The Hotel

The Protea Hotel Clarens is located in the best kept secret in Free State art and culture circles, the picturesque village of Clarens, framed by majestic mountains and sandstone cliffs. This artists’ haven is a tapestry steeped in history and rich in legend.
This retreat is at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

Protea Hotel Clarens – a masterpiece in itself – exudes sheer style, luxury and design that blend in with the natural splendour that has inspired artists, eco lovers and tourists who simply enjoy the art of living to explore this tranquil, magical landscape.
Blessed with a fine climate, Clarens beckons jaded city dwellers, enthusiasts who want a brush with adventure and art lovers alike to come and relax, in style. Take in the breathtaking scenery with sundowners on Protea Hotel Clarens’ terrace, enjoy fine dining or laze away the hours in luxury and comfort. This sanctuary embodies state-of-the-art excellence and service.

The town’s Artist Amble takes one to art galleries with traditional craft, African rugs, ethnic art, curios, pottery, handmade knives and original leatherwork. And further afield there are San paintings, dinosaur trails, sandstone caves, game viewing, trout fishing, historic war sites, golf, rock climbing, horse-riding and hiking. These are the broad strokes on the canvas that is Clarens.
And then of course Protea Hotel Clarens takes special pride in its warm hospitality. That completes the picture. So whether you plan a romantic getaway, team-building exercise, business conference or African safari, Protea Hotel Clarens has it all.
Expect to be treated like royalty, Protea Hotel Clarens has that down to a fine art, because it believes "home is where the art is". 

Features

Conferences, Exhibitions & Incentives 
The conference facilities offered by Protea Hotel Clarens include an Executive Boardroom and two Meeting Room facilities that can seat up to a 100 delegates. State of the Art technology and a tranquil environment create the ideal location for conferences, corporate functions and team building exercises alike.

THE RESTAURANT offers a Buffet Breakfast and an A-la Carte menu to the discerning diners delight. Infused with flavours as fresh and passionate as the area it is located the restaurant inspires a unique promise of passion.

Breakfast is served from 06h30 – 10h30 Monday to Friday and 06h30 – 11h00 on Saturdays & Sundays. A-la-Carte Lunch begins at 12h00 daily and continues with Dinner until 22h30 each evening.
(Capacity: 56 GUEST)

The Bar invites you to indulge in some of the greatest views the Maluti Mountains has to offer, whilst you relax with a refreshing drink or warm up with one of our specialty coffees.
Open daily from 09h00 – 23h00

The Terrace complete the picture relaxing on the stylish, comfortable terrace and savour the moment with a refreshing cocktail or aromatic coffee and delicious bite to eat.
(Capacity: 62 GUEST, the bar & terrace)

Location

Within easy driving access of Johannesburg, Durban or Bloemfontein this 4 star hotel is located in the exclusive town of Clarens, Eastern Free State. This artist haven is situated near the Golden Gate National Park and the various array of activities this area has to offer.

Distances
Johannesburg 315km ● Pretoria 343km ● Bloemfontein 260km ● Durban 388km ● Bethlehem 45km
Fouriesburg 39km ● Ficksburg 87km ● Rosendal 126km ●

Attractions

Bushmen Paintings : the only known painting of a dassie on Schaapplaats Farm, a 20min walk from Kiara Lodge

Fertility Caves : This is the biggest overhang in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a spiritual gathering place for various tribes and religions for over 800 years - People go there to pray and the area is considered as one of South Africa’s most sacred places. 

Golden Gate National Park : The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp.
This 11 600 hectares of unique environment is true highland habitat, providing home to a variety of mammals & birds.  Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening.  Definitely a hiker’s paradise!

Mushroom Rock : Situated on the Clifton Farms a mere 3km from Clarens on the Fouriesburg Road

Qwa Qwa National Park and Basotho Cultural Village : The village showcases the traditional Basotho tribe and takes you on a historical journey through the years of the South Sotho tribe.  The National Park is mainly a hiker's world, but this park of 22 000 ha not only has a diversity of fauna, but also offers the discerning bird-watcher a rich variety of species. Indigenous fauna adorns the rolling, grassy plains, while Eland, Zebra, black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, red Hartebeest and Springbok go their way undisturbed.  The abundance of veld flowers in Spring and Cosmos in Autumn makes a visit more than worthwhile.

Surrender Hill : Surrender Hill is a historical site where more than 4000 Boers, under General Marthinus Prinsloo, surrendered to the British during the Anglo-Boer War.  Surrender Hill is a memorial to fallen British soldiers & Boers.
Situated about 10km from Clarens on the Fouriesburg Road.
 
Titanic Rock : Clarens was incorporated as a town in 1912, the same year that the 'unsinkable' Titanic was launched. Tragically, the Titanic did sink and the event was a major topic of discussion for many months. During this time, a resident of the newly established Clarens, looking north from the little town towards Naauwpoort Nek, saw the prominent rock feature there and suggested that it looked like the Titanic, which is what it has been called ever since. Titanic Rock stands, sentry-like, to welcome and protect all who visit the village.

Ash River Outfall:  Forms part of the award-winning Lesotho Highlands Water Project – that supplies parts of Gauteng with sufficient water and forms part of the Vaal River System.  The project also generates hydropower to meet the needs of Lesotho.

Take a scenic drive and visit some of the most beautiful little towns and sights in the Eastern Free State - Clarens is also situated in close proximity to:
• Ficksburg, home of the popular annual Cherry Festival
• Rosendal, famous for its “Rosendal Theatre” and “Ou Handelshuis & Koffiestoep”
• Fouriesburg – an area rich in history and host of the annual Asparagus Festival
• Afri-Ski – a world-class ski resort on our doorstep. This is the closest resort to Gauteng, Free State, Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape.  The ski season starts from the beginning of June 2009 and will end August / September 2009!

• SEE AND DO
• • Abseiling
  • Archery
  • Bird Watching
  • Bugxter Car Rides
  • Fly Fishing
  • Game Viewing
  • Golf
  • Hiking Trails
  • Horse Riding
  • Lion Viewing
  • Quad Biking
  • River Rafting
  • 4x4 Trails
  • Wellness Centre

SHOPS & SPECIALITIES
Bergwoning Adventures
Bibliophile: books, cd’s and deli
Clarens Interiors
Clarens Trading Post
Country Connections
Creative Metal Works
De Mezza Blanket Shop
Friends Gift Shop
House of Woven Art Persian Carpets
Meadowlands - Health and Organics
Monsoon Moon Wooden Furniture
Olde Sweet Shop
Senqu Outdoor Wear
The Cherry Company
The Leatherman
The Purple Onion Deli
The Rock Shop
The Secret Garden
The Ugly Duckling
Trendy Times
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

GALLERIES
Addy & Hoyle Gallery
Al Tiley Gallery
Art and Wine Gallery
Artefunto
Baluba’s Barn Gallery
Clarens Gallery
Di Mezza Art Gallery
Diana Reed Gallery
die blou donki
Enslin Vorster Gallery
Helen Claasen gallery
Johan Smith Gallery
Ke Thaba
Richard Rennie Gallery
The Conservatory
The Gallery
Tina de Beer Gallery

Rooms

Accommodation comprises of 70 bedrooms, with the following room configuration:

Room Types
Standard Rooms – 56
Deluxe Rooms – 10
Executive Rooms – 2
Special Assistance Rooms(physical disabled) – 2

Room Features
• Individually controlled air-conditioning
• 5 rooms with separate bath & shower
• 63 rooms with shower only
• 2 rooms with shower for physical disabled
• Tea / Coffee making facilities
• Executive work desk and comfortable chair
• International adapters
• Electronic Safes
• Wi-Fi internet access
• LCD Screen TV
• 12-Channel Satellite TV (DSTV)
• Hairdryer
• Telephone
• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Service
• 16-hour Room Service

Specials

Clarens

June School Holidays

Rate is room only

Valid from 10 June until 13 July 2010

Terms & Conditions:
Single rate R750. Minimum 2 night stay. Valid Friday to Sunday only. Full pre-payment required. Subject to availability.

R 375.00
per person sharing

 

Free State

Easter Special

Rate includes FREE breakfast & an Easter Hamper!

Valid from 01-30 April 2010

Terms & Conditions:
Single rate R955. Minimum 2 night stay. Valid 7 days a week. Full pre-payment requried. Subject to availability.

R 530.00
per person sharing