Recently refurbished, and located in Cape Town, on a private quay, along the bustling V&A Waterfront, Cape Grace Hotel is an outstanding hotel.
Overview
A five-story red brick build, long and unassuming, it is a member of Leading Small Hotels of the World, the recipient of several awards, including Conde Nast readers’ Best Hotel in the World, and caters to a mixed clientele of business people, travellers and families. It consists of the main hotel and 120 sleeping rooms. The shared areas include the Signal restaurant, a library, bar, spa, swimming pool, conference room, boutique and reception.
Designed by Kathi Weixelbaumer, the interior is a wonderful mix of specially commissioned fabrics, metal works, leather and glass pieces, all of which sit comfortably with antique furniture, older artworks, slumber seating and polished wooden floors.
Food & service
The kitchen of The Cape Grace is headed up by Malika van Reenan, who draws on South Africa‘s mixed heritage for a cuisine that is eclectic, fresh and local – lentil and butternut bobotie, smoked snoek or cumin-crusted ostrich are all house favourites. The wine list is excellent; so good in fact cellar bins are rented out to private collectors, who are welcome to try their wines in the restaurant or bar. The bar and lounge specialise in whisky (400+ types), while the Sugar Buffet, a particularly delectable afternoon tea, is available daily in the library. Meals can be taken in the privacy of one’s room. The service is exemplary.
Rooms
The rooms are divided into six classes: luxury (80), roof-top (10), roof-top luxury (8), superior (10), suite (10) and penthouse (2). With views of either Table Mountain or the harbour, the luxury rooms include a double bed, en-suite bathroom and a balcony. Decorated with the hotel’s signature hand-painted fabrics (duvet slips, curtains), and with that same mix of antiques and customised objects, the rooms are comfortable and stimulating stays. The superior rooms are larger, and have an integrated seating area and much bigger balconies, while the rooftop options offer terraces, more space and better views. Some of the suites have two or three bedrooms, and the penthouses are vast. The Wi-Fi is exceptionally reliable.
Activities
Activities include spa, waterfront walks, trips into the city centre and a variety of sea sports. Please be advised that The Cape Grace is excellent with children.