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From R780 per night, for 2 ppl
142
5
1
5
1 Jurie Street
Britstown
8782
Northern Cape
021 344 2440
14:00-20:00
10:00
-30.591966216683
23.502141888408
Vyfster The Old Jail
Vyfster The Old Jail
Vyfster The Old Jail
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Accommodation is offered in 3 old jail cells which have been tastefully refurbished and decorated.
Cell 1 is furnished with a queen-size bed and features an open-plan bath-over-shower.
Cell 3 comprises 3 single beds and a bathroom that is fitted with a shower.
Cell 4 is furnished with 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed. The bathroom is separate and is fitted with a shower.
The Interrogation Room is a renovated Interrogation room that is now a family unit. This unit has 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building while additional facilities include secure parking.
Britstown offers intriguing attractions for art lovers as well as history buffs, while other attractions include hiking trails and natural attractions in surrounding towns.
Accommodation is offered in 3 old jail cells which have been tastefully refurbished and decorated.
Cell 1 is furnished with a queen-size bed and features an open-plan bath-over-shower.
Cell 3 comprises 3 single beds and a bathroom that is fitted with a shower.
Cell 4 is furnished with 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed. The bathroom is separate and is fitted with a shower.
The Interrogation Room is a renovated Interrogation room that is now a family unit. This unit has 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building while additional facilities include secure parking.
Britstown offers intriguing attractions for art lovers as well as history buffs, while other attractions include hiking trails and natural attractions in surrounding towns.
Features
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Reviews (142)
142 guests' feedbackThe accommodation was first class.
It had been a pleasant stay.
Welcomed by host, and place for supper recommended. Atmosphere of the original jail retained; lack of windows would detract from a longer stay.
Great stay! Very friendly reception.
Alright for an overnight sleep. I did not get the room I booked, and it was much smaller. No coffee available. The history of the place is impressive though.
Nice sleep and clean bedding!
Beds are comfortable, kitchen facilities are good.
It was a very pleasant, quiet stay. Everything is clean and tidy. The people are nice.
We enjoyed the difference!
Beautiful historic buildings with good quality bed.
Enjoyed the 1 night behind bars.
We were unsure if we might end up sleeping in a cell. Then we were only put in the Interegation Room with a shower, a TV and a kettle!
The prison is a convenient overnight stop for one night. If you don't want to barbecue, the accommodation is definitely recommended.
Overall we had a very nice stay. Service was friendly. The cell was very nicely arranged and tidy. The site itself felt safe, but the surrounding area and the roads are run down. The WiFi was off more than on, and air conditioning is noisy, so you can't hear the TV. The TV has an Android box, but you have to sign in with your own account, which we don't have, so had to use someone else's to watch TV. We really enjoyed sleeping in the prison, but there were some thorns to call it that.
What an experience to be able to sleep in an old prison. Everything clean and tidy, first bathroom where there is a rail to help you get up from the toilet and also a rail in the shower to hold on to! Well no coffee, tea or sugar in the room.
Cell No. 1 could perhaps get a new mattress.
It was really nice. Saw scorpions in the courtyard which was cool to see.
Awesome place with awesome history.
Place was neat, comfortable and quiet.
We stayed for one night only. I will give this town a miss next time.
Wonderful, quiet, peaceful comfortable stay over.
Rooms very hot - "portable aircons" insufficient, poor ventilation, many mosquitoes.
Very basic and good, but poor ventilation on the hottest day of the year.
My husband and I enjoyed our stay at this historic accommodation, which had a lot of charm and character. The unit was very tastefully decorated and the air conditioning was great. The WiFi was a little unstable at times, but it wasn't a big problem for us. The staff were friendly and attentive. Overall it was a satisfactory stay.
The TV wouldn't work and I sent a WhatsApp which was read but never got a reply.
Room was comfortable.
It was a unique experience to sleep in an old prison cell. The hostess gave good communication in advance about the challenges in the area with water and mosquitoes. The environment initially caused concern, but the stay was peaceful and safe.
Perhaps not the best location for the town, but safe parking. Peaceful and quiet.
The accommodation is located in a small town in the Karoo. What you see from the outside is not what you get on the inside, it's better. The cells have been beautifully renovated into guest rooms. Definitely a pleasant experience.
It's the 2nd time I stay at Vyfster. The hostess is friendly and helpful. The accommodation is clean, tidy and interesting. Definitely recommendable.
Very original! And a lovely room that smells deliciously fresh and everything you need.
Interrogation Room is spacious and tidy.
We were welcomed very kindly. Everything was neat and clean.
We could not get the "cell" that was pre-booked. We were not shown where the common kitchen and living room was. Coffee/tea/milk was not available in the room when we arrived and was only left outside the door the next morning - which we only saw when we wanted to load the car for departure.
Although we had a comfortable stay, there are a few things that could be improved: A double bed instead of single beds would be a winner, the bathroom lights only work if the bedroom main light is switched on, the website did not specifically indicate that there would be no meals available, no booklet/notes regarding WiFi or TV etc. and no alternative power during loadshedding. It's not a negative criticism, I'm just of the opinion that the place could be so much better and more pleasant, even romantic.
Would not recommend for people who have anxiety attacks or are easily agitated. Otherwise a must for the adventurous.
Wonderful host, and really quaint rooms. TV and fridge in the room, with a small communal kitchen. Bring meat for a braai in the courtyard. The local hotel's buffet was delicious, but the drinks were really expensive.
It really is a five-star hotel prison! Great stay! Thank you very much!
Our hostess received us kindly, passed on load shedding times. Unfortunately we couldn't take a hot shower during load shedding. Slept warm.
What an experience, few places where you can sleep so comfortably in a real prison. Well equipped for overnight on the way to Jhb.
Must say, this was an amazing experience. Als was so neat. Our hostess was there immediately. Friendly. Immediately helped with als.
The destination may just need to let people know where it is located and make it seem like it is more just a quick stopover destination than it is actually about the whole prison theme.
Something different to experience, very nice place and people are very hospitable. Take some meat with you and barbecue in the "courtyard" of the old prison!
Good service, but I didn't get the room I booked.
Thalita was waiting for us upon arrival. She welcomed us and tended to our questions and needs. Beautiful rooms, clean, crisp linen. Self-catering is currently limited to braai and microwave and zinc in the communal kitchen. Thalita recommended we support the local lodge and have dinner there. Wow, excellent home food at a fraction of the price of a regular restaurant. Unusual gifts and must-haves to be purchased while you wait a short while for your food to arrive. Cell 3 has a problem with the basin. The sprout is too deep into the basin. You can't fill a glass. The drainage is also a problem. The outlet runs upwards, resulting in a basin that doesn't drain properly. A heater in the room would be great in winter. There are plenty of warm blankets to keep you warm. I would highly recommend a night in prison in Britstown. A wonderful experience.
Interesting stay in the old prison. Everything was clean and tidy. Just sorry about the load shedding. An emergency gas tag may help to boil water for coffee during load shedding.
See stars.
Very neat and clean. Well equipped for overnight stay. Beautiful restoration of the part of History. Nice lawn for children to play and stretch their legs after a long time on the road.
Everything was neat and clean. The history of the prison was very interesting. Will definitely stay again.
All fine, just would have appreciated a microwave.
The accommodation was well appointed. It is an ideal overnight stop. Reception explained to us where we could buy meals.
Although the building is very old, the facilities were adequate, neat and comfortable.
Very nicely furnished accommodation. Was interesting to hear the history of the prison. Outside looks like a prison but inside is beautiful. Would definitely recommend it.
A brilliant idea very well implemented. We would love to come back.
Sorry breakfast or dinner options are not available as most people stay more than half way.
For supporters of the Munga cycle race, Vyfster The Old Jail is the ideal overnight stop. Everything at hand to follow the progress of the Munga cyclists on the Internet under convenient conditions. Again a pleasant experience.
Would be super if they can get rid of the gas geyser. Could not have a hot shower as the water jumped from super hot to ice cold.
The reception was great by the hostess. The facilities excellent.
Lots of history. Sorry we just overslept. Next time we will visit longer.
It's really a gem on the road through the Karoo. Slept very well.
A clean, well equipped, friendly halfway stop.
The hostess, Talitha, was extremely friendly and helpful, and the stay pleasant and interesting.
Will definitely spend the night there again, atmosphere was awesome.
Five star guesthouse offered us everything they advertise. Friendly hostess, something different and very rich in history. We will definitely visit you again.
Such a unique little place. We enjoyed our stay in jail for the night.
Unfortunately, Britstown is an unkempt and neglected village. It inhibits one from exploring the environment.
I will definitely be staying at the Vyfster next time I travel to Cape Town.
See stars.
For two tired bodies, our arrival at Vyfster was a lovely oasis of friendliness, really beautiful, clean, interesting, well equipped, safe and cozy. We had a great barbecue, sitting safely outside until late. showered hot and slept soft and warm. An experience we will remember and definitely recommend. Thank you for enriching our trip. Many blessings and love to you.
Lovely comfortable bed, good water pressure in the shower. DStv is a bonus. Really good value for money. The plugs were a bit of a problem that trip when you have AC on and e.g. want to blow your hair. Bed headboard can be covered. Everything else was really good. Thank you.
Really enjoyed the story about the old jail!
Must stay there to get the feel of the old prison. Will recommend.
Friendly welcome, well equipped with kitchen that guests can use. Very neat and modern. Building tells its own history. Great stay!
Only stayed one night. Room was beautifully decorated with white bedding and net curtains. Gives a sense of luxury. Would recommend to anyone.
The accommodation was neat and clean. We didn't need anything more.
Everything you need for an overnight stay. Quality beds, DStv and coffee/tea facilities. Braai facilities available on site.
The rooms are neat, just a few things are missing, like a place to hang your towels. The outside areas are arid, dry and hot, nowhere is there a cool spot or lawn to escape from Britstown's heat. The place is located very close to the location, so it was terribly noisy during the night, but we didn't feel unsafe. The bathroom sink is extremely small, and the faucets reach so far over the sink, that it is difficult to brush your teeth and wash your face at the sink without wetting yourself and the entire floor. Furthermore, it was perfect, the rooms are very neat and clean. I think the place has a lot of potential, it just needs some practical things to make it fantastic.
The rooms are neatly and comfortably furnished.
Very nice place to stay and the fact that I could take my dogs with me makes it even better.
Well done on the restoration!
Just for a sleepover. Expect nothing more. The shower/bath arrangement is not safe and is not recommended for elderly people.
Talita received us at short notice and immediately made us feel at home. Rooms are very neat and the heavy prison doors and thick walls make you feel very safe. At least we could go out on parole that night.
The moment we drove into Vyster The Old Jail, the lady immediately met us and took us to our rooms. This is a very unique destination and would recommend it to anyone who wants to stay overnight or for a weekend on the way to their destination. The rooms still have the old prison feel, the doors are still the same, the room keys look like something out of a storybook and the courtyard cozy and private. The night was bitterly cold and felt like we were sleeping inside a prison. On the bricks inside the courtyard were drawings of horses that drew the prisons. If you love history, Vyster will be your destination.
I was alone and also alone in the whole prison. It was very cold. Would be better if it is not so cold and if you are a family.
A perfect stopover between Augrabies and Prince Albert. Lovely accommodation, with electric blankets being a very welcome touch! Very tasty dinner and breakfast at the Transkaroo Lodge.
The wind blew terribly and blew a lot of dust into the upper lattice openings, it didn't bother me but the white linen on the beds showed it.
The owner knew there was no hot water. So the next morning our Cell 1 had no running water and Cell 3 no hot water. Weak!
Old jail very nicely renovated!
It was an interesting experience.
The photos were an accurate representation of the room. We had everything we needed at our disposal.
Very tasteful decor.
Made a wonderful home in the Old Jail. Taken back to the nostalgia of what it must have been like in this old prison. There was ice provided and that is always a bonus. The nice diffuser also enriched the rooms with a nice fragrance. Maybe they can sell wood packages for the braaiers or a cozy campfire in the Karoo.
Different. Decent, clean accommodation.
Good location for an overnight stop between Garden Route and Gauteng. A novelty staying in an old jail which has been lovingly restored.
The old prison has been beautifully restored! Cells are tastefully furnished.
The old prison has been very nicely and creatively furnished and converted into overnight accommodation. Was also very neat and clean. There is room for more finishing and would also have preferred a door between the bathroom and sleeping section for privacy. However, would not recommend it for people with a fear of narrow spaces.
Really an old prison converted into guest units. Thick walls, small windows, and scratch marks behind the cell doors. Clean and tidy, but a bit cramped if there are more than 2 people staying in one cell. Take mosquito nets with you - there are plenty (it's not the guest house's fault). The air conditioning in the unit was a welcome relief in the heat of the Northern Cape.
Unique experience that we will not forget.
Nice, neat place to stay.
The reception was friendly, thank you very much.
It's a special experience. So much history. What may upset some people is the bathroom in the room, with fine curtains. I just advised my wife to go for a walk when mother nature called!
Very clean and tidy. Friendly people.
Love the history of the jail with its many artefacts and etchings made by the prisoners. Bathrooms could do with a door, grateful for the screen; but guess it all adds to the experience. Dinner at the local hotel is a must.
Fulfilled our need for a overnight stay. Unique! Historic!
The idea behind the prison as a guest house is cute, but the price is too expensive for what you get.
Unique experience of sleeping in prison.
Particular experience to be in an old prison that dates back to the 1890s. The Cells have been tastefully converted into sleeping units.
Room very nice with coffee, tea and biscuits. Bed slept well. Everything was neat. Dinner enjoyed in Lodge. Would highly recommend for an overnight stay. Hostess showed everything nicely.
Muscle white bed in a cell with a claw-foot bath.... graffiti on the morrow... amazing!
The people are friendly and the accommodation meets the basic requirements. Finishing could use some attention and the price compares unfavorably with what is on offer.
We enjoyed sitting outside in the walled garden with friends at night. The beds were superbly warm and comfortable. We had what we needed. Applause to those that lift the bar in small forgotten towns such as these.
Talita has done an outstandingly creative job in making this unusual property into a comfortable, clean and interesting place to stay. I found this to be so unique and fascinating. I will definitely use this on any road trips that I do through this region.
Friendly service and welcoming, room and facilities very neat and clean with air conditioning for the warm Karoo nights. The ideal overnight stop when traveling. Will stay there again overnight.
Very neatly and cutely furnished. There was just a very big mosquito problem! Feel free to take your own mosquito repellants with you.
This was a special experience for us to be able to spend the night in a historic prison cell. The cell is very comfortably furnished and tidy. We were received by a friendly hostess, feel free to visit their coffee shop in town as well.
What an interesting place, awesome. I definitely recommend this place. Owner also as interesting and friendly with passion for the history, not only for Vyfster The Old Jail's but the town as well. Definitely recommended.
Definitely for you if you are looking for something different. The atmosphere was very nice. The rooms are beautiful, neat and clean. The hospitality is amazing. We will definitely spend the night there again and again.
It was a fantastic experience! The children enjoyed it so much. Everything was so beautifully done and furnished and the reception and guests were all friendly.
Nice warm reception. Talita really went out of her way to make us feel welcome. The history and atmosphere of the old prison is incredibly interesting. We would recommend an overnight stay here.
Our hostess is amazing, true hospitality. She has created a piece of beauty in the barren and dry Britstown. Beds are super comfy, it is totally secure and we had the place to ourselves which was very special. Just a pity there is not a really comfortable place for eating or making food, but I was aware of that before booking. The aircon is a tad noisy, but an absolute necessity in the intense heat. The enclosed courtyard was a super safe place for bicycles and dogs to stay. Do yourself a favour when visiting, go to the Old Mill as well - it is so beautiful too. Thank you for the advice on the roads to travel by bicycle - it was the best solution.
We are happy with what we got.
Five star and very nice place to stay.
I like the idea that they converted an old prison, I like historical places and what happened there in the past very interesting. Everything was there that one would need, extra blankets, aircon, kettle etc. We got there late and they were so nice to wait for us until we got there and gave us a friendly welcome!
I loved the old fashioned bath and the voile draping over it. I do however feel that the toilet should also be behind a curtain. It is completely visible in the room ─ no privacy. There is also no facility to have breakfast, but the owner has a coffee shop in Britstown where we could have breakfast.
Pleasantly received, slept nice and warm, having KykNet channel was very nice.
We were received particularly kindly by Talitha. What was particularly impressive was the fact that they were willing to advance our booking by 2 days, without penalizing us. The accommodation is something different in the sense that you sleep in a cell. The cell is open plan and nicely and elegantly furnished. All the essentials for an overnight stay are there. There is a television set in the cell. In the lounge next door, there are facilities for socializing. The toilet and shower (in the bath) are all part of the cell. Privacy is ensured by curtains. Meals are not provided and we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner in a nearby lodge.
This is a cute place with an interesting history. The people are friendly and the unit is well equipped, neat and clean.
A prison is always a safe haven for those who belong there. This prison, however, is a pleasant roadside rest for the weary traveller. Just a pity the history engraved on old prison walls plastered over or painted over. Would suggest owner restore old cell in original form and make it part of museum exhibit.
I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. The reception was very good and friendly, the room was neat and comfortable despite the jail cell. The wind blew terribly that night and the power was off and it felt exactly like a prison in the early 1920's! We had candles but no matches and had to go to bed early. Unfortunately we had to drive into town the next morning to get some good coffee and breakfast, but it was all worth it.
Everything is very stylish and hostess very hospitable.
It was really something different and we enjoyed the old stone building with its history. Cell 1 is very nicely and semi-romantically decorated. Had everything we needed. Would stay there again and definitely recommend it.
Was very nice. Lovely atmosphere, was something else to sleep in an old prison.
It was a unique experience to spend the night in the old prison. We had a great night there. The history of the prison was very interesting. Only one negative point: There was no hot water in the morning and taking a cold (at least not freezing cold, but not even close to lukewarm) bath on a morning that is 7 degrees is not funny. Apart from the cold water, it was a lovely overnight stay.
Had a good and warm welcome by the hostess. The accommodation is perfect. The experience to sleep in such an old jail cell is brilliant. A must for all travellers!
Staying overnight in an old cell was an extraordinary experience. The old prison was very neatly restored. The cell was an unexpected luxury, very nicely furnished, almost from the 50's, very comfortable with everything needed for a comfortable overnight after a long day on the road. Our room has a shower inside the bath, cut off from the sleeping area with curtains. We could quietly relax in the courtyard. Talita was a friendly hostess who was passionate about her town. The small museum she set up at reception was particularly interesting. The prison walls also tell their own story with inscriptions, among others, the Boer War. We enjoyed breakfast at the Old Mill, which is also run by Talita. Very tasty with delicious coffee. (A word of advice - the lodge in town has a delicious buffet dinner). Thank you, Talita for your hospitality.
Being a jailbird in such a luxurious prison is fun!
Loved the atmosphere and character of the place. Some suggestions,as a stop over for one night we would have appreciated a fridge and some food utensil (plates, bowl knives forks etc) for a simple meal without having to drive the albeit short distance into town. Maybe communal facilities with a microwave in the open room. Although there is air-conditioning in the "cell" it needed to be switched off overnight because of the noise which resulted in a rather humid night. Maybe look at someway of introducing more airflow, possible a mesh door that keeps mozzies out but lets air in. Will be back next time we travel the N12, thanks for the friendly welcome.
Stop looking and pay now! Perfect middle ground between JHB and CPT. We were warmly received by Talita and taken to our room. Lovely big room with one of the best beds and pillows I've ever slept on! Lovely spacious bath. Best rusk I've ever eaten and 5 star coffee! We had a wonderful stay. The air conditioner was a nice treat and the courtyard lovely to relax. Talita was always on call and really went out of her way. It was so fun to read the history of the prison! Definitely worth it! We will sleep there again and again and again! No place comes close to the comfort of the five star! Of course it is very safe because it is a prison! Haha. Nicely rested. Treat yourself to a breakfast at Talita's nice coffee shop the next day, it was delicious! Thank you guys!
Very unique experience. Can see it's still finding its feet, but lots of potential.
We were very impressed with the accommodation and had a very nice barbecue for dinner. Talitha, thank you very much for the hospitality and very nice place to stay. Will definitely stay here again.
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Rooms
Cell 1 - First time Offenders
Cell 3 - 25 to Life
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Cell 1 - First time Offenders
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Description
This unit, a refurbished jail cell, is furnished with a queen-size bed and features an open-plan shower-over-bath. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building, as well as a kitchen available to all guests.
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About This Room
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Description
This unit, a refurbished jail cell, is furnished with a queen-size bed and features an open-plan shower-over-bath. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building, as well as a kitchen available to all guests.
Cell 3 - 25 to Life
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This unit consists of 3 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building, as well as a kitchen available to all guests.
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About This Room
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before check-in
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Description
This unit consists of 3 single beds and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building, as well as a kitchen available to all guests.
Cell 4 - Solitary Confinement
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Description
This unit is ideal for 2 guests and is furnished with a double bed. The bathroom is separate and is fitted with a shower. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building, as well as a kitchen available to all guests.
Sleeping arrangements
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before check-in
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Description
This unit is ideal for 2 guests and is furnished with a double bed. The bathroom is separate and is fitted with a shower. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building, as well as a kitchen available to all guests.
Interrogation Rooms
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Description
This unit is a renovated Interrogation room that is now a family unit. This unit has 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom. There is also a kitchenette in this unit. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building.
Sleeping arrangements
Rates
Cancellation policy
before check-in
before check-in
before check-in
Description
This unit is a renovated Interrogation room that is now a family unit. This unit has 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom. There is also a kitchenette in this unit. A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building.
Accommodation is offered in 3 old jail cells which have been tastefully refurbished and decorated.
Cell 1 is furnished with a queen-size bed and features an open-plan bath-over-shower.
Cell 3 comprises 3 single beds and a bathroom that is fitted with a shower.
Cell 4 is furnished with 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed. The bathroom is separate and is fitted with a shower.
The Interrogation Room is a renovated Interrogation room that is now a family unit. This unit has 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom.
A fireplace and guest lounge is located within the building while additional facilities include secure parking.
Britstown offers intriguing attractions for art lovers as well as history buffs, while other attractions include hiking trails and natural attractions in surrounding towns.
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