for 2 pax
- Constantia Cheesery – Enquire for info
- Gourmet Motorcycle Tour – R800 per hour
- (Minimum 2-night stay per hotel)
Use Promo Code: ARO
To see all the specials click HERE.
The Alphen Hotel, Alphen Drive, Constantia.
Blanko Opening Hours:
Monday: 16h00 to 23h00
Tuesday – Sunday: 12 noon to 23h00
Incognito Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 16:00 till 22:00
Friday to Sunday: 12:00 till 22:00
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