La Fontaine Guest House

Colonial Charm with Prime Whale Watching Position

La Fontaine Guest House occupies one of the oldest buildings in Hermanus, perfectly positioned on Marine Drive directly opposite the ocean. This four-star guesthouse sits at a prime whale watching spot, where guests regularly spot whales, dolphins and seals from the breakfast terrace or while relaxing at the heated swimming pool with jet-stream.

The property consists of two accommodations: the original La Fontaine Guesthouse and the newly opened La Fontaine Lodge (2024), both exquisitely decorated in refined South African Colonial style with a blend of antique furniture and contemporary African art.

Ideal Location

Situated just a 2-minute walk from restaurants, shops, and galleries, La Fontaine offers the perfect balance of accessibility and tranquility. The famous Cliff Path hiking trail starts practically at the doorstep - ideal for spotting whales from land during season.

Insider tip: Enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking Walker Bay - you might spot whales breaching while enjoying your morning coffee during whale season (June to November).

Accommodation Features

• Various room types including sea-facing suites with private balconies
• Two heated swimming pools with jet streams for exercise
• Complimentary breakfast included
• Free WiFi and secure on-site parking
• Solar power ensures uninterrupted electricity during load shedding

Local Experience

The staff can arrange various local activities including:

• Wine tastings in the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
• Guided whale watching walks with local experts
• "Flight of Giants" aerial whale watching
• Shark cage diving trips to nearby Gansbaai
• Golf bookings at Hermanus Golf Club or Arabella Golf Course

Practical Information

Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 11:00. The guesthouse operates a no-smoking policy throughout, and children of all ages are welcome. For those driving from Cape Town, it's approximately a 1.5-hour journey via the R43.

Best time to visit: The whale watching season (June to November) is particularly spectacular, with July to October being the peak months for Southern Right Whale sightings in Walker Bay.

For a genuine South African experience, visit the Hermanus Country Market on Saturday mornings (9am-2pm), where local traders offer quality products in a lekker atmosphere.