About
Our Story
A Klein Karoo landmark since 1953.
The Groot Trek
From the Eastern Cape to De Rust
Werner and Bernadette Alberts both grew up in the Eastern Cape before moving to Pretoria to start a family. Werner is an architect who flies helicopters when he gets the chance, and Bernadette is a lawyer. In 2021 they decided to move the family to De Rust and give the Shamley legacy a third generation.
The Hotel was closed for 30 years; the doors locked, memories tucked away. A big change in pace for vaalies indeed. Bernadette & Werner decided to revive the Hotel, bringing memories back to life. It started with opening the bar, then a few rooms, and now it's what the Hotel has become today, with more upgrades on the way. Come and enjoy Bernadette's famous ostrich steak and have a drink in the jivey in-house pub with Werner or his family.
The Hotel
A Klein Karoo landmark since 1953
Hotel De Rust has stood at the heart of this Klein Karoo town for over 70 years. Built by Bernadette's grandfather in 1953, it has welcomed road trippers, farmers, adventurers, families, and even sales reps through its doors at one point in time. Uncle Roy Shamley, the previous owner of the Hotel, decided not to have the Hotel open to public for 30 years, instead operating a liquor store and a gas station for the rest of his time in De Rust. After Uncle Roy unfortunately passed in 2021, Werner and his wife Bernadette decided to reopen for visitors in 2023 and revive the Shamley Legacy.
The wooden walls, the sunset stoep, the classic bar. We've seen generations of guests pull off Route 62 looking for a cold drink, a scrumptious meal, and a warm bed. And they keep coming back.
Run by people who love this place
Hospitality, the Klein Karoo way
Werner & Bernadette run the hotel personally. They answer every call or message, pour plenty of drinks themselves, and know the road well enough to tell you exactly where to stop between here and everywhere. It's a small operation on purpose: "When you arrive, you're met by real people who care. If you want luxury, keep on driving; if you want cold beers, good food, good company, and a room to unwind in, you've found the right place."
DE RUST, DIE DORP
A Dorp that earns its name
De Rust translates to "the rest"; it's a tiny village at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. A handful of streets, a few excellent restaurants, a couple of art galleries, and a vibrant nightlife on occasion. It's the kind of place people stop at for one night and stay for three. Come and escape the rat race and book in with us; you won't regret it.