Originally Posted by
bhrubin
That is quite unfortunate about the drought, but you rightly point out that impacts all of the Cape Town hotels for water conservation.
I think you may be disappointed with most of the other Marriott/Protea properties. A few friends stayed at those on our last visit in 2015. The African Pride 15 on Orange hotel is the only "technically" 5 star hotel among them, I think. The Westin also is "technically" 5 star, but is better located if you prefer to be closer to the V&A Waterfront. If you prefer to be more interior towards the city center, though, the Africa Pride 15 is a good option. That was the only Marriott option that I'd say is comparable to the Westin.
The Protea Victoria Junction is closer to the V&A waterfront, but it's not as nice IMO as the Westin. Same with the Cape Castle and Fire & Ice properties.
Proteas were more like watered down full service hotels, some even with less than full service options, when Marriott bought them. They are built on average to a lower standard than Marriott or Westin hotels IMO.
I wouldn't say that the Westin standard is terribly high it is a functional business hotel nothing really more. I would say it is a solid 4 stars but absolutely not 5.
Given current advantageous FX rates to me CPT is not the place to stay in a corporate business box when there are great luxury and boutique options at attractive price points. Sure if you are looking to burn points rather than spen cash I get it but I didn't think the value was high from the cash I spent at the Westin and the suite was so weird I think I would rather have had an Exec room in a better located part of the hotel.
We had no real issues and a generally enjoyable stay with no quibble about a 4pm checkout but I didn't like the lounge that much and found the gym rather busy whenever I used it. I just think if spending cash you can do a lot better than the Westin.