Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Reviews of St James Guesthouses

5 out of 5
St James Guesthouses
108 Main Road St.James, Cape Town, Western Cape

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 74 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 85 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 85 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

JANA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was our second stay at St James Manor - absolutely loved it! It’s intimate, atmospheric, well-run, and the location in St James/Kalk Bay is excellent. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Dené on Feb 5, 2024
Dear JanaThank you very much for your kind review. We are glad that you enjoyed your stay and look forward to your next visit!All the best, Dené

10/10 Excellent

Jan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful place to stay. The staff is excellent. Clive going out of his way to help when I had trouble walking, dropping us at a restaurant and picking us up later, all out of the kindness of his heart. Kalk Bay is a safe place and lovely. Breakfast at StJames Manor was excellent and more than enough food. Eating out was excellent. Beds are comfortable.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Dené on Jan 15, 2024
Good DayThank you for the lovely feedback. We are very glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again!Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Pedro

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful and well-maintained property with sea view, very close to the restaurants and shops in Kalk Bay. Very large and comfortable bedrooms. Delicious breakfast and super friendly staff. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Dené on Jan 12, 2024
Dear PedroThank you very much for the lovely feedback!We are happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us, and hope to welcome you back in the future.All the best,Dené

8/10 Good

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant small hotel.
This is a delightful small hotel where we were very well looked after. it has a very nice little pool for getting away from everything. Restaurants are a short walk away in Kalk Bay. We stayed for a couple of days. Had a lovely large room.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Dené on Dec 21, 2023
Dear KimThank you for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to seeing you again.Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely retreat
Very comfortable, spotless, excellent service. Lovely beach front walk and good shops and restaurants a 10 minute walk away.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from Dené on Dec 14, 2023
Dear AdamThank you so much for the lovely review. We appreciate your feedback and we're glad you enjoyed your stay.We look forward to welcoming you back.Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Dené on Nov 15, 2023
Thank you for your feedback. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and hope to see you again soon!

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This manor is a spectacular gem. Safe , luxurious and very traditional.. Staff were amazing and hotel is a must! We loved it!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Dené on Nov 6, 2023
Dear DianaThank you for the wonderful feedback!We loved having you and hope to see you again!Take care,Dené

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Dené on Sep 7, 2023
Dear Mr RoyThank you for the positive review! We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again.Take care,Dené

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Dené on Aug 4, 2023
Dear KarenThank you so much for your review! We appreciate the positive feedback and we're delighted that you enjoyed your stay.We hope to have you back again soon.Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Niall

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely accommodation with very friendly & helpful staff. It was very quiet - on the first night I think we were the only guests - which felt a bit strange, but I do appreciate we were there at the end of the season. Kalk Bay is a very nice resort with some very nice coffee shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of the manor. Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Response from Dené on May 3, 2023
Dear Niall,Thank you for your lovely review. We appreciate your feedback and we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us.Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A little luxury by the ocean
I enjoyed a wonderful stay in the most enormous room with three windows directly overlooking Kalk Bay and the ocean. It felt luxurious in every way, very comfortable, calm, relaxing and spotlessly clean. The welcome was warm and friendly and breakfast was excellent. As I only stayed one night I didn’t have time to enjoy the swimming pool or terrace but I know for next time. Secure parking and walking distance to the centre of Kalk Bay makes this a perfect place to stay enjoy everything about the Kalk Bay Area.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from Dené on Mar 16, 2023
Dear NigelThank you so much for your feedback! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back one day.All the best,Dené

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023
Response from Dené on Mar 15, 2023
Dear KevinThank you for the positive review. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again!Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Marc

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great romantic place!
Response from Dené on Nov 9, 2022
Dear MarcThank you for your review, it is much appreciated and we are glad you had a good experience.We hope to see you again in the future.Kind RegardsDené

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice accommodation and staff but some road noise at night in our room.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2022
Response from Dené on Feb 28, 2022
Dear Mr & Mrs Townsend Thank you for your feedback. We do appreciate your honesty and hope to welcome you back in the future. Kind Regards Dené

10/10 Excellent

GALATIA

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous stay, would highly recommend this hotel
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021
Response from Dené on Dec 2, 2021
Good Day Thank you for the wonderful review. We appreciate your feedback and hope to host you again in the future. Kind Regards Dené

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a beautiful property! The location is great, and Clive was awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021
Response from Dené on Jul 26, 2021
Good Day Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay and hope to welcome you back again soon. Best regards Dené

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I want to go back!
Amazing hotel, steeped in history. The Findlay room was probably the best hotel room we have ever stayed in. The hotel is in the perfect position for walking to the sea and enjoying the fabulous restaurants in Kalkbay
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Response from Dené on Apr 13, 2021
Dear Lynn Thank you very much for your review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us, and hope to welcome you back again soon. All the best, The St James Team

10/10 Excellent

ThomasHarrison

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing views, lovely rooms, good food, generous selection of complimentary drinks
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Dené on Feb 25, 2020
Dear Mr Harrison Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay, and hope to host you again in the future. Best regards Dené

8/10 Good

AlanT, Frimley UK

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s a nice property but the service has deteriorated since our previous stay 2 years ago.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Response from Dené on Feb 25, 2020
Dear Mr Townsend Thank you for your review. I am sorry to hear that you feel the service has deteriorated. We are constantly working on improving our standards which is why comments like yours are much appreciated. We hope that we have the opportunity to host you again in the future. Best regards Dené

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from Dené on Oct 4, 2019
Dear Guest Thank you for providing us with feedback. It is much appreciated. Kind Regards Dené

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely old majestic manor house with friendly and helpful staff. Within walking distance of some enjoyable restaurants especially fresh seafood eateries at the harbour. Only downside is that it's on a very busy road so a bit noisy if you looking for quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Response from Dené on Aug 5, 2019
Dear Ms Buttafuoco, Thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback and hope to accommodate you again in the future. Best regards Dené

10/10 Excellent

William, Sittingbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing St James
Perfect stay at St James - everything was amazing- room, location, superb staff and service. Good location - easy access to sightseeing routes and stunning views.

10/10 Excellent

Leon, Pretoria, South Africa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best Guest House in Cape Town
Amazing personal attention from staff. Great view Beautiful Rooms Beautiful House Delicious Breakfast Great selection of wines!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2018
Response from Lee-Anne on Apr 11, 2018
Dear Guest Leon, Thank you for your lovely note on the St James Guesthouses. We wish to welcome you back to our establishment in the near future. With best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Alan, Frimley Surrey UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice guesthouse close to Kalk Bay.
Nice guesthouse in good location but breakfast options we limited,
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018
Response from Lee-Anne on Apr 11, 2018
Dear Guest Alan, Thank you for your positive commentary and criticism. We have taken it to heart and will review our breakfast menu. Wishing you a wonderful year further. With best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Craig, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old world charm and service
The St. James Manor consists of three side by side luxury properties owned by Rovos Rail which operates 5 star train trips. The "Manor" with its Victorian furniture and Persian carpets and the Seaforth are a bit more 'hotel like' than Homestead which is more light and open. At the Manor you would order a drink at the bar but at Homestead you can just help yourself to the excellent wines and well appointed kitchen. The breakfasts were great. The staff, particularly Good News and Lawrence were amazing, making local recommendations and reservations for you. Lawrence was waiting at the roadside when we arrived to park our rented car, carry our heavy bags, give us a tour, and opened two bottles of wine and set us with bowls of crisps on the deck while he put away our luggage. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Vos, the owner, and you could see that his hands on management, pride, and attention to detail would ensure an amazing stay for every guest.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017
Response from Dené on Nov 28, 2017
Dear Guest, Thank you for your positive feedback and staying at ST James Guesthouses. We wish you a wonderful festive season ahead. With best regards, St James Guesthouses

10/10 Excellent

Ariana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Home away from home...but nicer!
This was my second stay at St. James Manor and it was just as great as the first. Clive, the Manager, was friendly and welcoming and helpful with anything my colleague and I needed. It truly feels like my home away from home...but nicer! Clive even made us a fire and took us to pick up take away pizza one night when we just wanted to have a chill night in. I love being able to open a bottle of wine or fix myself a drink whenever I want and the short walk into town means delicious dining is just a few minutes away.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017
Dear Ariana, Thank you for staying with us at the St James Guesthouses. It is always wonderful and empowering sharing the feedback of guests with the managers and other staff. We have plenty of whales in the bay at present and look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. With best regards, Lee-Anne Gammage Guesthouse Manager

10/10 Excellent

Ajay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Chandru

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Truly the Best experience ever!
One of the must surreal stays I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Was upgraded to their renovated facility and was Lorded upon for the entire stay. Can't stay I've ever received such exemplary service anywhere in the World. Well done guys. You're definitely on my list for future stay overs.
Dear Guest, Thank you for your feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay, and hope to host you again in the future. With best regards St James Guesthouses

10/10 Excellent

Anders

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Meryl, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Laid back Luxury
Lovely stay at the St. James Homestead. Staff (especially Clive) really friendly and accommodating. The rooms are superb: beautifully decorated and refined. The kitchen and lounge areas with the all inclusive drinks and nibbles, make it a very relaxed but pampered atmosphere. The pool area is good too with great views over the sea. Enjoyed the breakfasts which were cooked to order and delicious.
Response from Lee-Anne Koller on Mar 11, 2017
Dear Guest Meryl, Thank you for the feedback received. We are happy that you have enjoyed your stay with us and thank you for the valued feedback. Wishing you a pleasant 2017. With best regards, Lee-Anne Koller

10/10 Excellent

Anil, Shanghai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent Stay - pleasantly surprised
This is a great old house converted into a hotel with only 7 rooms. The entire ground floor is used as a study, reception, lounge, dining hall and a bar which is very spacious and old colonial style. Rooms are well designed and very comfortable. Staff are courteous, helpful and always eager to please. Both the persons on day duty, Michael as well as Goodnews were very helpful and took care of all our queries. Amazing to find a hotel that let you use the entire Bar on the ground floor and let you have any drinks for free, including champagnes, wines, cognac, liqueurs, scotch etc.. Very convenient location quite close to Falk Bay and about 30 minutes from Cape Point.. Whilst all hotels refers to its customers as Guest, whilst the St James Manor and its staff actually makes you feel like a real GUEST..
Response from Lee-Anne Koller on Feb 14, 2017
Dear Guest, Thank you for your lovely review. We strive towards experience orientated offerings, and celebrate that your experience has been real. We trust that you will enjoy the remainer of 2017. With best regards,

8/10 Good

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A return visit already anticipated
Great location. Great value.
Response from General Manager on Jan 4, 2017
Dear Guest, Thank you for staying at the St James Guesthouses. We look forward to welcoming you back within the near future. With best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Alfred

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing
There is absolutely nothing to complain about. Amazing place. Book it now before it's gone.
Response from General Manager on Jan 4, 2017
Dear Guest, Thank you for the compliment. We will be sure to give thanks to the team on your behalf. Wishing you all the best for 2017. With best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Luxury feel and comfort of home
Amazing hotel right on the beach. Luxurious property and beachfront view with incredible staff. Best part about it is the beer, wine and liquor included as part of the room.

10/10 Excellent

hamza, Antibes

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great people and beautiful place to stay, feel like home

4/10 Poor

Steve

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Poorly managed shambles
This was once a great example of the best of South African hospitality. It is now a shambles and its easy to see why. I emailed a complaint to the CEO and he didn't even respond.

10/10 Excellent

Lesley, Donegal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A little piece of Downtown abbey
Wonderful gracious old house with reading rooms/balconies and fine furniture, helpful friendly and very efficient staff. Comfortable rooms with all modern amenities cable tv wi-fi, teas, and coffee with a treat (usually chocolate) to savour. Breakfast a freshly prepared feast every morning. Secure parking, walking distance to a number of beach front restaurants and cafes.

10/10 Excellent

Colin, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful old building
We couldn't believe our luck. The place is immaculate and very luxurious. Our only problem was our air conditioning failed. The staff did a great job and provided us with a fan. Helpful staff also helped to arrange transport for visits. For the price you would be hard pressed to find anything like the same quality. A really nice calming break from the bustle of Cape Town.

10/10 Excellent

Marshall, Abuja, Nigeria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable and close to everything
Great location for a quiet night close to restaurants, shopping, and incredible views. All inclusive was much more than we needed. Disappointed that internet was not better and generally unavailable in rooms despite Expedia claim.

10/10 Excellent

Gary & Chris, london,England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Elegant guesthouse very close to Kalk bay with first class service.

10/10 Excellent

pam, south wales0

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic wiitha touch of class
Staff were so attentive anthe facilities are exelent breakfast good and lot's of goodies inthe rooms the sea is close and shops and penguins are noy too far wel Done rovos rail will be back and thanks to your amazing team thanks pam Griffith

10/10 Excellent

AJ, Pretoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic service, great room, beautiful location
Response from LeeAnne on Dec 12, 2015
Dear Guest, Thank you for your inspiring comments. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. With best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Gugulethu, East London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely Amazing
Totally phenomenal. I will be returning there!
Response from LeeAnne on Dec 12, 2015
Dear Mr Mbuku, Thank you for your kind response. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. With best regards,

10/10 Excellent

Joe, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A bit of history
Great stay, beautiful old turn of century manor for train guests. Would stay again just for the facility only, but nothing to talk about within walking distance. Must have a car to get around.

10/10 Excellent

Denis, Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent traditional values
St James Manor does what it sets out to do - it provides the guest with old style service and quality in an old style setting but with every modern convenience. We really felt valued during our stay there through a number of small things that added up to a lot overall. For instance, complementary water in the fridge but also complementary and quality juices, coffee in the room was cafetiere and not sachets, complementary drinks in the bar, newspapers, and so on and on. And the beds are possibly the most comfortable I've ever slept on! Location is excellent, mid way between Kalk Bay and Muizenberg, so a pleasant walk gets you to the good restaurants and bars in a very safe area not far from Cape Town. All in all, a very enjoyable place in which to spend a relaxing few days.

10/10 Excellent

Bill, sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Top Spot
Great place. Highly recommended!
Response from LeeAnne on Aug 1, 2015
Dear Bill, It was lovely hosting you during your stay in Cape Town. We trust that you returned home safely.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cape Town from the other side.
Beautiful suite(stayed in Finlay) with all that is needed. Lovely neigbourhood and st James beach walkway to Muizenberg starts closeby. friendly and helpful staff. Kalk bay and Fish Hoek with delighful shops and seafood restaurants close by.
Response from LeeAnne on Aug 1, 2015
Thank you for staying with us at St James Manor. We are honored by your compliments.

10/10 Excellent

Brian, Plettenburg bay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great time
It was great and breakfast was to die for ! Good newest and stall where the best cant believe the value for money thanks Brian and tommy
Response from LeeAnne on Aug 1, 2015
Dear Brian and Tommy, Thank you for the gracious comments. We will pass the positive comments onto our committed staff and management members.

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl, Malawi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous Guest House!
My husband and I spent nine days in beautiful St. James Manor. We booked through Expedia and expected a small room, but I think we were upgraded as our room (Boyes) was large and beautifully appointed, with a view of the sea. This guest house is absolutely gorgeous. The furnishings are tasteful and reflect the historical nature of this beautiful house, which belongs to Rovos Rail. Our beds were large and very comfortable. The bathroom was huge and spotlessly clean, with a large walk-in shower and a large bath. Even the products were of excellent quality! The staff are very good and the service is amazing. Breakfast was excellent and drinks are all included. The house is quiet and peaceful and there were always snacks available. We enjoyed staying so close to the path along the sea. We walked to Muizenburg along this. Vibrant Kalk Bay is a five minute walk as well, with many restaurants and interesting shops. We loved our stay!
Response from Lee-Anne on Jun 2, 2015
Dear Cheryl, Thank you for appreciating the St James Manor in all of its glory. We are thankful for your comments and that we could add to your experience of Cape Town in such a positive manor.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel with great views. Fantastic friendly service.