The Plettenberg Hotel
9.4Superb · 408 Reviews
40 Church Street | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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About Plettenberg Bay
Sea cliffs, sandy coves and sheltered water frame Plettenberg Bay, a relaxed coastal town on South Africa’s Garden Route in the Western Cape.
Boat trips from Central Beach include whale and dolphin watching, while Robberg Nature Reserve brings coastal trails and views across the peninsula. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary and Birds of Eden in The Crags add wildlife outings for families.
Central Beachfront suits stays focused on the bay, waterfront activities and nearby dining. Fresh seafood and braai are local staples, with a relaxed afternoon on Central Beach rounding out the day.
Where to stay
Hotels in Plettenberg Bay
Book direct on our own Plettenberg Bay hotel pages — no booking fee.
The Old Rectory
9.2Superb · 110 Reviews
Cnr Bull And Meeding Street | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Sky Villa Boutique Hotel
9.0Superb · 399 Reviews
Barrons View Estate | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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The Ivory Haus
9.1Superb · 77 Reviews
30 Main Street | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming pool
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Formosa Bay
8.7V. good · 210 Reviews
N2 National Road Garden Route | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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The Cottage Pie Guest House
8.4V. good · 137 Reviews
89 Beachy Head Drive | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming pool
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Plett Quarter Apartments
8.7V. good · 68 Reviews
9 Main Street | Plettenberg Bay, 6600, ZA
Swimming pool
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Stay like a local in Plettenberg Bay
Places to stay in Plettenberg Bay
Districts
- Robberg Beach3 stays
- Central Beach7 stays
- Town Centre3 stays
- Beacon Island2 stays
- Keurbooms1 stays
- The Crags1 stays
Popular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 149 of 161 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 29 hotels qualify
- ECO Lodge Villa Villekula9.6/10 · 112 reviews · 4-star
- Twilight Cottage9.6/10 · 53 reviews · 4-star
- Long Story Guest House9.5/10 · 112 reviews · 5-star
- The Plettenberg Hotel9.4/10 · 408 reviews · 5-star
- Sunshowers Plett9.4/10 · 97 reviews · 4-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 50 hotels qualify
- Franmarel9.7/10 · 144 reviews · 4-star
- Village Square 69.5/10 · 75 reviews · 4-star
- Dolphins' Playground Beachfront B&B9.4/10 · 158 reviews · 4-star
- Piesang Valley Lodge9.4/10 · 77 reviews · 4-star
- Plettenberg Bay Getaway9.4/10 · 53 reviews · 4-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 34 hotels qualify
- Alkantmooi Private Nature Reserve - Keurkloof & Keurbos 939.3/10 · 123 reviews · 4-star
- 20 River Club Villas9.3/10 · 93 reviews · 4-star
- Dolphin Circle Bed and Breakfast9.3/10 · 301 reviews · 3.5-star
- Belle Vue Ridge BnB9.2/10 · 205 reviews · 4-star
- Christiana Lodge9.2/10 · 174 reviews · 4-star
Plettenberg Bay at a glance
Check-in / check-out
2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
Free parking
108 of 110 hotels (98%)
Pool
100 of 149 hotels
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English, Afrikaans and Xhosa
Local currency
ZAR
(ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Central Beachfront
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% for good service.
History, culture and food in Plettenberg Bay
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
90 · Outstanding
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Fresh Seafood
Braai (BBQ)
Biltong
Malva Pudding
Hotel facts in Plettenberg Bay
Based on 149 of 161 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 108 of 110 | 98% |
| Swimming pool | 100 of 149 | 67% |
| 24-hour front desk | 14 of 149 | 9% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 17 of 149 | 11% |
| Family rooms | 37 of 149 | 25% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 29 of 149 | 19% |
| Airport shuttle0 free | 31 of 149 | 21% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star | 13 of 32 | 20 m²usually 18 m²–25 m² · 12 hotels |
| 4-star | 76 of 99 | 30 m²usually 20 m²–35 m² · 27 hotels |
| 5-star | 4 of 5 | 30 m²usually 23 m²–36 m² · 4 hotels |
When to visit Plettenberg Bay
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January and December
Busiest: Dec-Jan
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Jan70
Beach weather (sea 20°C)
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Feb68
Beach weather (sea 20°C)
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Mar63
Beach weather (sea 19°C)
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Apr44
Cooler, clear skies
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May27
Mild days, cool nights
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Jun20
Cool, some rain
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Jul0
Often avoided: Cooler conditions and less suitable for a beach-focused visit
-
Aug0
Often avoided: Cooler conditions and less suitable for a beach-focused visit
-
Sep29
Warming, spring flowers
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Oct32
Warm, pleasant, less wind
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Nov63
Beach weather (sea 18°C)
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Dec74
Plett Rage
Things to do in Plettenberg Bay
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise
Central Beach 2.5 hours
Spot majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
Hike Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg Peninsula 3 hours
Explore dramatic cliffs, ancient caves, and a large seal colony.
Kayaking or SUP in the Bay
Central Beach 2 hours
Paddle through the calm waters of the bay, often encountering seals and dolphins.
Best in the afternoon
2 places
Relax on Central Beach
Central Beach 4 hours
Enjoy the golden sands, safe swimming, and vibrant atmosphere of the main beach.
Wine Tasting in Plett Winelands
Plett Winelands 3 hours
Savour local wines and bubbly from the region's emerging cool-climate vineyards.
Any time of day
3 places
Visit Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
The Crags 1.5 hours
Walk through a multi-species primate sanctuary, home to various monkeys and lemurs.
Explore Birds of Eden
The Crags 1.5 hours
Wander through the world's largest free-flight aviary with over 200 species.
Bloukrans Bridge Bungee Jump
Bloukrans Bridge 2 hours
Experience the ultimate thrill with the world's highest commercial bridge bungee.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Plettenberg Bay
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Activity tour
Knysna Ziplines Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Swim with Seals
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary Admission with Guided Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Monkeyland Guided Tour in Plettenberg Bay
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Skip the Line: Birds of Eden Admission Ticket
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Standard Canyoning Trip in The Crags, South Africa
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Oudtshoorn PRIVATE TOUR - Full Day
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
1.5-Hour Seal Viewing Boat Tour in Plettenberg Bay
Free cancellationFind deals
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Before you go to Plettenberg Bay
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Plettenberg Bay
Straight-line distance from the centre of Plettenberg Bay.
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Frequently asked questions about Plettenberg Bay
How many places to stay are there in Plettenberg Bay?
There are 160+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Plettenberg Bay. They include 12 hotels and 53 apartments.
When is the peak season in Plettenberg Bay?
The peak season in Plettenberg Bay is Dec-Jan.
Which area is a good base in Plettenberg Bay?
The travel guide suggests staying in Central Beachfront when visiting Plettenberg Bay.
How many hotels in Plettenberg Bay have free parking?
108 of the 110 hotels in Plettenberg Bay with verified parking details list free parking (98%). 1 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Plettenberg Bay?
2:00 PM at 93 of the 137 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 3:00 PM (42 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Plettenberg Bay?
10:00 AM at 85 of 137 hotels with a verified check-out time; 11:00 AM at 23.
How many hotels in Plettenberg Bay have a pool?
100 of 149 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.