History, intriguing stories, modern comfort and old Cape hospitality.

Alphen Hotel is a National Monument, heart of a former wine estate, at the Gateway of the Constantia Valley, in the centre of the Peninsula. It is 20 minutes drive on an excellent road system from central Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Waterfront, the airport and beaches. The historic complex, surrounded by beautiful gardens, has the charm and interest of a bygone era, with the comfort and convenience and superb cuisine of an exclusive modern hotel. The Cloete family has owned the estate since 1850.

Cloete's in the Manor House is an à la carte restaurant where guests dine surrounded by antique furniture and pictures from the family collection. Look through the massive door to the terrace and south gardens. It was here that Josias Cloete fought a duel with the British army doctor, James Barry who, on her death was discovered to be a woman who had masqueraded as a man all her life.

The Boer 'n Brit pub in the Jonkershuis tell the story of family conflict during the Boer War, when Deliana spied on her pro British husband, Henry and his frequent guests, the Lords Roberts and Kitchener and sent the information to her Boer family in the north. Here guests enjoy drinks, coffee and light meals outside in the dappled shade of ancient oaks or indoors during cooler weather, warmed by a vast open hearth.

Bedroom types range from cozy Standard Courtyard to Superior in the historic buildings, and Luxury Mill Range having two bathrooms for each room.

There are three conference rooms catering for up to forty delegates.

On the property are a hairdresser and a health and beauty clinic and a gym with personal trainers.

The swimming pool is situated in lush gardens on the banks of the Diep River. The Alphen hiking trail, the most popular of the Constantia trails, leads along the Diep River to the Constantiaberg mountain. Within five to fifteen minutes drive are premier attractions of the Constantia Wine Route, the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, four 18 hole Golf Courses, walks in the Cape Peninsula National Park, the Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary, scenic drives and shopping. Cape Point, where two oceans meet, is an attractive half hour drive over the Silvermine pass, past the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay, whale viewing sites and the historic Naval town of Simonstown with its colony of Jackass penguins on Boulders Beach.