The majestic facade of the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet, the Gem of the Karoo, speaks for itself. Built in 1806 and designed by famous French architect Louis Michel Thibault as the "Drostdy" of the district, the Drostdy Hotel is a national monument.

"Drostdy" is the Dutch word for magistrate's court. Restored to its former splendour by De Oude Meester group in 1977, it plays host to many of the group's priceless antiques and paintings.

With 51 en suite rooms, the Drostdy Hotel is a unique location for your next stop when thinking of a suitable vacation destination, conference or wedding venue in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, when you're traveling, or when you're just having an excellent evening out. The Drostdy Hotel is managed by Celsius Hospitality Services (Pty) Ltd.

Accommodation at the Drostdy Hotel is located at Stretch's Court, a cobblestone street, lined with colourful shutters and bougainvillea, next to the hotel's central swimming pool area.

Each and every one of the 51 hotel rooms varies in size, shape, and decor. All are en-suite, and equipped with air-conditioning and modern amenities to ensure a luxurious stay. Each room also houses one or more priceless antique from the Rembrandt collection in pristine condition.

Other hotel features include:

The patio and garden are alive with the twittering of many wild birds from numerous feeders suspended from trees, and are a real joy for the weary traveller looking for a light snack or refreshment!

After walking through the garden path lined with grapefruit trees you find a unique, custom made weather vane that gives you distances from Cape Town to Cairo!

Next to the sparkling swimming pool there is an area where banquets, dances, wedding receptions, barbecues and functions can be held.

Drostdy Hotel contains a couple of eateries and drinking areas:

144 candles are lit in brass candelabras in the original court room of the Landdrost - now the elegant table d'hote dining room. It reminds of a romantic era, two centuries ago. Traditional "Boontjiesop" Drostdy bread and Karoo lamb are served here.

The Wijnkamer is an extension of the dining room and is often used for small special events. At the comfortable Voorkamer and De Haard bar, light snacks, lunches, tea and drinks can be enjoyed. In De Camdeboo A la carte restaurant, yellow candlelight reflecting in antique yellowwood tables and an excellent selection of Cape wines adds warmth to good company. A truly South African family restaurant.

Explore Graaff-Reinet and discover its rich history in the many museums; indulge in its plethora of century old indigenous Karoo architecture or drive to nearby Nieu-Bethesda and experience a typical Karoo village.

Graaf-Reinet was established 1786 - The magnificent century old Dutch reformed Grootkerk gazes imposingly down on the wealth of national monuments in the Gem of the Karoo, the fourth oldest town in South Africa.

An excursion to the Valley of Desolation should be undertaken by every visitor to the Drostdy Hotel to experience the awe inspiring rock formations and the splendid view across the Plains of Camdeboo.

View the old vine in the garden of Reinet House - planted in 1870, and which by 1983 had attained a circumference of 3,10 metres.

Visit the Graaf-Reinet pharmacy - a mid 19th century chemist shop with some of its original Victorian equipment still in use.

Check out the Lex Bremner Collection - fossilized remains of reptiles which inhabited the area some 200 million years ago.

Explore the Owl House, Nieu-Bethesda - home of the late artist Helen Martins and subject of renowned South African playwright Athol Fugard's The Road to Mecca.

The Thibault function room can accommodate a maximum of 90 guests at a banquet and De Wijnkamer, a traditional V.O.C. Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East Indian Trading Company) dining room, accommodates 20 guests. The pool area is ideal for larger outdoor functions.

• All modern conference equipment is available on request.
• Ample secure parking is available.
• Banqueting and conference facilities on request.

The latest rates and special offers are available on enquiry.