Babylonstoren

We stayed at Babylonstoren for three nights in February 2025. As a day destination we can understand the hype - the gardens are gorgeous, they have a well organised set-up of shops, wine tastings and tours, and a great restaurant (Babel) which is worth a visit in its own right (it was one of our best meals on our trip). However, the hotel feels very much a second priority, and its price tag per night (particularly in a South African context) is not justified. 1. Rooms: We were staying in one of the estate cottages (a mid-tier room), and whilst we had no issues with the cleaniness of the room, we felt it was very old and dated, and in serious need of a full revamp. The room looked like it was last refurbished ten years ago, with the bathroom and furniture in particular looking old, out dated and cheap. This would be fine if the hotel wasnt charging a rate per night in line with the top hotels in the Winelands (Leeu Estates, La Residence, etc), but given the premium we expected better. 2. Pools: for a hotel of its size (I think it has over 30 rooms) it has a lack of pool space which is very surprising. We counted three pools in total, however one of them is a small pool essentially for guests staying in the Manor House (and is right outside their rooms), the other is at the Spa and weirdly has no view (surrounded by bamboo) and is also open to day guests, and the third (and best) is up at the Fynbos cottages but only has about 10 or so sunloungers. This really needs to be sorted out. We were very surprised there wasn't a big infinity style pool somewhere which made the most of its amazing location and views. 3. Service: we found service a bit haphazard. At the pools there is a complimentary bar. This is a great concept but seems to be at the detriment of any actual service. So we noticed that the wines and fridges were often only refilled at the start of the day, unless you asked them to do it. This led to a couple of occasions where the wine was left in the sun in no ice, and the fridges ran out of water and some of the soft drinks. In addition, at no point did any member of staff offer us a drink - which again for a five start hotel was surprising. Even if the drinks are complimentary it would be a nice touch if a member of staff offered people a drink (this happened at another of our hotels). What surprised us most about all of the above is that this is a hotel with a fabulous reputation and part of a group which includes the Newt (in our view one of the best hotels in the UK). They don't need to do much to solve the above, but at the moment it feels like they are resting on their laurels and focused on day guests. Definitely worth a visit, but there are better hotels to stay at.

Wow what can we say, this place is heaven on earth. From the staff, to the food and the activities on offer - everything was perfection. The accommodation is amazing, no all the small touches don’t go unnoticed. There aren’t many places where the unique experiences are included and that’s what sets this place apart from the rest. Having been fortunate enough to stay in many amazing places, there’s something unique about Babylonstoren. Special shout out to Warren and Brent, you’re one in a million. The staff make this place so special, each and every one has such a welcoming and warm heart. Can’t wait to return!

Babylonstoren spa is not inexpensive but the pedicure treatment I had there was not at all up to the standard portrayed by this luxury hotel and winery. I have had better pedicures at Sorbet! The inside of the ladies lockers were shabby and looked old and needed a lick of paint. Not a good first impression. When we were completing our forms, there was a dead bird visible outside on the paving. I was offered slippers, for a pedicure. Surely you have disposable slops for a pedicure, as slippers would ruin the paint job on the nails. Then to my actual Pedicure, which was held in the room where everyone fills in forms, so there was no privacy and people came in and out during my pedicure, which was very distracting. I sat in an uncomfortable wicker chair and the many flies in the room were extremely irritating. I was told that the pedicure was being held in that room as all the treatment rooms were booked. Mine was not a last minute booking, I booked for myself and my clients weeks ago. My pedicure started 8 minutes late (and finished 7 minutes early… definitely not the full hour paid for). I was surprised there was no presoaking of my feet, none of the equipment used during the pedi was sterilized in front of me. The foot massage was nothing more than maybe 3 to 5 minutes, so disappointing for a spa of this calibre. I spoke to the manager and sent her an email about this which was never acknowledged. I would have thought that they would be happy to get constructive feedback.

Disgraceful that you are being charged R150 per person entrance fee to then go and spend money in the farm shop or the restaurants / spa / hotel with no offer of the fee being deducted I saw lots of people turning away, what is your reason for such a high fee ? Used to be R10 pp and it went to a local charity , no other wine farm / destination in the area charges an entrance, pure greed

The farm is a magical place and I've enjoyed every solo and friend trip there, from the food, to the staff, everything is great, my review however is on your amazing delivery service!! I placed my order via the app late yesterday afternoon, and my fresh goods are already delivered. I am so super impressed, from the tracking, to the communication texts, to knowing the timeframe of the delivery made things so much easier. The delivery guy, Grant, was friendly yet professional on the phone, and was very accommodating. Thank you so much and well done for making the customer experience as lovely as a farm visit!

What a beautiful farm and hotel! We stayed for just 2 nights on our garden route holiday but wished we’d stayed 3 nights! The gardens are stunning, food totally amazing and the staff lovely and accommodating! It appears that most of the staff have worked there for years which in itself speaks volumes! The cottage we stayed in was fabulous with everything you needed to make our stay comfortable. We were also given vouchers to use in the scented room to make face masks or body rubs etc as it was my birthday! If you get a chance please go!! An experience we certainly won’t forget!