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South Africa
A good travel accommodation motto is "never settle for less than what you have at home." Staying at Acorn House doesn't compromise that maxim; indeed, it's better than staying at home due to the enthusiasm and professionalism of its staff to help you get the most from your holiday. Acorn House was originally built for the the Editor of the Cape Times, early in the 20th century and was converted to its present form about 10 years ago. It's full of original features and sits high above Montrose Avenue, looking down across Cape Town and Table Bay. The Manager, Stewart (ably assisted by Jade), was incredibly helpful with advice on what to do, where to go and eat, where to park, etc. We had an excellent room on the ground-floor, with our own terrace next to the herb garden. There's a plunge pool if the heat gets too much, and a beautiful terrace for taking afternoon tea and breakfast. The latter was the best we had in South Africa with an extensive buffet and a daily-changing hot dish. The area is very quiet and it's close enough to the city centre to walk to restaurants on Kloof Street etc. The good thing about staying in a guest house is that you have more interaction with your fellow guests than you would staying in a hotel - we picked up lots of tips about Cape Town and other places on our itinerary. We had a great time and can't recommend Acorn House enough.
1 Montrose Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town 8001
Tel: +27 21 461 1782
www.acornhouse.co.za
Google map: tinyurl.com/yc8wwze
This upmarket Cape Town Hotel, spa and restaurant offers uninterrupted sea views of the Atlantic Ocean and is positioned beneath the slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountain range on the Cape peninsula amidst a backdrop of unspoilt fynbos vegetation. The Twelve Apostles Hotel has no immediate neighbours yet is less than a 30 minute drive from the heart of bustling Cape Town along one of this coast's most scenic roads.
The location caters for those seeking tranquillity and offers every comfort including five star facilities and a private cinema for after dinner screenings. Besides the Leopard Room bar, popular for sunset cocktails and an envious collection of vodka and port, a café offering light meals, or the option of afternoon tea, the main draw card is the Azure Restaurant which promotes cape-fusion cuisine utilising indigenous plants known as fynbos, herbs, seasonal ingredients and local seafood. It also offers visitors the opportunity to sample pickled fish, incorporating Cape Malay style cooking, a favourite of the BoKaap. It has won acclaim as one of the best places to stay in the world and is on the Conde Nast Traveller Gold list for 2010.
The view of the ocean, Lion's Head and the craggy Twelve Apostles to the rear in wild surroundings makes this luxurious establishment well worth a visit.
www.12apostleshotel.com
+27 (0) 21 437 9000
Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Steeped in history dating to Simon van der Stel's era, this working wine estate is set in the fertile Constantia valley. Once the bread-basket supplying the former emerging settlement now it is only a twenty minute drive from the urban centre of Cape Town. Still holding its rural charm it offers the choice of three restaurants, hotel accommodation, spa facilities and a cricket oval as well as wine tastings seven days a week. History buffs and green-fingered enthusiasts can opt for tours of this restored and popular homestead and gardens. There is a selection of brandies and olive oils for sale in the wine shop as well as advice on food and wine pairing.
The recently revamped River Café offers a menu of affordable seasonal produce from Uitsig's own organic garden which is accompanied with specially sourced home-made breads, meats and cheeses. Understated and relaxed this bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea throughout the year bar New Year's day.
La Colombe is the winner of numerous awards for both its service and predominately French cuisine but also offers diners a selection of Asian- inspired dishes. The estate's selection of prestigious wines only heighten the experience of fine dining.
Situated in the original manor house on the estate, The Constantia Uitsig restaurant focuses mainly on rustic Italian favourites for lunch and dinner. The best quality ingredients are used and this heartfelt approach adds to the convivial ambience.
With the option of three restaurants, fine wine, stunning scenery and a slice of Cape history this dining experience fails to disappoint.
www.constantia-uitsig.com
rivercafe@uitsig.co.za
+ 27 (0) 21 794 6500
Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
Google map: tinyurl.com/yeqldvb
We recently stayed in this wonderful boutique guesthouse and were bowled over by the warm hospitality of the hostesses and the stylish surroundings, which included interesting contemporary artwork. This attractive house, built in 1903, is conveniently located in a leafy quiet area of Cape Town with good local restaurants nearby and within walking distance of the city centre. As well as our comfortable en-suite bedroom with doors onto the lush garden (that included a small swimming pool), there were sumptuous reception rooms, patio areas, an internet room with free internet use and even a pamper spa with a variety of massage treatments. But apart from all these wonderful amenities it was the little personal touches that we remember – a pack of cough lozenges produced when it was noticed I had a sore throat; and the relaxing music, low lights and chocolate that greeted us when we returned after an evening out. Nothing was too much trouble - just writing about it makes me long to return.
4 Rosmead Avenue, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001
www.fourrosmead.com
After staying in bog standard, even fortress like hotels, with formal at best and surly at worst staff, The Cape Heritage Hotel was a drop into a blissful haven. The Cape Heritage is a boutique style, luxurious yet homely hotel housed in Heritage Square where you can find a host of restaurants just minutes away, in the historic centre of Cape Town. The staff come friendly, helpful and with a touch of dry wit. We were upgraded to a suite which was completely unexpected and the staff humorously didn’t tell us – I went down to tell them that I think we’ve got the wrong room (I was concerned my bank balance wouldn’t cope), and they said we’ve treated you! They even lent us some money so we didn’t have to go to the cashpoint the night we arrived.
The bed was gorgeous – so comfy you didn’t want to leave and you could practically float in the bath it was so deep (not so good for water conservation, but there is a shower).
Breakfast is served in a homely country/modern style kitchen where the girls transfer from reception mode to chef / comedian mode – eggs and beans to order (although they were a little taken by surprise that we wanted our beans hot!)
This hotel truly made our stay in South Africa memorable, comfortable and unique with a personal touch often lacking in many hotels.
Cape Heritage is in my top three hotels to stay in the world – stay anywhere else and you’re missing a treat!
Cape Heritage Hotel
90 Bree Street, Cape Town, South Africa
021 424 4646
www.capeheritage.co.za/
Google map: tinyurl.com/yah7wwf
I'd recommend the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Cape Town any day.
I was blown away by the beautiful setting. The hotel has large garden with exotic plants in front of the mountain and it's very close to vineyards and the sea. The local people came for a stroll on the beach on Sunday afternoon without any shoes on! It was fantastic to do the same too. Nobody seemed to care.
The food was great and the most of them all, biscuits and cakes were wonderful. They looked the same as ours but tasted so different. I had to buy the SA cookery book on baking!
I'm dreaming of visiting there again...
www.nh-hotels.co.za/lordcharles/index.php
Corner Faure & Stellenbosch Roads
Somerset West, 7130, Cape Town, South Africa
Tel No: (021) 855 1040
Great hostel in Cape Town, in a safe neighbourhood within the City Improvement District. They have an overnight security guard, so there is a sense of safety at all times.
Another highlight of this find is the private courtyard and swimming pool - perfect for relaxing after a night out or a morning of sightseeing.
It's central location means that you can easily pop out for a coffee, look round the shops or go out for a few drinks with the reassurance that it's only a five minute walk back to the hostel.
Forget hotels stay here! Spotlessly clean modern rooms, (we even had a balcony overlooking table mountain). Great staff, gave really good advice on where to go in Cape Town and the area. Really fun bar, over all a great choice, the rooms and food is as good as any hotel, but for some reason these guys don't charge as much! They also have a great fun bar full of people who have travelled all over the world and who actually talk to you. We made so many friends amongst the staff and guests we left wanting to stay longer, thats never happened to me in any faceless hotel
81 New Church Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
(all the taxi drivers seem to know where this place is)
0027 21 426 0200
www.capetownbackpackers.com
Luxury boutique hotel in the Heritage Square part of the city centre, convenient for Cape Quarter, shopping, the bus to the Table Mountain cable car and only 15 minutes walk to the Robben Island ferry. The rooms are all different, some with very original touches. The staff are, in a word, amazing. No request seems to exceed their knowledge and skills, but they are never patronising. Moreover, the hotel has led the regeneration of Heritage Square, transforming a site designated for demolition into a block of gentrification. It's not a cheap option in Cape Town, but I cannot imagine you regretting the cost. Spoil yourself!
90 Bree Street, Cape Town, South Africa
PO Box 4475, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
E: info@capeheritage.co.za
T: +27 21 424 4646
W: www.capeheritage.co.za
Well-kept three-star place on a quiet street under the Table Mountain, three blocks from Company's Garden and two from Gardens shopping centre.
3A Gordon St., Gardens, 8001
ndb@iafrica.com
My account of a 2008 tour of the Capes (west, east and south) and critique of South Africa's three-star tier of accommodations may be found at www.pilgrimswanderers.blogspot.com
Ideally situated in the Bo-Kaap area (walking distance from Waterkant, downtown, waterfront and International Convention Centre), this charming guesthouse is owned and managed by Bruce who warmly welcomes you with true hospitality. Rose Lodge offers clean, tastefully decorated and very comfortable rooms. Delicious healthy breakfast is served on the terrace. Bruce was also very helpful in arranging airport transfers and he will gladly assist you with the planning of day trips or any other activities.
www.rosestreet28.com
Address: 28 Rose Street, Cape Town 8000
Phone: +27(0)21 4243813
Cell: +27(0)73 073 6139
E-Mail
info@rosestreet28.com
I’ve just returned from 7 days' vacation in Cape Town, without a doubt a wonderful place to visit. My stay was boosted by the accommodation we scored in the heart of the city thanks to Inthecity.
They provide a number of four and five-star apartments in Cape Town, but because of the favourable pound–rand exchange rate these lets are very affordable. Ours, Jessica, was located next to the Parliament buildings, within earshot of lively Long Street, 15 minutes walk to the V&A waterfront and a 10 minute drive to the golden beaches of Camps Bay.
Our two-bedroom penthouse was furnished to the highest standards, both bedrooms were ensuite and the living area came with a large flat-screen TV and DSTV satellite so we didn’t miss any of the important premiership games.
Want to stay in a five-star B&B but pay for a two-star? Stay at Rose Lodge when in Cape Town! This gem of a guest house is run with immaculate care by its owner, Bruce, and it shows. Everything is perfect and Bruce is a wonderful host. He adeptly looks over every detail and expertly anticipates one's every need. He is always available for any request yet I never found him to be intrusive; he instinctively knows when to step forward when he is needed yet remain unobtrusive when one is looking for privacy. He is truly a professional and very pleasant in a quiet and subdued manner. My stay in Cape Town was made more memorable thanks to Bruce and Rose Lodge.
28 Rose St
Cape Town
We stayed at the Hout Bay Hideaway in October 2007. The Jaguars are gone, but Martin and Sue, who now own the Hideaway, have kept the same format and added cooked breakfast on request. They were warm, welcoming and more than helpful - assisting us in advance with planning our trip, advising us about what to do and where to go, organising our transport…
The accommodation is comfortable and the garden, with its terraces on different levels, relaxing and peaceful. The area is safe and we went for walks and runs along Chapman’s Peak Drive from the door. There are plenty of places to eat nearby, and the Hideaway is an ideal base for exploring the area around Cape Town without having to sit in the city traffic jams. Highly recommended.
For quality accomodation with a difference - self catering accommodation at lighthouses.
September 2005 we stayed at two, Danger Point near Gansbaai/Hermanus - excellent location with a good restaurant a few minutes away, very handy for shark and whale watching, lighthouse keeper couldn't have been friendlier.
CapeColumbine, Northern Cape, another excellent location with the village of Paternoster nearby with a choice of quality eateries. Lighthouse keeper's a real character.
Accommodation very high quality and we would say good value from a European viewpoint. Danger Point - sleeps 4, from R581 per night not per person.
Danger Point, by the way, was the site of the wreck of HMS Birkenhead which gave us Birkenhead drill, ie women and children first.
This place is just amazing. Went there recently and had a magical time. Food was outsanding but the scenery is out of this world. Highly recommend taking a boat trip. This is for the more extravagent traveller.
You can view it here:
www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/holidaysbydestinationandtype.asp?DestinationID=1&HolidayTypeID=2
And it booked it with these guys:
www.visionsofafrica.co.uk/destination.asp?DestinationID=1
A small, friendly and quiet guesthouse, in a very convenient and safe part of Cape Town, two blocks up from the ocean and shops, nearest to Clifton Beaches, Seapoint around the corner.
The owner really knows what service and friendliness means, laundry service and ADSL internet was free (including calls to landlines in the UK) and we really felt at home away from home, delightful interior for a fantastic price.
They even give you a SA cell number when you book, so you can tell friends which number to get hold of you, while exploring the country.
Only ten pounds per person sharing per night!
Complimentary coffee, tea and use of fully equiped kitchen. Safe private parking too.
The best we found in our SA Holiday. Quality really does not need to cost the world.
If you really want a wonderfully decadent experience stay at the "Nellie".
The rooms are huge and well appointed, the service is out of this world and the location is exquisite.
Not cheap but an experience in one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in
Mount Nelson Hotel
76 Orange Street, Cape Town
8001, South Africa
Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: +27 21 483 1000
Fax: +27 21 483 1001
Email: acook@mountnelson.co.za; oarbuthnot@mountnelson.co.za; reservations@mountnelson.co.za;
Lezard Bleu is an amazing guesthouse in the Oranjezicht area of Cape Town. The hosts, Chris and Nikki, are extremely welcoming - on arrival after a long flight from London we were sat on the outside terrace and given complimentary tea, biscuits and fresh fruit. It set the tone for a wonderful week. Chris is a real foodie (a former chef) who made amazing breakfasts and gave us great advice on restaurants in the region. The house and rooms are beautiful and set around a tranquil garden with views of Table Mountain. There's a pool, a wonderfully relaxing communal area with honesty bar, and one of the rooms is in a treehouse. We stayed there and had amazing views over the city.
30 Upper Orange Street, Oranjezicht, Cape Town; www.lezardbleu.co.za; +27 21 461 4601
Most tourists to the Cape only stick with the tried and tested routes and experiences. !Khwa ttu is one of the very few GENUINE San Bushmen-led initiatives in southern Africa. It's set on stunning hillside overlooking the coast and Table Mountain and here you can meet the San, learn about hunting, gathering, tracking, take a trailer ride, see all of the amazing game and other animals, go on hikes, enjoy the restaurant or stay in their amazinginly peaceful accommodation (cottage or tents). There is a museum, art gallery, training centre, conference facilities and shop too.
I recommend it because I lived and worked with the San in southern Africa until recently and this is the BEST thing I have seen out there, that really, practically helps the San and teaches tourists about some of the real issues still alive in South Africa today...
What's more it's as cheap as chips if you are coming from Europe!
www.khwattu.org email - info@khwattu.org
It's just 70 km drive north of Cape Town - takes 40 minutes and just a short drive from the historic village of Darling and the beautiful beaches of Yzerfontein.
Is this your business?Search Been there
