As in Knysna, Plett prices vary considerably, depending on the summer or winter season (Dec and Jan generally considered high season). Our top choice remains The Grand, but for those who like the service, fine dining, and facilities one expects from a Relais & Châteaux hotel, book at The Plettenberg (tel. 044/533-2074; www.plettenberg.com; standard rooms R2,250-R4,000, luxury sea-facing doubles R3,500-R6,000, suites from R4,000 and up). Situated on a hill overlooking Lookout Beach with views to Keurbooms and the blue-gray mountains beyond, this hotel has an incredible vantage point, but not all rooms take advantage of this (yet can still be pretty pricey). The hotel is also split up on two sides of the road -- personally, I'd specify a Lookout Beach view -- but it does have the best restaurant in town (Sand). Travelers looking for a more modern retreat could try the very chi-chi Bay Lodge (tel. 044/533-4977; www.baylodge.net; R2,600-R3,800 double). While the rooms in this boutique guesthouse are not enormous, and privacy is not absolute (balconies are semiprivate), it oozes great style (barring some of the oil paintings), with a marble bar and a rooftop Jacuzzi -- which is no doubt what earned it a nomination for the 2008 Tatler 101 Best Hotels of the World Award. Make sure your room has a view of Central Beach, within walking distance.
Lastly, those looking for a reasonable option with a beach focus may like to try Anlin Beach House (tel. 044/533-3694; www.anlinbeachhouse.co.za). It's not right on Robberg beach (100m/33 ft. away), but priced from R850 to R1,530 double per night, breakfast included, it's an affordable option. It's a fairly standard, modern converted home, though, so don't expect loads of privacy, and not all rooms are equal: The Seaview Suite is probably the most desirable.
Around Plettenberg Bay
Besides those reviewed, Plett's best accommodations are outside of town, surrounded by indigenous bush and forests and beautiful gardens, with cliff- or riverside settings. The only drawback is that you'll have to drive to the beach. Besides these reviewed below, there are two options worth looking at, both a few miles before the Plett turnoff. Fynbos Ridge (tel. 044/532-7862; www.fynbosridge.co.za; rooms R1,200-R2,000 double, including breakfast; cottages R1,200-R1,600) is a small, private floral reserve with enthusiastic new owners. It offers five rooms in the Cape Dutch-style manor house, a studio apartment, and three newly refurbished freestanding cottages. Laird's Lodge (tel. 044/532-7721; www.lairdslodge.co.za; R1,400-R2,200 double, including breakfast) is more like a small (15 rooms), stylish hotel.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
