The property is in a quiet residential area and while its a very quick walk down to the sea, there are very few other commercial establishments to maybe get a coffee. (the one we walked down to happened to be closed on Tuesdays)

What an amazing find! Some of our group of 8 wanted to enjoy shark cage diving and we came across Benguela and struck lucky. The whole atmosphere is one of relaxed sophistication, with beautiful and quirky decoration and artwork. The bedrooms lead out on to a pool area, which is quite intimate, but was not a problem as our group had taken the rooms. There is a stocked fridge in the room and the shower has plenty of power. The real Gem of this place is Jonathan and his team. We opted to join for dinner which was the most amazing experience at the big, shared table. The experience started with gathering in the lounge for drinks and meeting the couple of other guests, then moving into the incredible dining room for a 5-course banquet, complete with paired wines. All the time being entertained by Jonathan and his very friendly hounds. Breakfast the next day was of course both tasty and beautifully presented. We had a couple of other requests. Like borrowing some towels and checking out later – all of which were kindly met with pleasure from our very accommodating host. We would be very happy to stay again…… you can book for the dinner even if you are not staying. Highly recommended.

Stayed in March 2024

The pool wasn’t great and not very private

Very modern and chic

Stayed in March 2024

Wonderful host, lovely home and the best breakfasts!

Stayed in March 2024

Lovely place to stay with outstanding food. Terrific host. Near to fabulous restaurants.

Stayed in January 2024

The stay at Benguela was superb. We stayed for one night and were able to enjoy the dinner experience. It was so nice to come together and interact with the other guests, as well as Jonathan. The food was amazing. The staff is very attentive. We were helped in every way. Loved our stay!

Stayed in February 2024

Most rooms are situated around the pool, which allows guests from other rooms to look into your room when the curtains are not closed. However, it’s a small property so people generally just stay in front of their own room. Also, be aware that this is more like a Bed & Breakfast than a hotel. Finally, note that there are two (very kind) greyhounds walking around on the property. It’s lovely if you like dogs (like us), but be aware if you don’t.

During our trip on the Garden Route, we wanted to go sharkdiving, so we intended to pass by Hermanus. However, upon finding Benguela on Booking, we decided to pass by Gansbaai instead. What a great choice that was! We could book a sharkdiving experience via a recommendation of the hotel and had a wonderful stay too: (i) our room had a pool view and was spacious, (ii) the property lies in a very quiet neighbourhood, so although the pool lies next to a road, there is no noise as there is no traffic, (iii) the owner Jonathan is an excellent host that manages to find a good balance between his guests’ privacy and the social angle and (iv) the dinner he cooked for us and the rest of the guests was excellent - it was also a nice experience to meet some of the other guests and hear about their backgrounds and travels. We would definitely recommend!

Stayed in February 2024

Remarkable host - Jonathan is a class act, with wonderful social and cooking skills. It is an experience to spend time with him. His accommodation is top notch, with a true touch of class. A memorable stay.

Stayed in December 2023

nothing, all was great!

Everything, very friendly, lovely room, amazing view and beautifull arts and books and just plain exceptionally nice. The bed was VERY comfortable

Stayed in January 2024

The windows need nets and not just curtains. You have to close the curtains for privacy (people walk by outside) which spoils the lovely views.

Very modern and very arty.

Stayed in January 2024

Friendly host, great atmosphere and lovely accommodation

Stayed in January 2024

X

Everything was perfect. The location was excellent, the view was beautiful, the room was delightful and the reception from the staff was great.

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

The host and staff were very friendly

Stayed in December 2023

NA

Hospitality

Stayed in December 2023

GOING HOME!

JONATHAN IS A SUPERB HOST. THE BREAKFAST WAS A SURPISE EVERY MORNING AND NEVER DISAPPOINTED. THE 4 COURSE DINNER PAIRED WIHT THE BEST WINES WAS AN ABSOLUTE TREAT. A MUST VISIT FOR FOODIES AND PEOPLE ENJOYING GREAT HOSPITALITY!!!

Stayed in December 2023

Unfortunately we were at Benguela that one night that the chef was absent so we missed out at - what promised to be - an excellent dinner.

Godfrey was hosting us as the owner/chef Jonathan was not present. He was welcoming and friendly and we were given the choice of a standard room and a king room. Of course we chose the king room. It was spacious and comfortable. And had sea view! The interior decoration of Benguela is from another world: lots of art and a mix of vintage and modern. Wonderful! Breakfast was good too.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing

Location, extreem good breakfast and dinner by owner-cook👍 ocean view and big room and friendly staff TOP

Stayed in November 2023

The room had no fan

Breakfast was great and the room was clean and big. The bathroom was also nice. The view was amazing

Stayed in October 2023

Perfect location for whales and sharks. Great rooms, love the art in the house! Jonathan perfect host. The additional Dinner is a must! Great food and company.

Stayed in October 2023

There was no TV🤣

Friendly Staff, it felt like I'm home, clean and neat, mice breakfast... everything was perfect.

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing

5 star hospitality! Beautiful seaview. Fantastic breakfast. Eclectic decor but still minimalistic.

Stayed in October 2023

-

The best stay ever!! We felt home from the minute we arrived. The rooms are very comfortable, the house is a treasure and Jonathan is the best host, going out of his way to make your stay unforgettable. Make sure you enjoy a dinner prepared by Jonathan. You won't regret this! Oh, I didn't mention you can actually see the whales from the house, even though you are not right on the water.

Stayed in October 2023

A bohemian and eclectic place with lovely design both in the common area and the rooms. Jonathan is a fantastic host, will make recommendations and happy to chat and get to know you. We sadly didn't have the chance to partake in the dinner he hosts, but if it's anything like the breakfast (which is really good), then you should definitely try and join one evening for dinner. Although most people will choose to stay in Hermanus (40 min away from Gansbaai), we really liked Gansbaai. It's quieter, and we didn't mind the drive to Hermanus when we wanted to be in a more buzzing area. During whale watching season, you'll be able to see whales from the shore, they come pretty close, it was truly amazing. Although not right on the shore, but with binoculars you are likely to be able to spot them from the pool right outside of your room.

Stayed in September 2023

if to find something, only the missing heater

the house is very stylish, nice modern room with ocean view (incl whales), super friendly people, good communication, awesome breakfast

Stayed in September 2023

Extremely friendly host, great breakfast

Stayed in August 2023