8A Grahamstown

8A Grahamstown is conveniently located near the city centre, yet removed from the sound of the streets, and offers guests the ideal space to unwind after a day of sightseeing or business, with every wish attended to by our friendly and professional staff. Brilliant for visiting the kids at DSG, St Andrews, Kingswood and Rhodes or to use as a quieter base for the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Also close to Kenton-on-Sea and just two hours' drive from the Garden Route, 8A Grahamstown is the perfect base for the Frontier Country and its history. 135km from Port Elizabeth Airport and 165km from East London Airport and within an hours' drive of a variety of the major Eastern Cape game and safari reserves, including Kariega, Sibuya, Shamwari, Pumba, Kichaka, Amakhala, Addo Elephant Park and Kwandwe. 8A Grahamstown's tranquil atmosphere is complemented by facilities of the highest order. The honesty bar in our central lounge, for example, is fully stocked with a variety of excellent South African wines, beers, soft drinks and snacks, as well as a selection of fine Twinings teas and Nespresso coffees. Read a book or catch up on the latest shows on DStv in one of our beautiful lounges. Have a refreshing swim on a hot day, or just relax next to the pool and soak up the sun. Help yourself to our free WiFi. Take in the lovely view over Grahamstown from our outdoor terrace or curl up next to the fireplace in the main lounge on a chilly evening as you sample some of South Africa's finest wines. Or simply escape entirely to your own room, which offers all the hallmarks of luxury you'd expect - but with an added sense of tranquillity that's all too rare.

Area Info

Known as the 'City of Saints', Grahamstown is home to at least 40 religious buildings, which sprung from the evangelical fervour during Grahamstown's heyday. Another story why Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape is called the 'City of Saints', is because in 1846 Royal Engineers in need of building tools sent word to Cape Town requesting a 'vice' be sent to Grahamstown. The message sent back read, "buy vice locally", the reply to which was, "no vice in Grahamstown" - hence the nickname 'City of Saints'.

Grahamstown has a rich history spanning more than 200 years. Founded in 1812 as a military outpost during the turbulent Frontier Wars, it evolved into a bustling city which was, for a time, the second largest in South Africa.

Though it no longer holds that particular title, Grahamstown is more famous today than ever. The city boasts more than 70 heritage sites. It's home to the internationally recognised and prestigious Rhodes University, boasting the highest undergraduate pass rate in South Africa for any university. The University has become a beacon of research and cultural diversity hosting many events throughout the year such as SciFest Africa, The National Arts Festival, Graduation, Intervarsity sporting events, and many more.

Grahamstown is the only city in South Africa whose primary commerce sector is that of education. This educational mecca is home to some of South Africa's top schooling institutions and includes Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), Kingswood College, St Andrew's College, Graeme College, PJ Olivier Hoerskool and Victoria Girl's High School. 8A Grahamstown offers the ideal accommodation to anyone traveling to one of the many events held by the respective Schools. The guesthouse is located within walking distance of many of the Schools and offers a warm and welcoming environment for the entire family.

Grahamstown is the legal hub of the Eastern Cape housing important legal institutions such as the Magistrate's Court, the Eastern Cape division of the High Court since 1864, and Rhodes University Law School.

This coupled with multiple attorneys and lawyers based locally, accounts for the city's large legal fraternity.

For an ideal base while visiting Grahamstown on business - plan for the day ahead, host a meeting or simply relax - 8A Grahamstown offers the best in town.

Grahamstown is equally well known for its diverse mix of cultures, exemplified by the annual National Arts Festival - a world-famous institution in itself.

Grahamstown is also the ideal gateway to many more of the Eastern Cape's true gems, including a number of excellent Big 5 game reserves and several blue flag beaches along the pristine Sunshine Coast.