Two Plett hotels ranked among the best by discerning Condé Nast travelers
Condé Nast Traveler has released the results of its prestigious 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards and Plett Tourism is pleased to congratulate two fine Plett hotels for distinguishing themselves as among the very best hotels in Eastern and Southern Africa: The Plettenberg and The Old Rectory.
This year, more than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. As one of the global travel industry’s longest-running accolades, the Readers’ Choice Awards remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. In the results, Liz McGrath Collection’s The Plettenberg Hotel was voted runner-up and, with a score of 98.54, it was hot on the heels of Babylonstoren which placed first this year at 98.55.
Jacqui Elliot, CEO of The Liz McGrath Collection says they are thrilled with The Plettenberg’s performance over the last year. Under the leadership of general manager Melissa Theron, it has moved up the rankings from 11th place in 2022, beating stiff competition from other prominent hotels in the region to take second place in 2023, in what is known as one of the world’s most prestigious awards programmes.
Rare Earth’s The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa was also recognised amongst the top ten hotels in Eastern and Southern Africa, placing 8th with an impressive score of 97.37. The Old Rectory – located in one of Plett’s oldest buildings – celebrated on their Instagram account with the following statement: “This accolade has been a decade in the making, from the acquisition of a derelict heritage site in 2013, through its transformation from a neglected historical building into the charming boutique hotel you see today.
We are immensely grateful to Condé Nast Traveler, to all of our guests who voted and to our invaluable team – our Old Rectory family – for their passion, humility and kindness in bringing to life a travel experience that offers relaxed luxury, heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming feeling of home. We can’t wait to see what the next decade brings!”
Other hotels that were recognised in the top ten are Le Quartier Français, Last Word, Leeu Estates and La Residence in Franschhoek, Gibb’s Farm in Tanzania, Last Word in Constantia, and Mount Nelson in Cape Town.
Plett Tourism CEO, Patty Butterworth congratulated the two hotels for their recognition: “Nothing makes us more excited and proud to acknowledge The Plettenberg Hotel and The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa for showcasing our town as a world-class destination with their recent Conde Naste Traveler Awards. For two hotels to be recognized in a town the size of Plett is an amazing achievement. They are part of an exclusive and curated world-recognized collection. With their own distinct features, ethos and style, they are setting new standards for our hospitality industry.
The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website and celebrated in the November issue.
