The Marine Hotel is a fabulous landmark on the clifftops of Hermanus, a popular coastal holiday town about an hour and a half’s scenic drive from Cape Town. Hermanus is renowned for being one of the best land-based whale-watching locations in the world, and The Marine, in its spectacular setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, puts you right in the heart of the action during the winter season. Its origins date back to 1902, and since its modest beginnings, the hotel has blossomed into an elegant boutique hotel renowned for its classy design and excellent hospitality, and definitely the best views in town.
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The ground floor reopened in June 2026 after a rework by HotCocoa Interiors, and the Pavilion took the biggest leap: fifty glass pendants hang over banked greenery, chairs wear fynbos prints, and the original black-and-white tiles and arched windows stayed put. Tronette Dippenaar and head chef Oelof Vorster have written a new menu to match. Hand-painted botanical murals and terracotta floors now run the passages, the cocktail bar is new, and the Sun Lounge still does afternoon tea. The replanted pool garden has canopied daybeds, with the Carchele spa alongside.
Forty beautifully appointed en-suite rooms and suites are of varying styles and sizes, from the classic Double Rooms, to the larger Luxury Doubles and Premier Suites. The décor is elegant with elements of maritime inspiration and all have air conditioning, heated floors, and tea and coffee making facilities. Views vary, with some rooms overlooking the courtyard and surrounding mountain backdrop, whilst the front-facing rooms (some with private balconies) enjoy glorious ocean views. Suites have a separate living area, and two have open fireplaces.
A highlight of Hermanus is undoubtedly the spectacular whale watching opportunities between June and November as huge numbers of humpback and southern right whales congregate in Walker Bay to calve. Several nature reserves with scenic hiking trails are close by, and the town itself has a good range of boutique shops, art and craft galleries, and excellent restaurants. Explore the quaint village of Stanford nearby and picturesque fishing villages along the coast, or head inland to the famous Hemel-en-Aarde valley for a wine tasting tour.
We’d say this is the perfect spot to take a few days off from a busy holiday schedule: relax in the spa, spend the afternoon by the saltwater pool, or just enjoy the views from the gardens.
Wake up early for a stroll along the famous clifftop path – the hotel has direct access to the walk and it couldn’t be a better way to start the day.
There's no lift. That's the trade-off for a building that's been standing since 1902, however the team will happily carry your bags.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
The Marine Hotel can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring The Marine Hotel or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at The Marine Hotel start from around $230, or US$230, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
It’s famous for whale-watching, but the wine is also worth a taste in this laidback coastal town.
