The hotel was erected on grounds granted to J.J. Swart by Governor Simon van der Stel between the years 1692 and 1701. Johannes Swart was a long serving employee of the Dutch East India Company and his family occupied the premises until 1743. The facades of the two houses forming the nucleus of the hotel were restored in 1987. The facade of the corner house is Cape Dutch and is restored to its original architecture of 1815. The adjoining house in Dorp Street has a rare Cape Ducth Revival facade from circa 1876. Both buildings have been National Monuments.
The hotel was officially opened by His Worship the Mayor of Stellenbosch, Councillor Dr. E.P.S. Taljaard on 31 July, 1987.
