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3-star hotel Check-in 14:30 · Check-out 10:30

Fern Hill Hotel

Experience warm hospitality, delicious food, and serene surroundings at Fern Hill Hotel. Located near Midmar Nature Reserve and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, this family-run hotel offers clean rooms, excellent service, and a charming venue for events a

3255 R103, Howick, 3255, South Africa View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 876 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Air-conditioned Laundry service
What recent guests emphasize

Well-regarded hospitality and dining in a peaceful setting

Visitors appreciate the friendly, professional service and flavorful food options at this upscale, country-style hotel near notable landmarks. Some practical room amenities receive mixed feedback, but the overall experience encourages return visits.

Guests often praise

  • Exceptional and friendly service from staff and management, often named individually for their professionalism.
  • Delicious, varied dining options including vegetarian-friendly meals and standout desserts like lemon cheesecake.
  • Clean and tidy rooms with a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.
  • Well-maintained event spaces praised for hosting celebrations and functions.

Worth knowing

  • Some guests found lighting outside rooms poor and noted issues with electrical points not working.
  • Rooms could benefit from additional amenities, such as extra blankets or improved in-room features.
  • Despite minor room drawbacks, the quality of the food and service often offsets these concerns.
  • Located within walking distance of Midmar Nature Reserve and close to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

Best for

  • Couples seeking a quiet, scenic getaway with upscale dining options.
  • Visitors interested in exploring nearby natural attractions and historical landmarks.
  • Guests looking for a family-run hotel with a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, including LGBTQ+ friendly environment.
  • People planning special events or celebrations requiring attentive coordination and a charming venue.
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About this property

Welcome to Fern Hill Hotel

Fern Hill Hotel, nestled in the heart of Howick, South Africa, stands as a serene sanctuary with a commendable 4.3-star rating. This family-run establishment prides itself on delivering genuine hospitality, where every guest is met with warmth and professionalism.

The hotel's location is ideal for travelers seeking peaceful escapes or those eager to explore nearby attractions. Just an 11-minute stroll from the Midmar Nature Reserve and a short drive from the Nelson Mandela Capture Site memorial, Fern Hill Hotel effortlessly combines tranquility with cultural significance.

Guests consistently praise the hotel's inviting atmosphere and the attentive, friendly staff who elevate the overall experience. From Mandisa’s welcoming reception to Philile Ndingi’s professional and heartfelt service, it’s clear that the human touch is at the core of this hotel’s charm.

The culinary offerings at Fern Hill Hotel are a standout feature. Multiple visitors highlight the delicious, thoughtfully prepared food. Specialty dishes such as the lemon cheesecake with blueberry dressing have left a lasting impression, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to excellence and creativity. Vegetarian options receive particular acclaim, reflecting the kitchen's dedication to inclusive dining experiences.

The venue itself serves as a perfect setting for both intimate dinners and special events. Events coordinator Lulu Sibisi's expert guidance has brought memorable celebrations to life, with delicious multi-course meals and attentive service enhancing every occasion.

While the rooms are generally clean and comfortable, some guests note areas for improvement, such as better lighting and functional electrical outlets, which could enhance the overall convenience and comfort. These minor shortcomings, however, do little to detract from the hotel's inviting ambiance and quality service.

Fern Hill Hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination that nurtures warmth, culinary delight, and genuine human connection. It epitomizes a peaceful getaway spot, where guests can recharge while savoring thoughtful service and delectable meals in a beautiful setting. A visit to Fern Hill promises a memorable experience, leaving you eager to return.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Air-conditioned
Laundry service
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Indoor pool
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

NB
Nicholas Bornman Apr 08, 2026
10

Stayed here for a few days while I was down on business. The room was neat and clean but one of the shower doors was missing. The restaurant makes really tasty food which I would recommend. The staff are excellent and a credit to the hotel. I have earmarked this as a spot to come back to with my wife. Thank you for a pleasant stay.

CB
Chrizaan Boshoff Apr 02, 2026
10

Really good food and amazing service Hidden jem, best date night

BB
Bronwen Bergh Mar 16, 2026
8.0

It was a beautiful venue for an afternoon function that we attended. Friendly and helpful staff. Delicious food.

LN
lawrence naidoo Feb 27, 2026
8.0

A really nice place for a getaway. Peaceful and tranquil. Service was excellent. Breakfast nice selection and well presented. Management Patricia was excellent

RR
Ravi R Feb 23, 2026
10

Stopped for a quick tea and cheesecake! Beyond my expectations! Brilliant! The best lemon cheesecake with blueberry dressing! Loved it. Be back soon!

QN
Queen Ngubane Jan 02, 2026
10

We were planning our parents anniversary celebration. i was communicating with Lulu Sibisi, the best events co-ordinator. She worked with me till the end of the function advising and gave us the best service. The venue is beautiful The waitress and ladies by the dishing station were just wonderful people and very friendly. Food was sooo delicious all of the 3 courses. Compliments to the chef

SM
santhum moodley Dec 25, 2025
8.0

Only only reason for the 3 star room rating, is the poor lighting outside the rooms and the electrical points that were not working so I couldn't charge anything. Could do with better amenities and perhaps a blanket in the cupboard... To rave about: The food! Excellent dining for a vegetarian. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and dessertReally deserves the commendation for creating the options so you're not stuck with pasta and more pasta and salad. Huge on the menu!!!!

TM
Tumelo Makeketa Dec 15, 2025
8.0

I had a very warm welcome from the reception by Mandisa. What a friendly service with a smiley face from Philile Ndingi we really need people with her calibre in the Hospitality industry who takes efforts and professionalism

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Fern Hill Hotel

Howick, South Africa

An 11-minute walk from Midmar Nature Reserve, this upscale, family-run hotel is 3 km from the memorial marking the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

  • King Shaka International Airport 1 hr 34 Car
  • Pietermaritzburg Airport 32 min Car
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in South Africa. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site 1,471 reviews

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Mandela Capture Site, R103, Howick, 3290, South Africa

4.3 · Historical Landmark
Howick Falls 2,749 reviews

Howick Falls

Falls Dr, Howick, 3290, South Africa

4.1 · Tourist Attraction
Midmar Dam 221 reviews

Midmar Dam

Howick, 3290, South Africa

4.3 · Reservoir
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