Inside the iconic South African hotel which billionaire Johann Rupert restored
BusinessTech visited the 5-star Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet, which was bought and restored by the Rupert Family. It was truly exquisite.
The Drostdy Hotel dates back to 1804, when Louis Thibault designed Old Drostdy, which served as an official residence.
Old Drostdy hosted many notable figures over the years, including Lord Charles Somerset and Sir Rufane Donkin.
From 1819 to 1847, it was home to the local magistrate, and it changed hands on numerous occasions.
Then, in 1878, Henry Kromm breathed new life into this historic gem, transforming it into Kromm’s Drostdy Hotel.
Around the turn of the century, the building underwent a remarkable transformation, donning a Victorian facade that still graces it today.
In 1975, Historical Homes of South Africa took the helm, embarking on a restoration journey that breathed fresh life into the Drostdy Hotel.
Historical Homes of South Africa was founded by Johann Rupert’s father, Dr. Anton Rupert, who was one of South Africa’s top businessmen.
In 2012, the Rupert Family Foundation bought the Drostdy Hotel and reopened it two years later, after extensive and sensitive renovations.
The hotel was donated to SA College for Tourism (SACT), which provides hospitality training for young women from impoverished rural backgrounds.
The SA College for Tourism was also founded by Anton Rupert to empower marginalised, unemployed, rural, and peri-urban youth in the hospitality industry.
The comprehensive 2012 refurbishment elevated the hotel to a prestigious 5-star level while preserving its historical charm.
Today, the Drostdy Hotel serves as a symbol of Graaff-Reinet’s rich heritage and cultural significance, attracting travellers from around the world.
It is also the crown jewel of the Rupert family’s long-standing commitment to heritage preservation in Graaff-Reinet.
The Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet today
BusinessTech visited the iconic Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet in March 2026, and it remained in pristine condition.
The hotel blends modern features one would expect from a top hotel with the historic fabric, which was maintained during the renovations.
The property is spread across distinct historic precincts, including Stretch’s Court, which features restored 19th-century workers’ cottages that now serve as luxury rooms.
The repositioned ‘slave bell’ remains a central historical feature at the end of the street, which features the row of cottages.
The Drostdy Hotel offers 48 luxury rooms, three swimming pools, a fine-dining restaurant, and the Imibala Gallery.
The hotel also includes a wine shop showcasing Rupert & Rothschild wines and an art gallery that serves as a platform for local artists.
The service at the hotel was top-notch. The staff was friendly, well-trained, and ready to help visitors with whatever they needed.
It was also a very interesting place to explore. The Drostdy Hotel is packed with art and history, which tells the story of Graaff-Reinet.
Visiting the hotel showed why many guests describe it as a living museum that feels both upscale and cozy.
The De Camdeboo restaurant served excellent food at a reasonable price. It also offered a great selection of wines.
It specializes in authentic Karoo food, using locally sourced seasonal ingredients like Karoo lamb and beef.
The hotel has an Africology Spa with a unique Himalayan salt sauna. The service was professional and the setting and décor beautiful.
The photos below come from BusinessTech’s recent trip to the Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet.
Drostdy Hotel in Graaff-Reinet photos
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