I stayed at Ginnegaap for 3 nights with my husband and 10 year old son.The guest house is charmingly and tastefully decorated. It is an old house with wooden floors and high pressed ceilings. There are also rooms situated outside the main building. We stayed in the main house.
Security is good.
The owners have thought of everything one needs when travelling:
A bar fridge, ironing board and iron, wine glasses and cork screw, plunger pot and filter coffee and a hair drier are provided in the room.
The king size beds are very comfortable with quality linen.
The garden and pool area is very pretty and private and lots of seating is provided. The ideal place to relax.
The owner, Corlien and her staff are very professional, friendly and helpful but unobtrusive.
The breakfasts are absolutely scrumptious. My son named the breakfasts as one of the highlights of his trip to Joburg! There is a lovely selection of fruits, with cereals, yoghurt, fruit juices, filter coffee and a selection of teas.The dinning room is charmingly decorated and there is the option of sitting on the lovely verandah. Tables have white table cloths and napkins.
The guest house really is within safe walking distance to numerous restaurants and shops in Melville.
As South Africans we were initially wary about walking in the streets at night, but did so each night of our stay, without ever feeling threatened. However, don't be silly and carry a handbag or flash valuables about.
I can highly recommend Piccobella which is a 2 minute walk, and Lucky Bean for dinner and drinks. Both have a lovely vibe and very good food which is reasonably priced with good portions.
At Lucky Bean sit at a pavement table and soak up the atmosphere while sipping one of their numerous cocktails.
Piccobella have pizzas made in a wood-burning oven, and the pastas (a mere R55 for an ample half portion) are very good. They also have many other options for those not partial to pizza and pasta.
For lunch or teatime treats and coffees Cafe de la Creme is a must! Elegant decor, chandeliers and high pressed ceilings. A very varied menu with divine reasonably priced pastries. My son voted their steak and kidney pie with gravy (at R29 !!!) his best ever.
Ginnegaap is very central for taking in the sights of Joburg.
I will definitely return, and have no hesitation in recommending Ginnegaap.
So sad our stay is over!
