Fern Hill Hotel

General information

For more than twenty five years, Fern Hill Hotel has been one of the most cherished places on the Midlands Meander. The three star, family run country hotel is practically synonymous with hospitality in the Meander. Boasting 25 fully appointed bedrooms, an award winning restaurant, conference venues, wedding venues, chapel and a fully accredited hotel school, Fern Hill Hotel has become a major hub in the Natal Midlands.

Fern Hill Hotel is owned by established restauranteurs and hoteliers Gion and Karen Poltera. Together with their team of dedicated staff, they will ensure your stay is an unforgettable one.
Fern Hill has played host to numerous prominent guests including past President Nelson Mandela when he was awarded the freedom of Howick. Whether you are wanting to unwind in the Midlands, host a wedding, begin a career in hospitality or simply dine out in the Snooty Fox a la Carte restaurant, we look forward to welcoming you to Fern Hill Hotel.

A Hotel Steeped in History:

Built in 1851 by the Swann family, the original farm became a trading post and boarding house in 1888 for the Trekkers who stopped off before descending the treacherous Umgeni Gorge. Over the years it became a popular holiday resort until the 1960s. It was left to rack and ruin thereafter until it became completely derelict. Gion and Karen bought the property in October 1989 and painstakingly reconstructed the dilapidated buildings that remained. No contractors would help take on the job and so they embarked on bringing life back to Fern Hill by themselves. Within eight months, of much blood, sweat and tears, the majority of the renovations were complete, and in May 1990 Fern Hill Hotel was officially reopened. Many of the original historical buildings are still in place and lovingly maintained by a dedicated maintenance team. The Signal Box, rooms 1 - 5 and Mandela Suite being the most historical.

What started off as a small hotel with only six bedrooms, a small bar, restaurant and conference room, has developed to great proportions. The hotel is set in twenty-five acres of park-like grounds, with water features, a gazebo, a thatched deck, swimming pool, tennis court and braai area.