We also love La Residence in Franschhoek--we were just there for our 2nd visit in Jan 2015 and were married there in April 2010. I also agree that the food is good but not the best in town--but there are so many incredible dining options in the town in walking distance or even just a short drive away that you needn't worry! (We highly recommend Rueben's and The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais in town, within walking distance or 5 min drive, as well as Pierneff a la Motte, Restaurant at Grande Provence, etc. A nice summary of the best Cape Winelands restaurants is http://www.eatout.co.za/article/best...-2015/#fransch.)

It is my Mini TR of La Residence that was referenced previously: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...th-africa.html

For Cape Town, our pick now is always the Suite at the Dock House Boutique Hotel. We liked the Cape Grace (Presidential Suite) on our first stay in 2003. And its refurbishment is beautiful. But our 2010 and 2015 stays were at the Dock House in their very spacious suite--at half the price of comparable accommodation at the Cape Grace or O&O and even less compared to Ellerman House. The Dock House has great service, a lovely little garden and pool, and is a 2 minute walk right into the heart of the V&A Waterfront--slightly more convenient even than the O&O or Cape Grace. There are no real views from the Suite at the Dock House, though--though you'll be doused with views from the moment you walk outside or off property, anyway.

It also is my Mini TR of the Dock House referenced below: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...cape-town.html

We've been to all of the main luxury properties in Cape Town, having had lunch and touring rooms/suites at O&O this past 2015 visit and having had high tea and touring rooms/villas at Ellerman and Mount Nelson in 2010. All are lovely. I wouldn't recommend Ellerman for first-time visitors to Cape Town, since it's a bit of a haul to the waterfront and many of the nicest restaurants in town, not to mention to get out to Robbens Island or get up Table Mountain or even drive out to the Cape peninsula.) Mount Nelson is a bit dated and feels more old school, but many love it. The O&O is a bit sterile in that it could be anywhere, whereas the Cape Grace feels more authentic IMO--but it's hard to go wrong when you're discussing such wonderful properties. Go with your gut between these choices and the Dock House and you'll be fine.

In Cape Town, DO have lunch or dinner at the Test Kitchen. It truly is incredibly good--and with current exchange rates, it's a crazy steal of a price.

I also concur on Birkenhead House, which is owned and managed by the same group that owns La Residence. We tried to include time there in Jan 2015 but couldn't manage it...but it is definitely on our to-do list for our next trip to Cape Town. FWIW, Cape Town is my favorite place on the planet aside from where we live in SoCal.