It’s official! We have the greatest Central Business District in the whole country. Don’t believe me? Well, the 2015 Annual Tourism Report showed the Cape Town CBD is the most visited tourist attraction in South Africa. Yip, that’s right. Our CBD is so cool, it’s a tourist attraction all on its own. So when visiting Cape Town, staying in the CBD is a no brainer. One of the best hotels in the city is the Townhouse Hotel. I had the pleasure of staying there and living the life of city tourists, and had a whale of a time.
The best thing about the Townhouse Hotel is its location. Positioned near Parliament, some of the coolest city attractions are nearby. The Slave Lodge Museum is up the road, the Company’s Garden is around the corner and trendy streets like Long, Loops and Bree are a short walk away. Having experienced most of these attractions before, I decided to spend my ‘staycation’ enjoying the hotel.
We stayed in a junior suite with its own private balcony. The bed was massive, with the coolest headboard ever. It had an awesome lamp that changes colour, and a bookshelf with wonderful classics ranging from The Last of the Mohicans to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. These wonderful old books in the sleek headboard are the perfect example of how The Townhouse effortlessly combines modern living with classic comfort. An interesting feature was a light fixture aptly called ‘the moth’ near the bathtub, that creates a soft light over the bath tub located right next to the bed. Perfect for when you’re in a romantic mood.
We got some wine, had glasses brought up and enjoyed our afternoon on the balcony, enjoying the lazy winter sun. We had reservations at the hotel’s Trees Restaurant, and I could not contain my excitement. When I was younger, I used to look at the beautiful restaurant from the outside and admire its warm, welcoming look and stunning decor. Viewing it from the inside-out was even more spectacular. Continuing the modern look and feel of the hotel, everything from the light fixtures to the chairs was a mix of elegance and sophistication.
The menu comprised everything from light meals to fine dining. I noticed a great emphasis on local cuisine, which I loved. It gives international tourists the opportunity to experience our city with all their senses. My friend had a Cape Malay chicken and prawn curry, another who joined us for dinner had pork with home-made onion gnocchi, and I had lamb shoulder with Parmesan mash. It was hard to pick a favourite and the generous portions filled us up. We had no space for dessert, though we really did try to make everything fit!
Our night did not end there. Being so close to the pulse of the city, we hit the streets in search of a good time. It was such a pleasure knowing our room was so close, we could party without having to worry about the admin of getting home. When we finally hit the sack, we got into luxurious sheets with fluffy pillows for our heads. It was absolute bliss!
In the morning, after a glorious shower and getting ready in a mirror surrounded by LED lights that make you feel like a movie star, we headed down for breakfast. Like most bed and breakfast options, there was a buffet, but Trees does things a little differently. All the fruit, cereal, cold cuts, cheese and pastries were served buffet-style and the hot breakfast you order from a waitron. After a night out, it was nice not have to get up every time we wanted to eat something.
With our tummies stuffed and our bags packed, we checked out. Completely satisfied and content with our short Mother City staycation. If you want to explore the Cape Town CBD, then Townhouse Hotel is a great place to set up your base.
OF NOTE
Where 60 Corporation St, CBD
Contact +27 21 465 7050, [email protected], www.townhouse.co.za
Photography courtesy
Ons wittebroodhotel in 1980.