Welkom, South Africa is way off the tourist map – making it the perfect place to discover adventure without the crowds. Located in the Free State, Welkom is one of South Africa’s youngest cities and was founded after the discovery of gold in 1947.
South Africans are a hospitable nation and staying in guesthouses in smaller cities and towns can feel like you’re staying with a long lost aunt. Guesthouses in Welkom have a homely vibe and wholesome food. You can chat with the owners and really get a sense of the life that’s lived in that area. Plus you almost always get to find out some local secret spots and golden tips and tricks!
Guesthouses offer a more personal feel than hotels and give you more privacy than hostels. The rooms are private and the majority have en suite bathrooms. The entertainment areas are shared giving a great balance of social and alone time.
Whether you’re flying solo, coupled up, or with a group of mates, this list of the 10 best guesthouses in Welkom will show you what’s going to be best for you and cater to all of your needs!
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Welkom for One Night
The Lapa Guesthouse
Lapa Guesthouse offers a pool, outdoor areas, and a casino to entertain guests. They also serve a great buffet breakfast daily. Close to the center of Welkom, this guesthouse is the perfect place to stay on a trip to the Free State!
- Flamingo pan
- Goldfields Mall
- Voortrekker Memorial
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Staying in a Guesthouse in Welkom
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Guesthouses in Welkom are humble, salt of the earth types of accommodation. You really get to experience life in the Free State and escape the hustle and bustle of more popular South African cities.
You can find great banter around the outside areas or in the shared spaces. There is a sense of community in towns like Welkom, and people seem to gather together to share and get to know one another! Guesthouses are perfect for any traveler who is feeling homesick and needs that feeling of a ‘home away from home’.
Guesthouse locations are still central to all of the cultural landmarks and museums you can find in the city. Welkom has a mix of exciting activities on offer too, from spotting their famous flamingoes to hitting a round of golf to checking out the gold museum. There is something for everyone!
Welkom has a rich mining history and has many monuments, mine tours, and museums for travelers to appreciate and learn from. Warm and welcoming, the locals are proud of what they are offering to vacationers.
What to look for in a Welkom Guesthouse
Guesthouses in SA, especially those that are inland, usually have a pool and outdoor ‘braai’ area (aka a space to barbeque). This type of accommodation in Welkom commonly has large luscious gardens, perfect to relax in and enjoy the sunshine South Africa has to offer.
Guesthouse bedrooms often have an ensuite bathroom and are private, unlike hostel dorm rooms, which are shared. The lounge, outdoor areas, and quite often a kitchen, are all shared spaces, making guesthouses more sociable than hotels.
Welkom guesthouses often, although not always, serve breakfast to guests. They also are commonly equipped with a small kitchenette including a small fridge, kettle, and microwave.
Booking.com and Airbnb have the biggest selection of accommodation in Welkom. These sites offer a wide range of guesthouses with fantastic amenities!
The Lapa Guesthouse
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Near to the casino
Thatchers Guest Rooms
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Bar
- > Great outdoor barbeque area
Madeliefie
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > XL King bed
- > Romantic furnishings
Roosmaryn Guest House
- > $$$$
- > 4 Guests
- > Kitchenette
- > Executive apartment
Heimat Guesthouse
- > $$$
- > 3 Guests
- > Seating area in the bedroom
- > Garden view from the bedroom
Simoni Guest House
- > $$
- > 5 Guests
- > Cable TV for kids
- > Rustic decor
Monica’s Guesthouse
- > $
- > 1 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Coffee and tea in the room
Top 10 Best Guesthouses in Welkom
Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to accommodation and travel. Although guesthouses are fairly standard in the Free State, there are differences that cater to different customer needs.
We’ve found the best guesthouses in Welkom, all of which are in suburban areas making the properties quiet and peaceful!
Overall Best Value Guesthouse in Welkom – The Lapa Guesthouse
The Lapa Guesthouse is a quiet and peaceful sanctuary in the center of Welkom. They offer great entertainment being in close proximity to the casino, friendly talkative staff (who also entertain guests), and an outdoor area perfect for socializing!
The bedrooms are spacious and light with double and twin rooms available for guests. The rooms are equipped with kettles and mini-fridges which gives guests the ability to relax in their rooms with snacks and hot drinks.
Guests are offered a buffet-style breakfast allowing for the perfect start to your day. The property also has safe and secure off-road parking, great for travelers who are driving through.
Speaking of, make sure to inform yourself about South Africa’s safety before you start your travels, especially if you’re visiting fror the first time.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Budget Guesthouse in Welkom – Thatchers Guest Rooms
Thatchers Guest Rooms is affordable without skimping on high standards. The fabulous outdoor space with a swimming pool, barbeque, and seating area is a great place to enjoy the fresh air!
Pick any of the Thatchers’ private rooms which all overlook the stunning garden. Unwind and relax while you switch on the kettle in the kitchenette and take advantage of the coffee and tea station (with free cookies for those snack cravings).
The rooms also have hairdryers in the en suite bathrooms which means a comfortable stay. The workspace for your laptop is a great addition to make sure you don’t miss out on any important business while you’re away.
Their property is also wheel-chair accessible.
Best Guesthouse for Couples – Madeliefie
Madeliefie is decorated with antique furniture and period pieces which give the property a romantic, almost nostalgic feel. With wooden chests and tables with turned feet, the look of this guesthouse sets the scene of a dreamy couples getaway.
The bedrooms overlook the pool, making the space feel like it extends into the garden. You can sit back and relax while making use of their Wifi and finding something entertaining to watch on the large television. The rooms come with room-darkening shades, perfect for a morning lie-in!
Madeliefie is in the peaceful Jim Fouche suburban area close to Welkom’s main entertainment, shopping, and business area. Make your way to Billy-G for its famous buffet or to the North Park Fleamarket for a bit of shopping.
Best Guesthouse for a Group of Friends – Roosmaryn Guest House
Roosmaryn Guest House is the perfect option for a group of mates to enjoy some time off together. It may seem a bit pricier than other options but when divided among you it comes away as very cost-effective!
It sleeps up to four people and has a great seating area for you to chat and relax. It also has a well-equipped kitchenette to cook meals and entertain the group (plus breakfast is included which is a steal).
The location is central and close to the Oppenheimer Park Golf Club. Think golf carts and beers, an epic way to enjoy the sunny South African climate.
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View on Osprey View on REIOver-the-Top Luxury Guesthouse in Welkom – Heimat Guesthouse
Welkom is a down-to-earth humble town. It does not offer over the top luxury that city slickers may have come to expect from the title. However, Heimat Guesthouse promises that everyone who stays under its roof will experience comfort and style. The sparkling pool area is equipped with towels and looks over the lush green garden.
All of the bedrooms have garden views, a gorgeous sight first thing in the morning. Two of the bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with jacuzzi baths, so be sure to ask for those when booking.
The guesthouse has a conference room, perfect for business meetings or as a workspace. A workspace and extra chairs can also be found in the bedrooms, making work comfortable, quiet, and productive. They also serve a delicious daily breakfast buffet!
While Heimat Guesthouse does serve a delicious daily breakfast buffet, the property has a cafe next door for those who would like to try something different. There is a spa across the road for guests who want to indulge and relax before returning to the extremely secure Welkom accommodation.
Best Guesthouse for Families Visiting Welkom – Simoni Guest House
Simoni Guest House offers great family rooms. The room has three single beds and one double bed making it perfect for parents and small kids.
The garden and outdoor areas are perfect for the little ones to play in. There is also DSTV (cable television) to play cartoons and keep them occupied a few more hours in the morning.
Simoni Guest House offers breakfast for the family, served in your room. Allowing everyone to chill out and take it easy in the mornings before starting a day of adventuring and site-seeing.
Best Guesthouse for Backpackers – Monica’s Guesthouse
Monica’s Guesthouse gives travelers a homely feeling as they walk through the doors. It is well-loved by solo travelers for its beautiful outdoor area and its reasonable price! Perfect for every budget traveler, you’ll get the maximum amount of value for your money here!
The communal areas are comfortable with welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces. The perfect spot for a backpacker to kick their feet up and relax.
The clear pool is ideal for guests to enjoy during the hot summer days the Free State experiences. In winter the swimming pool creates a view that is pleasing for the eyes while guests enjoy each other’s company outdoors.
The bedrooms come with tea and coffee stations perfect for kick-starting the day or winding down after a day full of activities and fun!
Best Guesthouse for a Weekend in Welkom – Bara’s Guesthouse
Bara’s Guesthouse offers all of the classic guesthouse amenities and friendliness at an affordable rate. It has a great swimming pool with gorgeous views of the big garden from certain bedrooms.
The accommodation is clean and comfortable, with seating areas both in and out of the rooms. Perfect for reading books and lounging around.
Have a stay-in pamper evening in one of their large bathtubs or take a stroll to the nearby bowling. Bara’s has an overall polished finish with a welcoming atmosphere!
Most Traditional Guesthouse in Welkom – Gluckman Drive Guesthouse
Gluckman Drive offers all the things travelers can expect from a guesthouse. Imagine doing as the South Africans do, swimming in the pool and having a braai with a group of your best buds or with fellow travelers.
The large garden can be enjoyed by all or you can make your way back to your private room for some downtime. Kick back and relax with an ice-cold beer or soft drink to unwind after a day outdoors!
Venture to the Aandek Monument or Afrikaans Language Monument to learn about South African history. Add the Joan Pim Monument to your list and you’ll have an exciting day of culture ahead of you.
Most Beautiful Guesthouse in Welkom – La Cruz Guest House
La Cruz has a beautiful neutral interior that gives all of the whimsical romantic vibes. With its crisp white finishes, it is the perfect spot for a serene getaway!
The amazing breakfast allows for a worry-free start to the day! Afterward, you can grab your book, kindle or word search and head down to the pool for a day of tanning and relaxing.
The free Wifi allows guests to stay connected, keep up with the news or do any work they may need to handle while on the road
The Flamingo pan, a scenic recreation center, and Theronia pan, a bird sanctuary, are just around the corner. They give vacationers a wonderful tranquil bird watching experience.
Check out these other great resources
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FAQ about Guesthouses in Welkom
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Welkom.
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Final Thoughts on Welkom Guesthouses
Welkom has more to offer than what initially meets the eye. It has a strong heritage, interesting cultural museums and monuments, a fascinating mining history, and plenty of activities for vacationers to enjoy!
Hotels can lack in personality, and hostels can be overwhelming because of the lack of personal space. But guesthouses, especially guesthouses in Welkom, seem to have found the balance between the two.
Staying in guesthouses in Welkom, as well as other off the beaten track destinations in South Africa, gives travelers an authentic experience with a lot of interaction with locals. They offer the comforts of home as well as the banter and story-telling of fellow travelers!
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