Bloemfontein is a beautiful South African city located in the Free State province. It’s one of the country’s three national capitals. In native Afrikaans language, the word Bloem means flower, and Bloemfontein contains an abundance of these. This explains the city’s nickname: “The City of Roses”.
Bloemfontein contains numerous parks, gardens, and museums. It’s close to the center of the country, making it a popular stopover destination when traveling between other cities in South Africa.
If you’re planning a trip here, guesthouses in Bloemfontein are the best accommodation options. This one-of-a-kind accommodation option offers a real local feel of the city. They are so much more than just a place to sleep at night!
Whether you’re looking for cheap guesthouses in Bloemfontein, family options, or a backpacker-friendly accommodation, our list has you covered. We’ve also categorized each one of our selections, so you can easily scan through, without having to dig for information.
In a hurry? Here’s where to stay in Bloemfontein for one night
The Milner House Guesthouse
This guesthouse in Bloemfontein is a great choice for money conscious travelers. With a low price, and an intimate charm, what’s not to love? Enjoy breakfast in the morning, and grab a drink from the bar at night!
- Oliewenhuis Art Museum
- National Museum Bloemfontein
- Hoffman Square
Is this amazing Bloemfontein Guesthouse booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Guesthouse in Bloemfontein
Staying in a Bloemfontein guesthouse will add a more intimate element to your trip. You’ll be staying on a local property, in a unique house. In this sense, you’ll feel more connected to the local lifestyle and culture of the city. This is why guesthouses in Bloemfontein are so popular, they provide a nice home-away-from-home type of vacation.
Guesthouses have between 4 – 25 rooms in total, which the owner rents out individually. The whole property hosts travelers on vacation and privacy is a top priority. Although the owner of the guesthouse also stays on the property, you’ll have very little interaction with them.
What to Look For in a Guesthouse
Every guesthouse will be slightly different, but there are a few common things to look out for.
A shared kitchen or a private in-room kitchenette is a popular feature. If no kitchen facilities are available, you’ll most likely receive breakfast from the host. Sometimes, breakfast is free. If not, it’s usually a reasonable rate.
This can make guesthouses seem similar to a bed and breakfast type accommodation. However, it’s more like an added perk, and not a standard feature.
Other communal spaces you might have access to include a lounge and an outside terrace or courtyard. Since Bloemfontein has a warm climate with little rainfall, outdoor swimming pools and BBQ (called braais in South Africa) facilities are also popular among guesthouses.
Sounds a bit like a hostel, we know. But hostels mainly have shared dorm accommodation, whereas guesthouses have private rooms. Private bathrooms are also standard – unless you opt for a super budget option!
When you’re searching for places to stay, booking.com and Airbnb.com have the most options for guesthouses. To help you know where to start, we’ve selected the top options found across these platforms!
The Milner House Guesthouse
- > $
- > 1 – 2 Guests
- > Breakfast offered for a fee
- > Quiet location
Tukha Guesthouse
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Seasonal outdoor pool
- > BBQ facilities
ParkHill Luxury Accommodation
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Pool access
- > High-speed Wi-Fi
Dante Deo Guesthouse
- > $$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Breakfast offered for a fee
- > Spacious grounds
@The Villa Guest House
- > $$$$
- > 2 – 4 Guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Serene environment
Dias Guest House
- > $$$
- > 5 Guests
- > Breakfast included
- > Safe and quiet neighborhood
Lizbe Accommodation
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Daily housekeeping
- > Quiet location
10 Top Guesthouses in Bloemfontein
Let’s get into it! Bloemfontein has countless guesthouses to choose from, so we’ve narrowed down the list. We’ve included the top 10 places, making sure to include all of the highlights and key features of each guesthouse!
Overall Best Value Guesthouse in Bloemfontein – The Milner House Guesthouse
- $
- 1 – 2 Guests
- Breakfast offered for a fee
- Quiet location
This best value accommodation in Bloemfontein is this homey Airbnb. There are a total of 10 rooms on the property, all sleeping 1 – 2 guests. This gives it a nice intimate charm that will make you feel right at home.
Since you’ll be staying in the Waverley suburb, you’ll be close to some of the city’s top attractions, like the Oliewenhuis Art Museum and the Naval Hill Planetarium.
After a busy day sightseeing, chill out in the social lounge and grab a drink from their honesty bar. In the morning, enjoy a tasty breakfast (for a small fee). If you want to use the kitchen to prepare your own meals, no problem, just ask the friendly staff!
Best Budget Guesthouse in Bloemfontein – Tukha Guesthouse
- $
- 2 Guests
- Seasonal outdoor pool
- BBQ facilities
Trying to save money? Tukha Guesthouse is the best guesthouse in Bloemfontein for those backpacking through South Africa on a budget. Plus, you can save even more money using the shared kitchen to prepare your meals.
When you’re not out exploring, chill in front of your TV with a couple of cold ones from your mini-fridge. On a hot day, head to the pool for a refreshing swim, then relax in the shaded outdoor seating area with a good book.
When you’re ready to head out for the day, you can start with the Bloemfontein Zoo or the Loch Logan Waterfront – both are less than a 10-minute drive from the property.
Best Guesthouse for Couples in Bloemfontein – ParkHill Luxury Accommodation
- $$$
- 2 Guests
- Pool access
- High-speed Wi-Fi
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, this guesthouse in Bloemfontein perfectly caters to couples. The property is a calming oasis, with spacious gardens and an outdoor pool. It’s exactly the type of place you want to return to after a day out.
Rest your feet cuddling up on your king-sized bed watching your favorite program. Wind down with a cold drink from your minibar, or flip on the coffee machine for a caffeine boost.
After what is sure to be a relaxing night’s sleep, start your morning with a continental or an à la carte breakfast. Or, order room service and eat in!
Best Guesthouse for a Group of Friends in Bloemfontein – Dante Deo Guesthouse
- $$$
- 4 Guests
- Breakfast offered for a fee
- Spacious grounds
This large modern guesthouse is the perfect place to base a memorable vacation with friends. The best part is, there are plenty of areas around the property where your group can hang out.
Cool off in the outdoor swimming pool. Catch a tan on the sun-loungers. Or, hang out in the shared lounge or terrace and enjoy a social game of table tennis.
If your group wakes up at different hours, you can head down and enjoy a continental breakfast at whatever time is convenient for you. Make a cup of tea/coffee or grab some snacks from your fridge while you wait.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury Guesthouse in Bloemfontein – @The Villa Guest House
- $$$$
- 2 – 4 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Serene environment
This accommodation oozes opulence, it’s easily the most luxurious guesthouse Bloemfontein offers. The beautiful overgrown garden will make you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise, and so will the serene swimming pool!
After a busy day out exploring, your king suite will be an inviting space to return to. Grab a few cold drinks from your mini-fridge and head to your private patio to cap off the night. When you wake up, enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the lounge.
You’ll be just a short drive from popular city attractions, like the Free State National Botanical Gardens and the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery.
Best Guesthouse for Families Visiting Bloemfontein – Dias Guest House
- $$$
- 5 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Safe and quiet neighborhood
This guesthouse in Bloemfontein is perfect for families of 4 – 5 people. Book into the spacious deluxe family unit with multiple rooms – so you won’t feel on top of each other. The small fridge has enough space for the kids’ snacks and a few adult refreshments.
Want to have a casual night in? Fire up the BBQ and enjoy a family meal at the outside tables. While you’re grilling, the kids can play on the children’s playground or in the swimming pool.
You’ll be less than a 10-minute car ride from the kid-friendly Free State National Botanical Gardens and Modenso Park.
Best Guesthouse for Backpackers in Bloemfontein – Lizbe Accommodation
- $
- 1-2 Guest
- Daily housekeeping
- Quiet location
Bloemfontein doesn’t have any traditional hostels, but Lizbe Accommodation is a great option for travelers trying to stick to a backpacking budget.
The rooms are basic, but have a TV with cable channels and an electric kettle for making coffee/tea. The grounds around the guesthouse are quite spacious. Spend some time outdoors grilling on the BBQ facilities, or relax with a book on the outside furniture.
A few of the popular attractions in the area include the Sterrewag Theatre, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, and Preller Square.
The Absolute Cheapest Guesthouse in Bloemfontein – Anri Guesthouse – Private Suite
- $
- 1 – 6 Guests
- Uncapped Wi-Fi and DSTV
- Quiet residential neighborhood
This guesthouse in Bloemfontein is a great value for money. It’s insanely cheap, and can host groups of up to six.
Each private room has a laptop-friendly workspace where you can check up on your social media or finish up on a deadline if needed. Thanks to the kitchenette, you can grab a snack or make coffee/tea whenever you like. Your friendly host makes breakfast (upon request) for a very small fee.
When you’re ready to head out for the day, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum and the Bloemfontein White Horse are close by. Looking for something fun to do at night? The nearby local restaurant LEjiT Lekker Restaurant is all about celebrating the Afrikaans culture, from food to music!
Another Great Guesthouse for Couples in Bloemfontein – The Nightingale Guesthouse
- $$
- 1 – 3 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Close to Mimosa Mall
The Nightingale is another one of the most charming guesthouses Bloemfontein offers couples. When you’re not out discovering the city, kick back in your spacious room watching TV – your electric blankets will make things extra cozy. Book a chalet and enjoy your own private patio with outside furniture.
Should you feel like cooking, there is a shared kitchen and BBQ facilities. Store the leftovers in your private kitchenette. Don’t worry about making breakfast, your room price includes breakfast!
Best Guesthouse for a Weekend in Bloemfontein – Abiento Guesthouse
- $$
- 2 – 3 Guests
- Pool access
- Near nightlife options
Abiento Guesthouse is the perfect place to base an exciting weekend in Bloemfontein. The property is less than one mile from 2nd Avenue, with its trendy shops and late-night bars and eateries. The Mystic Boer NightClub is open until 4:00 am on weekends, and Boho Bistro is open until 2:00 am!
When it’s time for bed, retreat to your private room. Watch some TV in bed while you rehydrate with a cup of tea.
If you’re feeling a little rough in the morning, recharge with a free breakfast and do a few wake-up laps in the swimming pool.
Check out these other great resources
We have loads more information to help you plan your trip.
- South Africa Packing List
- Essential South Africa Stops
FAQ about Guesthouses in Bloemfontein
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Bloemfontein.
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Final Thoughts on Bloemfontein Guesthouses
That concludes our list of guesthouses in Bloemfontein. These forms of accommodation are easily the most fun and unique places to stay in during your trip. Plus, they usually include way more perks than a typical hotel room.
Whether you prefer to be close to the main attractions, or in a quiet neighborhood, they’re located in practically all areas of the city. You’ll find a great variety of options too, from the cheapest guesthouse in Bloemfontein to the most luxurious.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
