We stayed at Fancourt for 2 nights in the middle of a recent holiday to SA. We wanted to go somewhere mid-way through the holiday where we could relax and chill out for a couple of days, and Fancourt seemed to have everything we wanted. Fancourt is, first and foremost, a golf destination, then a spa and hotel. As such, it’s a slightly peculiar set-up. The main building houses the golf club house and pro shop, bar, restaurants, shops, check-in area and spa. The bedrooms are elsewhere. Some are in the old manor house, which is just across the courtyard, but we had booked a suite, so once we had finished checking in, we were whisked by golf buggy to our room which was about 500 metres from the club house. It was almost like a little development of town houses, and felt a bit peculiar being set so far away from the bar and restaurants, and having to put on coats and scarves to walk to dinner! We were told to ring the porters each time we wanted to go back up to the main building, but the grounds of the hotel are so beautiful that we enjoyed the walk, and didn’t bother calling them again until we were checking out and needed to be reunited with our car. The suite was modern and sleek, decorated in neutral colours and light wood (although, dare I say it, it was a touch bland for my taste). Nevertheless, the bed and sofas were extremely comfortable, and the bathroom was something of a haven, with a slightly sunken bath set into the window alcove so you could lie in the bath and look out the window. We ate in 2 of the restaurants (Sansibar and La Pecheur), and the food in both was lovely. The sushi in La Pecheur is especially good. We also had lunch in the club house bar, and we had no complaints there. The golf credentials of Fancourt are well known. They are justifiably proud of the courses, and there is a course for every level of ability - all are spectacularly set and a joy to walk around. The spa is the main attraction for non-golfers. As well as the spa treatment rooms, there is a pool, Jacuzzi, Roman bath, steam room, etc. Cleverly, the hotel also has a separate leisure centre/pool for families, which is in a different location, so the emphasis in the spa is on relaxation and quiet time. All told, if you’re looking for a hotel that offers great leisure and relaxation, Fancourt might well be worth a visit. Oh, incidentally, the photo that appears on the top of the main review page (the one with the fish tank) is NOT a bedroom, as stated in the caption, but is the reception area of the spa.

We were upgraded to a suite, at the garden level, very spacious and nicely decorated, but with a terrible mouldy smell. After some insistance, the next day we were moved to another room at the first floor. This was OK. The setting and the gardens are beautiful, but the service is not at the level of a 5 stars hotel. The breakfast buffet e.g. is not neat (flies) and the food not properly kept (no refirgeration). Even the cutlery is not clean, we have seen the waiters leaving some forks and knives on the table for the next guests. The food in Zanzibar restaurant was acceptable and not expensive, but we were served some cheese which looked like some leftovers of the breakfast. Even in the Spa there are some problems with cleanliness and control.

Booked historic manor room but were upgraded to garden suite room which seemed to happen to a number of people. We were a bit sceptical but the suites overlooking the beautiful gardens are superb. The receptionist had not made it clear they were offering us a better room! We used the hotel as a touring base for the Garden Route which worked fine but this hotel would be a more obvious choice for golfers. The grounds are beautiful, the leisure facilities are superb but I really did not appreciate the food at this price level. Although the hotel is good especially for golfers I am inclined to think I would stay further east for the best of the Garden Route. Nonetheless, it was a great 6 night break.

During our vacation in South Africa and on our way to Knysna, we stopped for one night at Fancourt Hotel, we had been told that the setting and the golf were fantastic but that rooms were just average. What a surprise when we were shown our room, not only a very spacious suite but a very classy decoration, warm colours, clean and a marvelous bathroom, I felt sorry we could only stay for one night. We had dinner in the Italian restaurant, though the staff is ever so nice, food was OK but not up to the quality of such a hotel. Our overall opinion is that we would gladly go back there, it is really worth enjoying a few days in this gorgeous setting.

Simply, this is one of the best hotels in the world! Accomodation is superb, food is fantastic and you have a choice of five different style restaurants. If you are interseted in golf there are two great courses on your doorstep and the famous, and incredible, Links Course is only a short drive away. But aside from all of this it is the welcome that makes Fancourt so special. Typical South African hospitality with efficiency and a genuine smile. Oh.. after golf have a drink on the wonderful terrace...no have two, their so cheap!