Hotels in Grahamstown

Grahamstown is jampacked with character buildings, including original 1820 settlers cottages. High Corner (tel. 046/622-8284; www.highcorner.co.za; from R750 double) incorporates the oldest cottage in Grahamstown, plus the original Gentlemen's Club, and has six character-filled, if compact, rooms (just note that the stairs to those on the first floor are extremely steep). Right in the center of town, it's a good budget option. The Cock House (tel. 046/636-1287; www.cockhouse.co.za) is another historic landmark that dates back to the 1820s. Unfortunately, the accommodations are looking a bit shabby, but the on-site restaurant, Norden's, may be worth a visit; they bake their own bread and cook using fresh herbs from the garden -- dishes include line fish, ostrich carpaccio, and roast pork belly. Overall, Grahamstown is woefully short on fine food. The buffet at Bella Vita, 131 High St. (tel. 046/622-3007), isn't bad: there's always a chicken curry and oxtail on offer, plus a variety of salads, vegetable dishes, and desserts. But really, the best place to both stay and eat in town is 7 Worcester Street.