We have found Funkytown, and it’s located in the Eastern Cape. It might not be what the song depicted, but it is loads of fun, and by booking to stay there, you will also be supporting a small business!
Johannesburg, South Africa (01 April 2021) – From Funkytown to Art Hotels, Silent Retreats and even a Water Tower; we have found some of the funkiest places to stay in South Africa!
Since the eighties, there have been so many people who want to be taken to Funkytown; we’re just not sure if they meant the one in Jefferys Bay? Or perhaps they did… but either way, this holiday season South Africans have the opportunity to go there!
Yup, we have found Funkytown, and it’s located in the Eastern Cape. It might not be what the song depicted, but it is loads of fun, and by booking to stay there, you will also be supporting a small business!
Small businesses across South Africa have taken a huge knock during the COVID-19 Pandemic, especially in the travel and tourism industry. For months, many of these incredible little places to stay had to close their doors while trying to survive, but they are open for business again, and with the help of Gumtree, they are able to list their accommodation for free!
South Africans love to support small businesses, but even more so, we love finding quirky hidden gems to visit, so here are our top picks of little places to stay that are off the beaten track or just downright funky:
Funkytown South Africa
FunkyTown Jeffreys Bay is an eclectic expression of design, colour and art. The guesthouse has seven well-appointed, individually styled, contemporary en-suite bedrooms. The public areas are colourfully creative with a contemporary bar, TVs and Wi-Fi. The well-appointed kitchens are sleek and modern, and they have an abundance of local art throughout the property.
There is also a hot tub for winter nights and a plunge pool for cooling down in the summer. They are in a good location within walking distance to the shops, beach, restaurants and nightlife.
Grand Daddy
There is a hotel in the heart of Cape Town which also has a rooftop bar, open-air cinema and trailer park that you can actually stay in!
Not only is the hotel a heritage building, but it has also been operating for over 120 years! The legendary, luxurious, design hotel bustles with an energy that is quintessentially Cape Town. So much more than just a hotel, The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel is a local landmark. A distinct focus on promoting local design, exceptional service and world-class hospitality makes The Grand Daddy an unmissable addition to Cape Town’s hospitality offering.
An absolute gem in South Africa, and somewhere you have to put on your bucket list to visit!
Karoo Art Hotel
A stay at this funky Karoo Art Hotel is an experience that can’t be missed.
En route between Cape Town and the Garden Route/Cango Caves, you’ll find the Karoo Art Hotel nestled in the sun-drenched valley of the Langeberg Mountains. Even in winter, the day time temperature is moderate. The hotel has 15 rooms, and it’s easy enough to book the whole hotel and fill it exclusively with your friends for a special occasion or just a good party. They also have a lovely huge swimming pool on-site for those hot summer days.
Take a drive through the scenic Tradauw Pass, which is very close by, unwind in the hot springs, a 20-minute drive from the hotel or just relax in front of the open fires and enjoy wines, ports and bubbly in their character-filled bar.
This eclectic hotel is a mix of old and new and has something to offer for everyone.
The Calitz
Set in Calitzdorp, 14 km from Oude Postkantoor, The Calitz offers accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house features family rooms.
The accommodation offers a barbecue. Guests at The Calitz will be able to enjoy activities in and around Calitzdorp, like hiking.
Monk’s Cottage – Sounds of Silence
Soak up the sounds of silence in this one-bedroom garden cottage with its rustic re-purposed furnishings and calming, quirky touches while enjoying the delightful ambience of the quiet country village.
Monk’s Cottage is tucked away in the quiet top area of McGregor. Benefitting from the peace and privacy of the quiet area of town but within easy walking distance of the main road. Surrounded by fruit and olive trees, indigenous plants and herbs, the cottage has been decorated with calm and serenity in mind, with re-purposed items salvaged from local farms and villages; a rustic retreat and detox from the world.
An outdoor seating area, hammocks, fire pit and reading nook beckon, promising a hidden escape from the world, with fabulous wineries and restaurants on your doorstep.
The Water Tower
A circular double-storey with an interesting past; this quirky building was first a water tower and then a Buddhist meditation room. With whitewashed walls and wooden floors, it is a calm and clean space to enjoy the famous Karoo sky, day or night.
The Water Tower sits in a pleasant garden in the heart of Nieu Bethesda, where life potters along much as it did 130 years ago when the village was founded. Stone water furrows still line the wide, dusty streets. Night skycaps are unpolluted by streetlights, and the air is still fresh and clean.
The Water Tower sleeps two guests on a queen-size bed in the room upstairs adjoining the sun and star deck.
Mountain Haven Guest House
Mountain Haven offers self-catering accommodation in the beautiful town of Kaapsehoop, from which to explore and experience the waterfalls, magnificent views, and wildlife that the area is famous for. Or use it as a base, as they are central to most attractions in Mpumalanga.
Accommodation is available in various units ranging from 2 to 6 sleepers, basic but with everything you will need. The units are in a lovely garden setting with plenty of braai areas, where you can sit, relax and ponder the adventures of the day.
These are just some of the gems we found hiding in plain sight on Gumtree, but for more information or to find more accommodation, click here.
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