Paternoster accommodation: where to stay

By Roxanne Reid
[Updated February 2024]
​White sandy beaches, blue seas, fishing boats and seafood – these are just a few of many things that make Paternoster a popular getaway. Whether you’re looking for camping, budget self-catering or a luxury five-star lodge, there’s something for everyone. Now read a guide on where to stay in Paternoster on the West Coast.

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​It’s almost absurd how many Paternoster accommodation choices there are - boutique hotels, guesthouses, lodges, B&Bs or self-catering cottages. So pardon me, but if you can’t find somewhere cool to stay you just aren’t trying very hard.

Compared to 30 years ago when there wasn’t much more than a hotel and a sprinkling of old fishermen’s houses, it’s hard to believe the growth that’s happened here. Here’s where to get a piece of Paternoster heaven, even for just a few days.
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Abalone Hotel

If you’re looking for quality in luxuriously comfy surroundings, look no further than the Abalone Hotel. Inside you’ll find a tapestry of rich colours and interesting spaces, each of which is small enough to feel intimate without being claustrophobic. 

​​There’s a pool in a central courtyard and we went up some narrow stairs to get to our steep-eaved room where we had a view of the sea from a tiny patio. Some of the suites have their own sea-facing private decks. It doesn’t feel like a hotel, more like someone’s elegant house that has grown organically into a maze of lovely spaces on two levels.

​For extra treats, there’s a spa and a restaurant where we enjoyed dinner overlooking the sea.
 
Paternoster Lodge

The Paternoster Lodge looks out over the long white beach and the sea beyond. It’s a small lodge with just seven rooms, each of them a spacious white-and-cream area with tiled floors and perhaps a trio of framed abalone shells as artwork. I particularly enjoyed our large corner bath, which begged to be wallowed in. A bottle of champagne and some flowers floating on the water would have made it perfect.

​We enjoyed good food in the restaurant, from fish and chips and butternut soup to mushroom-and-peppadew omelettes at breakfast. Its best feature is the verandah where you can watch the moonlight creeping over the ocean in the evening (no wonder this is a popular venue for wedding receptions) or little boats putting out to sea in search of fish in the morning.

How to find your Paternoster accommodation

Afristay, Travelground and SafariNow are good places to start looking for where to stay in Paternoster. You’ll find listings for full service lodges like Abalone Hotel, Strandloper Boutique Hotel, Paternoster Lodge or the Paternoster Hotel, as well as self-catering rentals and B&Bs. Enter your dates, select your ‘must haves’ like pool, gym or dishwasher and sit back while the website sorts through the available options. Read reviews from people who have stayed there to guide your final choice. Then simply book directly on the site, easy-peasy (or contact the host directly for more info).

You can also find inspiration at Stay in Paternoster or Paternoster Rentals, whether you want somewhere for a couple in Bekbaai, a family in the Voorstrand, or a crowd of friends at Mosselbank. Select according to the price you want to pay, from shoestring and budget to luxury and ‘all the bells and whistles’.​

Cape Columbine reserve
Sea Shack

Not far from the entrance to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve just outside Paternoster, you’ll find the Sea Shack. There are ten little wooden cabins with only enough room for a double bed or two singles. It’s off the grid but the cabins share communal eco-loos and gas showers, and there are solar lights and a communal cooking/bar area. 

Stumble out of bed and on to the beach or watch the sunset over the ocean. I’d love to book all 10 cabins for family and friends. I’m less sure that I’d enjoy sharing it with strangers – but you may be more sociable than me!

Lighthouse chalet

Stay in an old light-keeper’s cottage next to the Cape Columbine lighthouse inside the reserve. Once the reserve gates close in the afternoon you’ll have the place to yourslves. Reservations, tel 021-4492400, email [email protected]

Tieties Bay campsites

If you can stop yourself giggling every time you hear the name of this campsite (Tieties are boobs, though that's not the origin of the name), and you don’t mind basic camping, this is the place for you. There are about 60 sites for tents or caravans. More ablutions have been built, but there are still not enough for the hordes who descend here in the December/January holidays. Sites near the ablutions are popular, but if you’re prepared to walk far you could choose a secluded spot further away. There are no power points at the sites, but the views out to sea make this a beautiful spot when the wind isn’t blowing sand into your tent. Reservations, tel 022-7522718, email [email protected].

And of course, there’s a boatload of things to do in Paternoster, including long walks on the beach, kayaking, whale-watching, a visit to the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and lighthouse, and the delight of sampling a few of some 20 Paternoster restaurants.

You may also enjoy
Paternoster restaurants worth visiting
Things to do in Paternoster on the West Coast

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