Luxury Hotels - Help with hotel in Cape Town - October

Hi Forum Friends,

I am about to book a hotel in Cape Town for October.

My questions are:

- Is the Upper East Side hotel a good one? I have seen quite a lot of good reviews in the trip advisor website, but also a lot of different comments on location. I am getting a great rate on it (about 70% cheaper than the other 2 options)

- Second question: Which one is nicer, Taj Cape Town or Cape Royale? If I decide to pay much more, which is the best option? I will be getting breakfast rate on Taj but not on Cape Royale. They are priced similarly.

I am making up my mind if it is worth the price difference from Taj/Cape Royale to Upper East Side.

Any comments are highly appreciated.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Maskelo

Most folks seem to recommend the Cape Grace Hotel and the Twelve Apostles as the best luxury hotels in CPT, possibly also the Taj Hotel and the One&Only Hotel. I looked into all of those properties for my stay in CPT last year, but finally chose the Radisson Blu Hotel.

While probably not in the same league as the other hotels mentioned, it´s still a solid 5* hotel in a great location (by the ocean near the V&A Waterfront). I paid $100/night incl. full English breakfast using the CARLSONF promo code and had a very pleasant stay, and the value propostion couldn´t have been much better.

Business or leisure? For a first timer, for leisure, stay on the waterfront. No brainer, if only for safety reasons. This means at the very high end Cape Grace or the O&O. I was at the latter in January and rate it, but an older traveller may prefer the Cape Grace. The other waterfront hotels, whilst not in the same league, are 4 to 5 stars as well and worth a look.

The Taj is in the city centre so less safe when walking outside, esp at night. The 12 Apostles is very well regarded but this is outside the city on a stretch of coast road and so a better choice for a 2nd or 3rd visit.

However, as stated above, the Radisson on the F&F rate will be literally 80 per cent cheaper than all of these, assuming F&F is still available in October. The F&F rooms are due a refurb this year as well, I think. If cash is an issue this is the obvious choice.

Note that apart from room rates, incidentals are cheap. I have never stayed in a luxe property where food and drink was as cheap as the o&o, albeit rooms are extortionate. Huge and lovely, but extortionate!

Hi,

Thank you for the replies. Basically I am going for leisure, first time in South Africa. I will be in Cape Town for 5 nights with my girlfriend for a special occasion.

Please feel free to add more comments on options. I thought about the O&O in the water front, but I am getting a rate 3x more expensive than the TAJ (with my work booking system).

What is this CARLSONF promo code?

Thanks

maskelo

ps: Just saw I have an alright rate (similar to TAJ) in the Commodore as well

See the Hotel Deals forum. Friends and Family code for Radisson hotels, knocks about 75 per cent off the Rad in Cape Town, although not available in peak season. Reviews of the hotel are middling but if it does refurb this year would be outstanding value. You are literally looking at $100 per night over $600 at the O&O.

The Westin is also good but, whilst very near the Waterfront, you have to cross a huge road to get there and the walk, whilst 5 mins, does not seem very safe because it is on very emptry paths and roadways. I have stayed there about 5 years ago with no issues, though, and got a huge room as just as SPG Gold.

If you are really out to impress, you need the Waterfront. Taj may be nice but your girlfriend will be less than impressed when you have to start looking pver your shoulder the moment you leave the building. Waterfront has all the bars, shops and restaurants literally on your doorstep and, whilst touristy, is the better for it as the 'real' South Africa is a lot less fun.

5 nights is a long time in CPT. You will end up doing driving trips out of town for 3 days, and it might be easier to do at least 1 night out of town to save you driving back in each night.

My favorite hotel in Capetown by far is the Ellerman House. It has beautiful views of the sea, and elegant rooms and grounds. It is small and exqusite. Ask for a sea view room woth nice balcony. Although it is not walking distance to sites, they will make arrangements for you to go anywhere, and I cannot think of a more lovely place to relax.

Ellerman House is indeed a magnificent property. Its only drawback is location if you like to be able to walk out of the hotel and be in the middle of things. Cape Grace is the best choice if that's your preference, an intimate hotel with great service. O&O is resort like, gives you absolutely no feeling of being in Africa, the rooms could be lifted and placed anywhere in the world.

thanks for the replies.

Raffles, you made me think a lot. Being totally open, I have about 70% discount in the East Upper Side hotel, which makes the rate almost symbolic.

I have about 50% discount in TAJ, which according Trip Advisor is the 3rd most luxury hotel in Africa (http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Hotels-cLuxury-g6)

And I also have about 60% discount in the Cape Royale.

Summarising, 5 nights at East Upper side will cost around GBP 150, at TAJ about GBP 550 with breakfast and at Cape Royale about GBP 725 with breakfast.

Now the BIG question is....Which one of this, since all of the have great reviews, and also if none of those, why?

Thanks a lot again

I second Ellerman House - we stayed there probably 10 years ago as first timers to CT and certainly didn't find it's location inconvenient - we had a hire car and drove to most places anyway (possibly less safe now though?) and for trips to the waterfront etc we got a driver (organised through the hotel and all very cheap). I loved it there - have very fond memories of drinking (complimentary) gin and tonics sitting by their gorgeous outdoor pool watching the sun go down!

I third Ellerman House. I don't like the Waterfront at all. The area around Bantry Bay/Clifton/Camps Bay is much smarter. The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay is another to consider.

My favorite hotel in Capetown by far is the Ellerman House. It has beautiful views of the sea, and elegant rooms and grounds. It is small and exqusite. Ask for a sea view room woth nice balcony. Although it is not walking distance to sites, they will make arrangements for you to go anywhere, and I cannot think of a more lovely place to relax.

Not to forget the art collection everywhere and the little gallery at the bottom. Ask for room # 4 with its large terrace. Also dining is a highlight at this top Relais & Chateaux property.

I would stay there half of your time and the other half at Cape Grace.

I really like the Taj, but if this is a leisure trip with girfriend, then I would also choose Ellerman House or, for something delightful yet not quite so expensive, then Cellars Hohenort in Constantia, which although a short drive from the centre, is a great place to stay, with a very good restaurant and service.

I had never heard of the Upper Eastside Hotel. (But as a local resident that's not all that surprising or significant.) Anyway, I was intrigued and looked it up. I can safely say the reason it is so cheap is its rather bizarre location. I really cannot see any advantages for a visitor. There is literally nothing interesting within walking distance - even assuming you would want to walk around there. Even with a car you would be exploring some pretty esoteric charms for the most part or driving to the V&A and the more mainstream attractions.

It makes the Taj seem positively well-positioned, by comparison. At least there during the week you have the activity of St Georges Mall and Greenmarket Square on your doorstep. And the (rather down market) restaurant scene on Long Street every evening. Apart from personal taste (the Upper Eastside isn't my style at all) I have no doubt the Taj is an infinitely superior hotel. I have eaten there and used some public spaces and it is a classy joint with gorgeous, old architecture beautifully woven into the fabric of the hotel. I would choose this over the Upper Eastside without a moment's hesitation.

But what are you imagining in your mind's eye when you think of this trip? If it's a room with a view onto the sea then Ellerman House and (much more affordably) the Radisson will do the trick. Ellerman House is an exquisite property, lovingly furnished (and I say that not only because I know some of the artists whose work is represented there!) and genuinely exclusive. The Radisson is... well, pretty much a Radisson - but with a fantastic position on a breakwater. (Surprisingly few Cape Town hotels are on the sea.) Taking a leisurely breakfast on the open terrace is a real treat. For the rest it's "very nice". Which, if that's all you need, will not leave you dissatisfied.

If it's a smart city resort you're after then Taj, or Cape Grace or O&O would fit the bill. The Cape Royale is an interesting beast. It is situated on the main drag of Green Point (not the very gay side) and so has quite a few eating options in its vicinity. This is not a particularly prepossessing area (I speak with authority - I live in Green Point!). This part consists of a wide, busy, commercial street with lots of activity backed by a residential area of small streets and semi-detached houses and apartments. A tour of Google street views will give you a good idea of what to expect. The Waterfront is within walking distance (though I wouldn't recommend walking there after dark). The hotel was newly built and so benefits from decent design of the rooms and is an all suite affair. But it is a compromise in terms of position and the fact that it isn't in the top league. You must decide if that compromise works for you. If it does then this hotel is excellent value - if not, you may hate it.

Cheetah_SA, what a great answer for my question. Thank you so much.

So basically, I want to have a great time with my girlfriend . I will stay there 6 days, 5 nights, but the flight is in the morning of the 6th day, so it will be about 5 days, 5 nights.

I am planning to go to the Cape Point, to the Prison, to the Table Mountain, Game Reserve and the Wine Tour. I am not planning to hire a car.

After reading a lot, I made a reservation at the Commodore, which I heard location wise is fantastic. What about the Hotel Quality? Could you tell me a little bit more about it?

I saw all the other posts about the Ellerman House, but I can't get a good fare on it with my Corporate Discount, which I can in this other properties I told you.

Will I be well served in Commodore? I read it is a 5 star hotel, but whats the standard? I would be happy to hear your opinion

Thank you everyone for all the other replies, and feel free to give me more ideas for the trip. It will be important for me as I have a BIG plan prepared with my girlfriend, and I hope her answer will be positive - if you know what I mean....;)

This is an impossible itinerary without a car, unless you want to get a driver. Public transport (as you would understand that phrase) is non-existant. I did once take the train down the coast but everyone I told afterwards was shocked.

You really, really should hire a car. They are not expensive, the roads are exellent, and you get the freedom stop and go as you want. This is especially true on Cape Point and the winelands when you will want to stop to see some amazing sandy bay / restaurant / harbour you've just passed. Unlike, say, Johannesburg, driving around CPT is safe.

Get a car.

I agree with previous poster rent a car as the flexibility with reserve and visit beaches etc is very much worth it.
Driving is easy (assuming you know manual - sorry not Common in the us) and only watch or jaywalkers

maskelo,

You include a game reserve in your very crowded five day itinerary. This advice may contradict your intentions but a few hours in a game reserve will deny you the best experience and the best reason for going to Africa in the first place. Much as I love Cape Town (it is truly one of my favorite cities on the planet) I would take at least two days out of your time to have a true game lodge experience. You'd probably have to fly to Joburg but you can return home via there. There are so many great camps to choose from which will provide lifelong memories. You don't have to stay at Singita or Royal Malewane to get the luxurious safari experience (though it certainly helps.) jmo.

Is there any way you can add a day or two to your schedule? It's such a long way to fly for so little time.

When we planned our trip to Africa 6 years ago, it was high-end all the way as it was my 40th birthday celebration. We looked at all the hotels that others have mentioned in this thread and then were steered toward a small, luxury boutique property in the Higgonvale section, right below Table Mountain, called Kensington Place. I can't say enough about this hotel-TRULY AMAZING! Take a look at their website and look at Tripadvisor as well; I think the reviews are unanimous. Sasha, the concierge/manager is one of a kind and was like a personal concierge. On our last day, she even made special arrangements to go to the showroom where they sell those unique and beautiful beaded animal sculptures made locally (which sell from hundreds or thousands here in the U.S.).

Just stumbled across this thread, and I'll actually be in Cape Town for 4 nights in June--4 nights at the end of our trip after 4 nights at Ulusaba and 5 at the Oberoi in Mauritius. I'm with my wife and chose the Taj, thinking I'd have had enough relaxation after Mauritius, and a little city excitement might be fun. If it's truly unsafe, I'll switch. Tripadvisor reviews seemed great, but I haven't been to Cape Town since 2001 and honestly don't remember where I stayed last time, so I'll be following this thread.