Karoo Art Hotel

Budget Getaways Review

A charming Karoo village is Barrydale and adding a big chunk to that charm must surely be the Karoo Art Hotel? Back in the day, there were a few constants that made up the quintessential Karoo dorp. The Moederkerk took centre stage, the general dealer a close second and the Royal Hotel (and accompanying "kroeg/bar") was never more than a stumble from either. Unlike many of these villages today, Barrydale’s historic hotel got given a second chance in life, and has been superbly renovated to create a unique and funky mix of bygone, contemporary and fun. In fact, there’s nothing else like The Karoo Art Hotel, it's unique!

Central to the hotel’s ethos is warm, old-fashioned Karoo hospitality, a hearty menu of traditional SA dishes, a vibey bar where locals “muso’s” take centre stage over weekends, and, as the name suggests an art gallery, packed with quality art exhibitions from local and national artists. The gallery doubles up as the hotel dining hall, meaning from the moment you enter this grand old building, you’re immersed in all things visually delicious.

Looking at rooms, The hotel offers 15 in total, each completely individual in style and character. Most are furnished with king or queen size beds (with additional mattresses available if you are travelling with kids); various single-bed configurations are also available. With the exception of the Garden Suite, all rooms are located on the first floor and a selection of them sport views from balconies overlooking the village or hotel garden. Common to all are percale linen, quality towels, eclectic decor and WiFi.

Down on ground level you’ve got the dining hall and bar forming the central focus. Meals are available to guests or head out into the village to experience some of the other restaurants on offer, all within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel bar is said to be the most “happening spot” in the Karoo and comes to life in the evening with friendly staff, eccentric characters and weary travellers. It's without doubt the spot to be.

Worth noting is that the hotel walls are constantly changing with new exhibits as well as permanent art installations taking centre stage, don’t forget to spend some time wandering the halls and spaces of the ground floor, as well as the hotel garden for sculpture exhibits.

You’d be hard pressed to find a more fun and funky stay in the middle of the Karoo. Apart from the energy and aesthetic delights of the place, a stay in the Karoo Art Hotel gives one the sense of how effectively the past, harmoniously combined with the present works. Wouldn't it be great if more of SA’s old platteland hotels followed the lead of this historic gem.