Good hotel and helpful staff

The hotel is located in what seems to be an up and coming neighbourhood within in the north of Cape Town.  The buildings around the area are a mix of new and some old/abandoned buildings.  There is not really much around the area except for some restaurants, bars and a supermarket.  There are also  a couple of clothing outlets and some smaller shops.  

A couple of streets from the hotel, it is a residential area with some more interesting restaurants.

But most importantly, at least during the daytime the are seems to be very safe despite some of the buildings being run down/abandoned.

I arrived quite late in the evening, so there was not many people checking in.  I was helped immediately and given a run down of the benefits as an Elite member.  As an elite member, the hotel had quite some nice recognition as an Elite member - which is not always the case at Doubletrees.  Was given the usual DT cookies as I was handed by room key.  The room was upgraded to a Loft Suite.

Access to the rooms are controlled by the key card access in the lift.

All Loft Suites are located on the 5th floor of the hotel (highest floor).  The room was very spacious with a very high ceiling.  It was well appointed with a dining area, sitting area, a larger kitchenette and a writing/working desk.  A very well decorated room making it very homey.  There was a guest bathroom on the ground floor.  There was a large glass door opening out towards a long narrow balcony with a view of the other side of Cape Town (east of the waterfront area).

The second floor is accessible only by stairs.  On the 2nd floor, this is where the bed and bathroom/toilet is located.  The bathroom area is an open concept as in it integrates into the bedroom area.  There was a bathtub (not in used due to the water crisis in the area), an enclosed toilet and an enclosed large walk in shower.  There was also a small working desk where the TV was attached above the desk.

The shower was good with good water pressure and temperature control.  For me the only con was the fixed shower head.

As usual, there are coffee/tea making facilities and a bottle of water (replenished) provided.  There was also a nice bowl of welcome fruit plate.  The kitchenette was provided with plates, utensils, glasses and cups. 

The loft had 2 air conditioning unit, one downstairs and one close to the bed.  Both units worked well and with a quiet fan operation.  

Internet speed was stable and worked well with normal usage and activities.  TV station varieties was ok with a mix of local and international channels (mainly news channel)

All in all, a very well appointed loft and for me one of the better suites which made it very homey and comfortable.

Breakfast was served in the main restaurant located next to the lobby.  The breakfast room was quite large, divided into different sections.  There was ample seating even on busy days/hours.

Breakfast variety was good - a mix of local and western items - both hot and cold dishes.  There is an egg station with a very charming cook (I believe she is the head chef - as she was giving at the same time orders out when food ran low).  

Service during breakfast was good with attentive staff and plates were cleared fast and delivered orders promptly.  

There is a gym and a on-site spa.  Other than that, since the hotel is located next to a small commercial center, outside there were a convenience store, ATM, hairdresser, a Korean restaurant and some other shops.  

Since the hotel is not located within walking distance of downtown Cape Town, the hotel does provide a complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront area.  Basically there is a shuttle in the morning, afternoon and evening. Without traffic, it takes about 20 mins to reach the area.  

Parking facility is available, though payable.  The rate is ok and it gives you in/out privileges.   

No pool is available at this property.

In general, service was good with helpful staff.  As usual, there are some which are more friendlier and some which are just ok.  

All in all, one of the better (and unique) Doubletree property which I've stayed - with a very open concept.  Although location is not the best for visiting downtown Cape Town, but with the shuttle or if you have a car, it is ok and value is good.  Most importantly the area is safe and close to the airport.  Will certainly return if I am in the area.