Let me start by saying that it is an utterly beautiful estate and the on-site personalised service that I received from the few staff was top-class. The bistro's food was impeccable.
That said, I do have a couple of issues and wished that I had done extensive research prior to booking. I did not realize that the estate was a 15 minute drive out of Franschhoek and rather isolated. I also did not know that it was directly across the road from a prison. (Sure, for some overseas tourists knowing that Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned there may be of interest).
Their cancellation policy, compared to other establishments, was rather harsh. If you cancel your booking immediately or a month prior you lose 50% and 100% 30 days before staying. Trying to email or communicate with the actual hotel staff took a number of emails and phone calls. It is essentially a wedding venue that offers accommodation and its restaurant is not open Mondays & Tuesdays, so if you happen to stay on those days (as we did) their is no lunch or dinner option or any other usual hotel / self-catering amenities and things you'd expect. Yes, there is a lovely swimming pool and garden, but that's it. If you're looking to socialize or even see other guests you'd have to drive into town for that.
One's experience at La Paris may be very different Wed-Sun, especially if the place is fully booked and busy.
We did have a lovely stay though, but I do think their pricey rates could be lowered for Mon/Tues occupancy.
