One & Only Cape Town
Dock Rd, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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#4 of 26
expert-rated hotels in Cape Town- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, Foodies, Celebrity spotting, Great views / scenery, Shopping, Special occasions, Trendiness
Expert review of One & Only Cape Town
Cape Town's first 'urban resort' is a luxe bolthole with all the bells and whistles.
The first thing that hits you on entering the enormous, rather alarmingly greige (with hints of Hellenic temple thrown in for good measure) One & Only Hotel is the scent. Designed for the hotel, the signature fragrance with baobab and aloe notes is piped throughout the hotel and if you're into details like that (which I am) sets an 'all boxes ticked' tone. The second thing you'll notice is the enormous Vista Bar and lounge that's situated below you with its metres high floor-to-ceiling windows that let in that view - Table Mountain in all her fair or foul weather glory - either way it's jaw dropping. The hotel also plays host to two manmade islands, one for the enormous spa (the biggest in the city) and the other to a series of villa-style resort-esque accommodation, a large pool and a restaurant - the hotel is, after all, touted as 'the world's first urban resort'. Oh and did I mention the celebs? I spotted Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman and Clint Eastwood in one sitting.
Location:
Situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront overlooking a yacht-filled marina.
Bedrooms:
Hotelier Sol Kerzner has a thing about bigger bedrooms and takes his advice about bathrooms from his wife Heather - bigger is better. And that's exactly why I love checking in to this hotel. Mattresses are topped with thick down covers for extra softness, each room has a terrace overlooking the Waterfront, there's a 24-hour butler at your beck and call, the wardrobes light up when you open them (details make the difference!) and the smellies, in the hotel's signature fragrance, are generously sized.
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Public areas:
The central lounge-lobby is where most of the action happens and it's abuzz from morning till late with coffee and later martini drinkers. Friday nights sees the Vista Bar transform into a nightclub of sorts.
Eating and drinking:
Africa's first Nobu restaurant is situated in this hotel and true to form it's an impeccable Japanese dining experience with pared down interiors to match. Local celeb-chef, Reuben Riffel, has recently extended his much-loved brand to a restaurant based here (Reuben’s) and by all accounts it's a hit.
Leisure facilities:
Spa-ing at this extension of international brand ESPA is a must-do experience and the trademarked Bastien Gonzalez medical manicures and pedicures are everything they're made out to be. A large pool and al fresco restaurant can be found on the villa island and is a popular all-day family hangout spot. They have an impressive kids' club area and programme and teen-only facilities too.
Service:
Elegantly attired and perfectly poised staff are an ever present feature - service is slick, friendly and top notch.
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Who stays there:
Celebs, statesmen, jet-setters, romantic city slickers and style-conscious travellers who have kids.
Pros:
Central location
Cosmopolitan offering
Cons:
The 'grounds' are limited to an outdoor deck and the pool area
More information on One & Only Cape Town:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Dock Rd, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Free tags / Keywords:
- urban, luxury
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
- Neighbourhood:
- V & A Waterfront
