Background
The Crystal Towers Hotel is one of the latest additions to the African Pride stable. It was officially opened in December.
What’s it like?
Stepping into the Crystal Towers is like stepping into a suave upmarket nightclub. The impressive chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, the embedded LED lights in the carpet, the fibre optic lights in the draping and the bold colours and furniture create a magical atmosphere. The hotel offers a “surprise” around every corner with its one of a kind decor, including silver curtains in the elevators and pink lights under the bed and in just about every corner of the room.
Where is it?
The hotel is located in Century City, which is set to become Cape Town’s answer to Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. It is about seven minutes from the CBD and the V&A Waterfront and 15km from the airport. It is not that convenient for business travellers doing business in the CBD and looking for somewhere central, but is ideal for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city.
Room facilities
There are 180 luxury rooms on offer, all designed with the business traveller in mind. The rooms feature creative lighting and fittings and have quite an unusual layout. The bedroom and bathroom are in the same room, separated only by the different floor coverings (tiles and carpet) and the cylindrical shower. There is also a freestanding bathtub and basin in this area. Thankfully the toilet is in a separate little room. There is an executive work desk with international plug points and wireless Internet access.
The king-size bed in the centre of the room has a shelf at the foot of the bed, which at the push of a button becomes a TV stand once the TV has risen into position. There is also a DVD player and a complimentary selection of DVDs. Be sure not to leave any of the three remote controls near the television like I did, as accidents do happen and it is quite embarrassing to arrange for maintenance to retrieve the remote from inside the cabinet.
The room is remarkable, but still has a few kinks to iron out as it becomes more popular. The shower was close to overflowing and the large windows (with fantastic views of Cape Town) were difficult to open. One personal frustration was the light switches, which are all on the same panel. The problem comes in with midnight toilet visits. I found myself going through at least four switches before reaching the right one, and in the process woke my partner with flashes of pink and white lights in the room. Rooms available include standard, superior, executive twin and disabled rooms, as well as suites.
Restaurants and bars
The hotel’s chic bar is located next to two private lounges, which have been themed with personal consultation from David Kramer and Kingsley Holgate. The restaurant also has an art deco look and serves a buffet breakfast including the widest range of fruit juices imaginable, lunches and superb dinners. One of the best features is the display kitchen that allows you to watch the chefs in action. It is also possible to enjoy cocktails at the elevated pool area.
Business and meeting facilities
Extensive conferencing facilities are available for board meetings, product launches, training sessions, etc. There are nine private boardrooms that can accommodate between 12 and 20 delegates and the large conference room can host up to 300 delegates.
Leisure facilities
The suspended pool is definitely one of the top features of the hotel and attracts a lot of attention. It is contained in a pool ‘box’ comprising white marble walls and sun loungers. In the bar area there is a pool table available to hotel guests, and for total relaxation the Life spa is an absolute must!
Verdict
This hotel is great for travellers looking for something different, trendy and fresh. I would definitely recommend it to those doing business in Century City, and possibly to those who don’t mind the short drive into the CBD. The staff is exceptional.
Contact details
+27 (21) 525 3888/9, africanpridehotels.com
Chana Viljoen