Where you are staying on vacation is the most important feature of your whole break. Huge hotels can be very impersonal, yet delightful to many, but boutique hotels are simply the best! Peacefulness and quiet, yet an area where you have the opportunity to socialize is the ideal. The room is my haven, so must meet my standards of luxury. A spectacular view is most imperative and the respect for my privacy from the staff an absolute must. The breakfast must be scrumptious!
“When you get into a hotel room, you lock the door, and you know there is a secrecy, there is a luxury, there is a fantasy. There is comfort. There is Reassurance”- Diane Von Furstenberg
Through my years of traveling with business, I have stayed at many types of hotels. I do not appreciate anything below a 3 star. Actually I have had some scary experiences! I also have learnt to listen to recommendations. Once bitten twice shy! Maybe my sense of adventure and risk has dwindled as I have matured. Time is precious, therefore if I am on vacation, I do enjoy certain luxuries and a feeling of safety and being spoilt. Tripavisor is a great website to look at. You can also read the reviews and see more information about the hotels.
When looking on the web, while doing a search, just because a hotel is at the top of the listing, it does not mean that that hotel will suit you.
All of these Hotels mentioned have the following:
- Safety for Covid-19 regulations put in place
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Fridges in rooms
- Flat Screen satellite television
- Coffee/Tea
- Room Service
- Safe for your personal belongings
- Hairdryer (this is important)
- Queen or King size beds
- Beautiful linen
- Kitchenettes
- Bathroom en Suite
- Appealing decor in rooms
- Desk for writing or laptop
- Pool
- Downstairs lounge and bar
- Glorious views or close to beaches
- Wi-fi in the rooms
- Laundry facilities
Why choose a Boutique Hotel
I have listed 3 incredible Boutique Hotels which are close to areas of interest. Also they are not too far from each other. Cape Town is a truly magnificent city, it is wise to be able to travel to these areas of interest without too much fuss. The bus service, Citi Bus, around the hotels is super dependable. Although the hotels can accommodate a shuttle service if you have no other means of transportation. If you have a hired car, there is reliable parking.
1. Bantry Bay Boutique Hotel
This Bantry Bay hotel I have chosen many times. It is within walking distance to Sea Point, which has fabulous restaurants, grocery shops, hairdressers and close to one of my beloved day restaurants for a cappuccino or snack, Jarryds Espresso Bar and Eatery. Everything I need is a few metres away, not noisy and I love the size. The reception is very friendly and accommodating. It is not directly on the promenade but in easy walking distance down to the beach. I do so relish a morning walk inhaling the sea air. Stopping to just gasp at the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Here I get the vibe of how the Capetonian’s live. I can venture out and really “feel”the real people of the area. The Capetonians love being outside doing things. Walking, running, stretching, walking their dogs, chatting! I think they work because they have to and spend their quality time reveling in their stunning existance.
Request a room with a balcony, it just adds to the pleasure. Lion’s Head which is a mountain between Table Mt and Signal Hill will either be your view or the ocean. I find the rooms spacious and welcoming. Often when I am in Cape Town, I buy some rolls and cold meats, cheese and tomatoes and store them in my little bar fridge. This is so when I do not want to eat out, but stay in, I have my dinner. All my implements I require are there in my space.
There are not hoards of people everywhere, and when I go outside next to the pool, I feel comfortable to take my book with me and just relax!.
The breakfasts are very good and the service impeccable! I do love the size of the dinning room. Not too large with a huge window where you can gaze out at the ocean.
2. O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & Spa
Another outstanding boutique hotel! Further up, but still with an astonishing view and sunsets. The hotel has a discreet design, with a synthesis of classic and urban appeal. The sundeck makes you experience a moment of occasion! When you arrive you are welcomed as if you are royalty and presented with a glass of bubbly. They kindly take the time to explain the hotel to you and the offers of Cape Town.
The rooms are stylish and I just love the bathrobes and slippers that are provided. The beds are huge, with upmarket linen. 10 rooms give you a choice to decide. Each one unique. There are 6 luxury rooms, two O rooms and two standards. The standard rooms, one could hardly call standard as they too are very luxurious.
The O rooms! Well oh my gosh! The spacious lounge area which is incorporated alongside the king size bedroom. Bathroom en suite that is a moment of its own! You have your own private
balcony, with yes, your own jacuzzi spa bath and sun loungers. Who could ask for more! You will also have your very own Lavassa Espresso Machine.
The luxury rooms speak for themselves. Stunning! My favorite is still the O rooms.
The spa, called Sapphire Spa is a space where it is all about you! As the word sapphire symbolizes, these moments will give you a sense of good fortune, wisdom, faithfulness and sincerity. Every senior woman deserves her moment in this spa!
The TV lounge is notable and charming. Such a splendid selection of books and extremely cosy!
Swimming may not be everyones thing, but you will not be able to resist the indoor pool which is alongside the spa. There is also a Fitness Centre which is always encouraging and private, especially after the fabulous breakfast.
3. Cape View Cliffton Boutique Hotel
“ Cape Town’s mountain peninsula offers any number of splendid views, but few surpass those from this small, stylish boutique hotel. Cantilevered high above Clifton’s crescent-shaped beaches, it overlooks the Twelve Apostles towering above postcard-perfect Camps Bay, and all around a huge blue sky meeting a rippling sea. “ – Telegraph
This boutique hotel is in a class of its own. It is closer to Cliffton and Camps Bay, but still the V&A Waterfront is not far off. The decor is both modern and has a classical touch. Very easy colors surround you and the views either of the mountains or sea and stretched out Camps Bay beach will hypnotize your moments as you lie on the wooden deck alongside the pool and gaze out at “heaven”.
There are only 7 rooms, so your privacy is guaranteed! Yet you are not in isolation. There is a small fitness centre to ease the feeling of guilt as you relish the cuisine of Cape Town. I do enjoy secret discoveries and this hotel is a treasure found at the end of a rainbow!
The hotel is on Clifton’s Kloof Road, on the side of the mountain. On this road the properties are among the wealthiest in Cape Town. You cannot walk to any restaurants or beaches as it is based high on the side of a mountain. Although taking a transfer to the fantastic restaurants at Camps Bay or going for a stroll on the beach, is only moments away.
What are the benefits of a larger hotel
Did you know that when you reach 57 most hotels give you a discount? Some hotels offer discounts for seniors from the age 50 or 55. Take advantage of this. You deserve it!
Some of the larger groups of hotels, if you are over 62 can offer you a discount of up to 50%. That is a huge discount! Always make sure you enquire about what discount the hotels are offering!
Staying in a larger hotel, especially 4 and 5 stars, does have many pleasantries. I have to be careful of being totally biased and unfair on my personal preference on size. I have senior friends who just love Cape Town and repeatedly come from Australia and go on vacation with a group of friends to this magnificent city and on Safari Tours in the Kruger National Park. Their preference is to stay in these larger, outstanding hotels. The reason being, they love luxury, want to be really close to amenities, such as shopping in style and a large selection of restaurants. They love the buzz of more people. As the hotels are 4 and 5 star hotels, there are not many teenages playing loud music and making a great deal of noise, as these elegant hotels are above their budget. So yes these hotels are marvelous for the wiser generation!
All of the below recommended hotels have all the necessity amenities in the rooms as listed above.
“Hospitality is love in action. Hospitality is the flesh and muscle on bones of love.” – Alexander Staunch
What is the V&A Waterfront? If and when in Cape Town you just have to go meander this divine experience of shopping and activities! The www.waterfront.co.za website describes it superbly in this paragraph.
“The V&A Waterfront is an iconic mixed-use destination located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the 123-hectare neighbourhood sits within the beautiful city of Cape Town, welcoming millions of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world. The V&A is a symbol of heritage and diversity, where people from all walks of life can play, live, shop, dine and work while immersed in the vibrant spirit and authentic local culture that exists in this bustling ecosystem.”
4. Victoria & Alfred Hotel
What a perfect base to stay at for your vacation. You can go on tours to Cape Point, the Winelands and The Old Biscuit Mill, but when you return, you want your time to be your own!
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel gives you the true vibe of Cape Town. The initial building was built in 1904 as a North Quay Warehouse. The hotel, now modern and historic, was named after Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred. They both played a very important role in founding the Breakwater Basin, which has now been created as the V & A Waterfront. Today the Victoria & Alfred Hotel is known as one of Cape Town’s premium hotels.
The hotel has 94 rooms for your pleasure to choose from. You can choose one of the 34 Piazza rooms which look out at the public square of the V&A Waterfront. Totally luxurious rooms!
Or you can choose one of the 34 Mountain Facing Rooms. Personally I love the view of Table Mountain and know that I get a feeling of tranquility while gazing out the window.
The 26 gorgeously styled Loft Rooms you can have a view of both the mountain or the piazza. These are not for me. I prefer the solid feel of the Mountain Facing Rooms.
The stunning en-suite bathrooms of the 94 rooms face out to Table Mountain across the water.
Exquisite cuisine is served at the Ginja restaurant, especially the breakfast, which is always my favourite mealtime! What a spread! They also cater for all your eating preferencials. Sit on the deck and enjoy the delicious seafood, which is a must! You can also eat at no extra cost at the Dash Reastaurant which is at the Queen Victoria Hotel.
The hotel also has a Jacuzzi, bar and spa! Time to relax ladies!
Go and appreciate a movie, visit a museum, art galleries, take a trip to Robben Island, shop for the grandkids or new outfits for yourself. Why not take a helicopter ride or go out on a yacht. Try out one of the many upmarket restaurants overlooking the harbour. Yes there is much to do! But my favourite also at the V&A Waterfront is the phenomenal Two Oceans Aquarium! This is world class and never stops delighting me.
I do understand why seniors so adore staying at this hotel! So central to the best, perfect for your own time and perfect for tour operators to collect and drop off.
5. The Commodore Hotel
This hotel is part of the Legacy group. This group takes immense pride in the services they provide.
“Legacy Hotels is the leading owner, manager and developer of luxury hotels, game lodges and residences in Africa. Once you have stayed at a Legacy Hotel, you will know that with us, it’s personal.”
They own two luxurious hotels in Cape Town, The Commodore and the Portswood. Both are absolutely fabulous. Personally I have never been to the Portswood Hotel, so cannot give my personal recommendation. I have just heard marvelous feedback from others who have stayed there.
This hotel is also situated at the V&A Waterfront with bravura views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the V&A Waterfront harbour. The Clipper restaurant reminds you that you are on the waterfront. It serves meals of international taste from a wonderful, mouthwatering breakfast to a lighter lunch and superb dinner. Dishes that cater for all taste buds. From 10am to 12pm you can order a light meal on the terrace. I relish in the marine, modern yet stylish decor of the restaurant, reminding one that you are in one of the best cities in the world.
The Admiralty Bar and Lounge is an area where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail menu while you are taking some time out and don’t want to be in your room.
The in-house spa offers a variety of treatments to suit your present state of mind and aches and pains. I find that it is not invasive either as some spas are.
Swimming is not always my favorite but I do revel in this pool especially after a game of tennis at the tennis courts. No need to to bring your own racket and balls, both can be hired from reception.
When you are inside the hotel, you cannot believe that this hotel has 236 rooms. You do not get the feeling that you are in a large hotel. They are decorated with a nautical theme and have a spacious appeal. The linen and pillows are marvelous!
What to do with your spare time? Well as discussed above you have the V&A Waterfront right there with so many things to do, you will not complete it all during your stay.
Highly recommended villa guest house and B & B
6. Greenwood Villa and Guesthouse
Something totally different from the hotels I have mentioned. I just love Greenwood! Cathy Turrell, the owner truly knows and respects the desires of her guests. For many years now, I have voyaged to Cape Town for business and pleasure. If Cathy is full she kindly offers to find me accommodation at another guest house, but I always decline her kind offer. Once you have experienced this guesthouse, I find the others, although also wonderful, does not have the appeal that Greenwood does.
I do not like the feeling that I am invading anyone’s privacy and I do enjoy my luxuries. At Greenwood, although Cathy is very welcoming, I do not feel obliged or feel awkward in any way. My favourite room is the Waterfall suite, which has a majestic appeal and is separate to the other part of the guesthouse over the road. It has a lovely, charming balcony outside the room door, with a delightfully comfortable couch and dinningroom table. In the evenings, when I stay in, I relax here and have my home cooked meal. When a friend accompanies me, I always insist that she takes this suite and I take the Fushia Suite which has an interleading door. My second favorite. This room also has an outdoor shower, which is private and delightful in summer.
The guesthouse is very centrally located. 10 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes from the V&A Waterfront and so practically located it is convenient for my trips down to Cape Point and
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. Perfectly situated if you are venturing up to Stellenbosch and the Winelands.
Breakfast is lovely! The chef creates what you desire. You can either eat in the small dinning hall or on the balcony. So if you enjoy staying at a guesthouse, take this as a serious option. After your stay you will compair all future guest houses with this one.
Are there other special hotels in Cape Town
Most certainly, many more! I have mentioned these as they are practically situated for a tourist and senior person, due to the location and where you will be venturing to. Enjoy the service and the culture of the city. These hotels mentioned are first-class!
If you read my section on the recommended Wine Farms, also in the Western Cape, there are other hotels I highly recommend. These are tried and tested and the desire to return are very encouraging.