If you’ve ever wished you had whales in your back garden, Hermanus is the place for you! Acknowledged as the best land-based whale watching site in the world, the town even has an official whale-crier! Once hunted almost to extinction, these gentle giants loll around within stone’s throw of the rocks, where one can sit and commune with them for hours. Originally called Hermanuspietersfontein after Hermanus Pieters — a teacher and shepherd who used to graze his sheep in the area — the town’s name was shortened in 1902 at the anguished request of the local postmaster! Sir William Hoy, General Manager of SA Railways lived here in the early 1900’s and his refusal to have the peace disturbed by noisy trains is the reason Hermanus has no railway.
Situated in the heart of historical Hermanus, the guests at Harbour House Hermanus are offered a choice of accommodation from the historical architecture of the thatched roof seaside Manor House built in 1920, to the contemporary New Wing and Harbour Square. Rooms are luxuriously appointed with sophisticated modern décor, all within easy walking distance of the town’s top attractions, whale watching sites, markets, restaurants, street cafés and an abundance of reserved natural splendour
Breakfast, lunch are served in the Selkirk’s restaurant or in the relaxed covered outdoor dining area known as The Pavilion. The Lookout Terrace is ideally situated for whale watching or enjoying sundowners while gazing out onto sweeping views of Walker Bay. Shielded from the wind with modern glass walls, the sparkling infinity pool offers views of the harbour.
What we love about Harbour House Hermanus Hotel
- Ask your hosts to arrange a fully serviced gourmet barbecue in the spacious outdoor area while you enjoy the amazing views. (only applicable during summer moths)
- Indulge in an African Wood Massage, which uses a warm olive and shea butter ointment, in the Mint Wellness Salon.
- If you’re heading out to the beach for the day ask the hotel for one of their pre-packed beach bags, which include bats and balls and Frisbee, as well as towels and an umbrella.
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