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"If you're heading for South Africa's Whale Watching Capital, Hermanus, you want to be right on the beach to catch the best action. Whale Cottage (Hermanus) is the perfect spot. The elegantly renovated Victorian cottage, with its white-washed walls and Mediterranean blues, enjoys prime position in the beautiful town and offers magnificent views over Walker Bay - the perfect spot to study the antics of the famous seasonal visitors, the southern right whales. Sit out on the terrace enjoying breakfast, and watch whales breaching and blowing, or amble down the clifftop paths admiring the fynbos and taking in the sea air. And if, perchance, the whales are not in town, worry not, manager Barry will ring around and find out where the best viewing spots are.
Whale Cottage is centrally located in the quaint seaside town, only a short walk from the excellent restaurants, cafes and shops. The six en-suite rooms are airy and exquisitely decorated - with the two upper rooms boasting private terraces - and there's an extensive garden, swimming pool, Wi-Fi internet and safe parking, as well as a range of local attractions including vineyard tours, hiking, horse-riding,and mountain biking trails. One of the country's best golf courses is just a short drive away, and sea kayaking adventures in Walker Bay offer an opportunity to really get up close and personal with the whales. And if you're really feeling adventurous you're only 40 minutes from Gansbaai's ultimate adrenalin rush, shark-cage diving.
- SA INBOUND, Volume 6, 2008, Article on "Boutique Hotels".
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"Cape Town - Although the Hospitality Industry does not have a reliable visitor number measurement tool, this season certainly seems to be a far busier summer season, with virtually no seasonal dips in mid-December and mid-January, says Chris von Ulmenstein, Chairman of the Smaller Accommodation segment of FEDHASA Cape. The festive season peak usually begins around the 11th of December and ends around the 5th of January, although recent trends see this period expanding. Commenting on visitor numbers, Von Ulmenstein says that the 2007/8 Summer season started off disappointingly slow in September and the first half of October, which can be attributed to the Rugby World Cup taking place at that time. “Since then Cape Town has been booming, with many last-minute bookings, even now over the most sought-after New Year period. Occupancy levels in accommodation establishments have improved and are far better than last season, even if the bookings have been very last minute.”
Guests are desperate, and many did not think of booking for this period in advance, which traditionally is booked out nine months ahead of time in areas such as Camps Bay and Plettenberg Bay. Von Ulmenstein, owner of the Whale Cottage Portfolio of guest houses in Camps Bay, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Plettenberg Bay, says that the increase in visitor numbers is very welcome for the Hospitality industry, given that South Africans have been burdened by several interest rate and petrol price increases, and have to tighten their belts - clearly something they have decided to delay until 2008!
Late minute bookings challenge the Industry to meet sudden demands, but many residents on the Atlantic Seaboard and in popular holiday destinations rent out private accommodation, so there always is “room at the inn”! New accommodation establishments open all the time, and many locals visit their family and friends, and are less likely to use the formal accommodation industry. Many visitors to Cape Town have had to accept that they cannot stay in Camps Bay and have had to look for accommodation in other suburbs of Cape Town. Guest house owners are excellent at passing on their overflow to other colleagues in the area, which means that guests wanting to book are almost always accommodated.
“Heavily populated roads to Hermanus and the Garden Route just after Christmas, and throngs of shoppers in popular shopping centers are proof of the vast numbers of out-of-town visitors in the Western Cape,” says Von Ulmenstein.
Their presence is certainly felt in shopping centres and restaurants. Chairman of the Restaurant segment of FEDHASA Cape, Rey Franco, says that eating establishments in the Blouberg area are definitely experiencing an increase in visitor numbers, with double dinner bookings every night, and Cape seafood dishes an all-round favourite.
One of the challenges facing the Accommodation sector during this time of year, is that many suppliers to the Hospitality Industry close over the Festive Season, a practice that cannot be understood, given that the Hospitality Industry is at its busiest right now.
Also, staff arriving for work over the festive days is always a concern for accommodation management, given that most of their friends and family have annual leave at this time. Availability of basic service providers such as plumbers and electricians also is a concern, as their services are much needed in such a time.
FEDHASA is the lobbying body and watchdog for the South African hospitality industry nationally, and in all tiers of government on tourism, legislation, trading conditions, taxation, education and related industry issues. The association services four segments: the Hotel segment, the Small Accommodation segment, Restaurant and Catering segment, and the Suppliers segment.."
- Travelwires.com, Saturday 12 January 2008 |
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"Each is called Whale Cottage, is blue, has marine decorations, and room names such as Shell, Dolphin and Abalone. It is hard to avoid Von Ulmenstein's marketing touches. Her emails, along with her voicemail messages, wish you a "whale of a day". At night, you can expect lavender buds scattered over your bedspread."
- Business Day, 14 July 2006 |
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"And if you want to know what's going down in the Cape's tourist hotspots, then Chris von Ulmenstein has her finger firmly on the industry's pulse. Von Ulmenstein owns the Cape's only branded chain of small guest houses, the Whale Cottage Portfolio. Today von Ulmenstein shuttles between her delightful guest houses in Camps Bay, Hermanus and now also in the heart of Franschhoek, situated in a graceful old home, previously owned by acclaimed artist Errol Boyley. Much like other successful franchises, her guest houses all sport the same Norse blue-and-white theme colours and playful whale scenes - so her guests know exactly what to expect when moving between the 29 beds at the four Whale Cottages."
- Cape Argus, December 2005 |
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"Chris von Ulmenstein is a mistress of reinvention. She started off as an academic futures researcher, and now has Whale Cottage guesthouses in Camps Bay, Hermanus and Franschhoek, with another planned in Plett for next year."
- Woman & Home, October 2005 |
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"Trendy and cosmopolitan, Camps Bay is a huge attraction to all visitors of the Mother City. With easy access to the gorgeous beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, Whale Cottage (Camps Bay) is a perfect sunny summer spot in an area of the Cape that boasts energy, vibrancy and spirit. Perfect ocean-view setting in a quiet street just a short hop from the area's tantalising array of restaurants and the main beach, yet just far enough from all the activity to retain an exclusively chic feel. Modern blue and white marine-style decor, big comfy beds and fab toiletries make your stay special, but most impressive are the gorgeous ocean views. If you can tear yourself away, join other guests for a spot of sunshine reading at one of the two pools. Cradled by the Twelve Apostles on one side, the B & B boasts stretching views of the Atlantic. Get a room with a private deck, grab a bottle of chilled wine from the guest fridge and enjoy a panoramic sunset viewing. Start the day with a Continental breakfast on the terrace, then have lunch and dinner at one of the many superb Camps Bay eateries just around the corner. Or, buy snacks at the local supermarket for a beach picnic! Suits those wanting a chic, yet intimate B & B experience, and needing central location."
- Woman & Home, April 2005 |
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"I was a guest at Whale Cottage (Franschhoek) which is conveniently situated just a few corners away from the main road and offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting. The recently opened guest house is the latest addition to a string of Whale Cottages..... All guest houses follow the same whale theme and operate on the same principle of making guests feel welcome and relaxed. To this end there is a help-yourself honour bar in the dining room as well as tea, coffee and biscuits on tap 24 hours a day. All mod cons are offered in the spacious, beautifully appointed rooms - televisions, hairdryers, electric blankets and heated towel rails."
- The Next 48 Hours, 24 - 27 March 2005 |
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"Vom 'Whale Cottage' in Hermanus blicken wir ueber die Steilkueste der Walker Bay hinaus aufs Meer. Der Atlantik ist hier eine Art Autobahn fuer vorbeiziehende Walherden. Auch uns...hat das 'Whalespotting-Fieber' voll erwischt. Ein aufgemahlter Leuchtturm im Flur weist uns den Weg zum Zimmer, das wie eine verwunschene Unterwassergrotte wirkt, deren Waende Muscheln und Seesterne schmuecken. Barry, die maennliche Perle des Hauses, zaubert das Fruehsteuck auf den Tisch, kuemmert such um das Organistorische and haelt nach Walen ausschau. 'Wir Suedafrikaner lieben Besuch', sagt Christiane von Ulmenstein, Besitzerin des 'Whale Cottage', dabei strahlt ihr rundes Gesicht. Wie nett von ihr, uns als Besuch und nicht als zahlende Gaeste zu bezeichnen."
- Petra (Germany) , March 2005 |
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"The newest addition to the Whale Cottage group is its fabulous Franschhoek version, once again offering a perfectly romantic getaway in the most luxurious of settings. The guesthouse has a distinct cottage ambience, contrasted with surprise modern features. Book the honeymoon suite for a real Valentine's indulgence - the open plan room includes a bathtub in the centre of the room, and a view of the mountains from the bed, guaranteed to ignite the romantic spirit in the most jaded of souls. The decor is light and uplifting, and the personal service is exceptional. Situated close to Franschhoek's famous main road, there's plenty to do."
- Style, February 2005 |
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"Sun City het dit op groot skaal reggekry. Die binnelandse see, branders en vakansie atmosfeer. In Franschhoek het 'n blou huis in Akademiestraat dit nou ook gedoen - op 'n heel ander skaal, maar jy kan jou bikini en frisbee pak vir 'n seevakansie tussen die wingerde! Binne is daar blou swembadwater, mense met drankies op lestoele en jy soek instinktief 'n kraan om jou voete af te spoel. Die
Whale Cottage in Franschhoek is die kleinsus van die familie. Christiane von Ulmenstein het begin met een in Hermanus, en het die gastehuisgesin uitgebrei na n huisie in Kampsbaai voor sy Franschhoek blou kom verf het. Want alles is die ene walvisse en blou verf. Die Whale Cottage in Franschhoek het in September 2004 oopgemaak. Als is nog nuut, skoon, oop, lig en helder. Verder is die kamers baie minimalisties - perfek vir 'n seevakansie situasie. Die Whale Cottage in Franschhoek is gerieflik sentraal gelee. As jy die see in jou kop saamdra, en min gepla is met walvistaal so deur die wyn, dan sal die blou huis jou styl pas. Dis sonder fieterjasies vriendelik."
- Wynland, February 2005 |
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"The Whale Cottage Portfolio now boasts a total of 29 en suite rooms, all tastefully decorated in blue and white to fit the sea theme. The guest houses are graded four star by the Tourism Grading Council, serve continental breakfasts and run honesty bars. When my wife and I stayed at Whale Cottage Franschhoek, the most recent addition to the portfolio, we were allocated the voluminous, open-plan Whale Room, which with its free-standing bath, heated towel rails and tasteful furnishings provides more than enough comfort without being overwhelming. The only service we found lacking was a crash course in electronics. How else to master the five remote controls for the flat-screen television, DSTV decoder, DVD player, video player and air-conditioner unit."
- Business Day, 9 February 2005 |
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"... Maar eers 'n bietjie rus in die Whale Cottage Guest House (Whale Cottage Franschhoek), met sy kraakvars wit-en-blou beddegoed, Engelse tuin met rose en laventel en prentjiemooi dekor. Dis binne loopafstand van die dorp."
- Sarie, February 2005 |
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"For old-style hospitality, put your feet up at Whale Cottage Franschhoek, a Cape farmhouse-style guesthouse."
- Fairlady, February 2005 |
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"Owner Chris von Ulmenstein opened her first Whale Cottage in Hermanus in 1996. Another followed in Camps Bay before her third in Franschhoek in 2004. So that explains the name. But don't be fooled by the fact that this B & B is, effectively, a chain, because it's (Whale Cottage Franschhoek) a charming little number if ever there was one, complete with garden stream, welcoming pool and marine motifs. If you can, go for the great big honeymoon suite - a veritable bargain at R 750 per person - which comes with plasma TV, CD player and fantastic bathroom. A perfect venue from which to explore the town."
- GQ, January/February 2005 |
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"Overlooking one of Cape Town's finest beaches, yet still within minutes of the city, (Whale Cottage Camps Bay) is less grand than the big beach-side hotels, it attracts surfers and a cosmopolitan crowd of mixed ages. It has a sweet seaside feel with lots of blues, Punch and Judy stripes and fishy details, which include the crockery and spoons. Breakfast is continental but substantial."
- The Times (UK), 8 January 2005 |
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"For an ideal romantic getaway but still close enough to the strip of restaurants and bars. Stop off at this charming guesthouse (Whale Cottage Camps Bay) for a great weekend break."
- Elle Hip City Guide 2005, January 2005 |
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"A member of the Whale Cottage portfolio (which includes guest houses in Franschhoek and Hermanus), this guest house (Whale Cottage Camps Bay) boasts stunning Atlantic sea views and a tranquil home environment that will have you utterly relaxed. Situated in trendy Camps Bay, the guest house is only 500 meters (550 yards) from the Riviera-like beach, and is in walking distance to about 25 seaside restaurants. Be warned, though: the guest house ... is often booked up well in advance."
- Time Out Cape Town 2005 |
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"... The same is true for the upmarket Whale Cottage chain of guest houses in the Cape. Although they predominantly handle only the accommodation side of a wedding, owner Chris von Ulmenstein says weddings are great business because you get to deal with one person, usually the bride, and often wedding parties take all the rooms, sometimes overflowing to other guest houses in the area. Whale Cottage owner Chris von Ulmenstein says most (wedding) parties deliver 50 to 60 guests who stay in the area, but generally have their ceremonies in the winelands - which for many defines the Cape experience. ... Spin-offs of the business are return visitors as well as couples wishing to renew their vows. Whale Cottage gets at least one honeymoon couple a week."
- Hotel & Restaurant, December 2004 |
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"Set halfway between the old and new harbours in Hermanus, Whale Cottage (Hermanus) is a friendly, Mediterranean-style guesthouse dedicated to the protection of whales, and you can spend a soulful weekend here in celebration of the mother
of all ocean mammals."
- Sunday Independent, 10 October 2004 |
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"There are three things to look for in a guest house: a home-away-from-home experience (no snooty hotel vibe), a good breakfast and a convenient location. One that hits all the right buttons is Whale Cottage Camps Bay, Cape Town. It's a tranquil spot, due to a combination of the soothing blue decor, discreet service, two sparkling swimming pools and being able to enjoy a buffet breakfast on the patio while drinking in views of the ocean and mountains. It's great for business travellers or for a couple of nights with your partner."
- Elle, October 2004 |
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"... this guest house (Whale Cottage Camps Bay) offers visitors personalised service in a tranquil home environment.
The sea views are gorgeous.... The highlight of the amenities are two swimming pools ..."
- TimeOut Cape Town 2004 |
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"A cheaper alternative, with magnificent ocean views, Whale Cottage in Camps Bay has four en suite bedrooms,
tastefully decorated, and two pools."
- TimeOut London, 13 - 20 October 2004 |
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"Those wanting to have a "whale of a time" can venture from the serenity of Whale Cottage Hermanus into the heart of the Whale Festival at the quaint seaside town's centre from September 23 - 26"
- Shape, September 2004 |
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"For sea views, understated luxury and friendly service, the Whale Cottage (Hermanus) is a must. If a leisurely breakfast on a balcony overlooking Walker Bay watching the whales' antics sounds like your thing, then make sure to pay a visit to this home-from-home B & B."
- Cape etc, August/September 2004 |
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"Whale Cottage Hermanus offers a tranquil setting in which to indulge in excellent views of the sailing, spy-hopping, breaching and lob-tailing characteristics of the southern right during mating season. The light and fresh interiors of Whale Cottage reflect the tones and hues of the sea."
- Sawubona, August 2004 |
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"The (Whale) Cottage (Hermanus) - perfectly situated at the edge of the ocean - is regarded as the ideal place to watch whales."
- The Star, 17 August 2004 |
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"Idyllically located on the peaceful coastline halfway between the old and new harbour in Hermanus, Whale Cottage Hermanus
offers sea and whale B & B (breaching and blowing) views from its three sea-facing rooms, as well as from the terrace and garden. With Hermanus being heralded as one of the best locations in the world for land-based whale watching and the fact that it is dubbed the whale capital of South Africa, Whale Cottage Hermanus creates a tranquil setting which indulges holiday-makers in some of the best views in the world of the sailing, spy-hopping, breaching and lob-tailing, so characteristic of the Southern Right Whale during
the mating season."
- The Next 48 Hours, 20 - 22 August 2004 |
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"Whale Cottage Camps Bay overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is set against Table Mountain, close to the buzzing city centre and glamorous Camps Bay strip with its top restaurants and cocktail bars."
- Top Billing, August 2004 |
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"Whale Cottage (Camps Bay) overlooks Cape Town's coolest beach at Camps Bay, yet it's only minutes from the city. Breakfast is a substantial continental and there are excellent caffs and restaurants nearby."
- Evening Standard (UK), 26 March 2004 |
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"Whale Cottage (Camps Bay) has great views, is set against the stark backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, and is a stone's throw from the vibrant buzz of the Camps Bay Strip where the world's sexiest people are known to wine, dine and dance their cares away."
- Essentials , March 2004 |
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"The recently refurbished Whale Cottage Camps Bay is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. Not only does it have fab views but the interior reflects the setting with its nautical-themed accents."
- Food & Home, March 2004 |
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"... this beach villa offers a much sought after home-away-from-home feel that allows guests to sit back, relax and really enjoy every moment of their stay."
- Hospitality, February 2004 |
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"....the architecturally designed Whale Cottage Franschhoek sports thick walls, sash windows and solid Oregon pine flooring."
- The Weekend Argus, 18 January 2004 |
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"As part of the Whale Cottage portfolio, this guesthouse (Whale Cottage Camps Bay) offers visitors personalised service in a tranquil home environment. The sea views are gorgeous."
- Time Out Cape Town, 2004 |
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"From the outside, Whale Cottage (Camps Bay) looks like an imposing mansion, but the marine colours and beach-style furniture lend warmth to the bedrooms inside, and the breakfast room radiates with light from the French windows opening on to a
pool overlooking the bay."
- The Guardian, November 2003 |
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"The Whale Cottage (Hermanus) feels like someone's beach house. With its blue-and-white decor, black and white tiles, and a myriad of seashells, it's a place with a laid-back, comfortable ambience. While not compromising on quality, you get the feeling you're expected to kick off your shoes and relax."
-travel.iafrica.com, October 2003 |
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"With expansive views across Walker Bay (in Hermanus), you can just sit back and be vowed by the gentle giants of the sea"
- Fairlady, October 2003 |
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"Whale Cottage (Hermanus) offers a tranquil setting where holiday-makers can get magnificent views of the sailing, spy-hopping, breaching and lob-tailing antics of the whales during the mating season."
- The Argus, 20 September 2003 |
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"... Whale Cottage Hermanus has drifted closer to the warmer waters of the Hermanus coast and is set to create a bit of a splash this September - they've opened their expansive views across Walker Bay to whale watchers from around the world."
- Cape Times, 19 September 2003 |
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"Die Whale Cottage Hermanus is idillies gelee langs die rustige kus halfpad tussen Hermanus se ou and nuwe hawe, en bied 'n uitsig op die see en die walvisse."
- Die Burger, 27 August 2003 |
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"Liebevoll eingerichtete Idylle in Blau-Weiss - Meerblick inklusive."
- Freundin, 2003 |
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"Chris von Ulmenstein en haar span is bekend vir hul voortreflike diens en die hartlikheid waarmee hulle mense van oor
die wereld ontvang."
- Dit, December 2002 |
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"Whale Cottage Camps Bay boasts some of the loveliest scenery in the world."
- Woman's Value, December 2002 |
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"The Whale Cottage guesthouse group in the Cape is further proof that all the best hospitality establishments are run by operators who combine knowledge, passion, attention to detail and a willingness to look beyond their own back yards in promoting tourism."
- Hospitality, October/November 2002 |
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"Whale Cottage (Hermanus) is a friendly, Mediterranean-style guesthouse dedicated to the protection of whales - and you can spend a soulful weekend here in celebration of the mother of all ocean mammals"
- Sawubona, October 2002 |
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"Unser erster Stopp ist das Whale Cottage in Camps Bay. Dort herzt Besitzerin Christiane von Ulmenstein unsern Kleinen wir ihr eigen Fleisch und Blut. Wie koennte man liebevoller die Warmherzigkeit der kinder-freundlichen Privatunterkuenfte,
Lodges und Hotels repraesentieren? "
- Suedafrika, 2002 |
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"Whale Cottage Camps Bay offers tranquillity, views of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay, and quick access to the popular restaurants in the area."
- Femina, September 1998 |
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"Chris von Ulmenstein has designed her guest house (Whale Cottage Hermanus) to appeal to the nature lover, personally decorating it in a marine theme. Thoughtful touches make it a home from home."
- Woman's Value, March 1997 |
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"Magnificent setting overlooking the ocean, postcard pretty rooms, stone's throw from the beach in Bakoven"
- Fairlady RedBook |
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