The best of British hospitality under warm African skies in Mossel Bay

You don't have to be a full-on British royalist to enjoy Betty's Boutique Hotel in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, writes Brian Berkman. There's a mix of good hospitality and service on offer at this establishment.

- Brian Berkman

For a thoroughly British time, book Betty's Boutique Hotel in Mossel Bay. Located in one of the early limestone houses on the hill overlooking the ocean, you'll be guaranteed splendid service and a jolly comfortable stay.

Betty's is owned by the Clayphan family from Yorkshire, England. They moved to Johannesburg in 2003 and bought a holiday home in Mossel Bay two years later. Betty's Boutique Hotel, as it is now known, was purchased in 2017.

A ROYALIST'S DREAM COME TRUE

A stay here is a royalist's dream come true, thanks to an impressive collection of royal memorabilia. While much of the royal focus is on commemorative plates and bowls, there are many other treasures, too, such as framed photos of Queen Elizabeth II, framed letters from Buckingham Palace, and countless others. The extensive porcelain collection includes charming figurines like hat-wearing mice and teapots shaped like houses.

Named in honour of David Clayphan's mother, Betty, who adored baking and fine china teacups, Betty's Boutique Hotel is now run by the second generation of Clayphans, with son-in-law Lewis and daughter Daisy at the helm.

Daisy grew up in South Africa from the age of six and attended school here before finishing her education in Dubai, where the family relocated for five years. She later studied culinary arts in Derbyshire, England, and, according to the hotel's website, dreamt of having her own establishment to fulfil her ambitions – which she now does at Betty's.

There is only one slight drawback about staying at Betty's: it isn't easy to access the coast on foot. Mossel Bay's famous Die Poort, which provides some of the best sea swimming within a secure natural swimming channel that fills and empties with the tide, is about 1km away. But with competitive rates compared to seafront properties and delightful staff, a short drive isn't too much of a bother.

FIRST-CLASS HOSPITALITY, OLD CHAP