Franschhoek's Last Word on intimate luxury

The Last Word Franschhoek used the forced closure as a result of extensive flood damage to not only refresh the suites but to also build four new superior double rooms, on a newly created upper level.

Staying at any Last Word property is like staying in the home of your favourite, wealthy aunt whose staff will, like they do here, welcome and cosset you like their favourite nephew.

The interiors are smart but sufficiently casual to be comfortable, but that isn't reason alone to stay here. Conrad Flatow, manager of the boutique hotel, brings superb local knowledge and the valley's top restaurants and wine estates on speed-dial and also has every menu of restaurants offering take-outs in the surroundings. This means that while lunch and dinner are not served here they will help you with all your arrangements and make you feel welcome about enjoying bought-in goodies on their fine cutlery and crockery.

Yes there's a complimentary mini-bar in your room and filter coffee facilities with fresh milk are standard in the rooms but they're also more than happy for you to dial the universal number nine for attention from your room to have a cappuccino or platter of nuts and biltong delivered to your room. They also have an extensive DVD library and may surprise you with popcorn when you select a movie to watch.

Feel like you're part of a family

What I really like about staying at Last Word properties is that you get to feel part of the broader family of guests. Perhaps it because of the intimate number or the welcoming energy of the staff but guests seem to chat with each other in a way I haven't noticed while staying at other hotels.

You'd expect to get Wi-Fi free; but you may be surprised that all beverages including alcohols are included in your stay.

I really like the amount of personal space in each room - certainly larger than most five-star hotel rooms - with generous bathrooms, double-vanities, of course, but also underfloor heating and heated towel rails for that pampered feeling.

There is a separate toilet and plenty windows and a private garden area for each room. There is a main pool (unheated which is a drawback) but some rooms have their own plunge pools too.

The gardens still appear to be recovering from the flooding, but the rooms look as good as new.

The Last Word has a chauffeur on demand (at additional cost) but will also happily arrange for a taxi to collect you.

One of the reasons why this property is as popular as it is, is that it is within easy walking distance of many top Franschhoek restaurants and the recently started Franschhoek Wine Tram that provides hop-on, hop-off wine estate tours. They also offer transfers to many Cape Town locations.

For information or bookings, call +27 (0)21 794 6561, email az.oc.drowtsaleht@ofni or go to www.thelastword.co.za.