Where is it?
It’s very centrally located in the suburb of Greenpoint, with easy access to the CBD, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town International Convention Centre and the Cape Town Stadium. They are all just a short walk or drive away. Also nearby is the ‘trendy’ Cape Quarter area, which is home to a number of upmarket bars and restaurants. Cape Town International Airport is approximately 20 minutes’ drive away.
What’s it Like?
The hotel underwent a complete refurbishment in early 2011 and therefore has a nice, fresh look and feel about it. There also seemed to be something of a revitalized energy about the place, when I walked into the lobby. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful, and there was quite a buzz about the place, with fellow guests either watching sport on TV’s in the adjacent bar, playing cards, or just chatting in the reception area, which is dotted with funky-looking pod chairs.
Room Facilities
There are 172 standard rooms and suites throughout the hotel. The 148 standard rooms have a bath or shower, king or twin beds, and are all equipped with work desk, air conditioning, LCD TV (with selected DSTV satellite channels), hairdryer, iPod docking station and coffee/tea facilities. I was accommodated in one of the 24 loft apartments, which are very impressive, with ‘double volume comfort’. There’s a downstairs lounge area, guest bathroom and kitchenette, for those wanting to entertain.
Upstairs is the bedroom and en-suite bathroom with shower. The kitchenette has a bar fridge, microwave, toaster, cutlery and crockery, and even a Nespresso espresso machine. I was fortunate enough to stay in the corner loft apartment, which has spectacular views of both the city and Table Mountain. The loft apartments are incredibly spacious and elegant, with high-end finishings. Upon arrival, I went upstairs and settled in, connected my iPhone to the docking station next to bed and went back downstairs as my own music filled apartment. Thereafter, I relaxed downstairs on the comfortable couch, with a smooth double espresso in my hand and a beautiful view of the city in front of me, through the apartment’s large windows. I also enjoyed the oversized shower head – something that I feel often gets overlooked in some hotels.
Other Facilities
Wi-Fi Internet is available throughout the hotel and is complimentary, unless you exceed the cap of 100megs. There is undercover parking and a lap pool and tanning area, where you can order light meals and drinks. There is also a decent-sized gym that boasts state-of-the-art equipment (treadmills, exercise machines, free weights, exercise balls etc). The hotel has conference facilities that can cater for up to 120 people. There are two conference/meeting venues, featuring sophisticated stage and room lighting, high ceilings and independent climate control. Room configuration is made flexible by means of fully soundproof partitioning. There is on-site technical support for the audio-visual equipment and there are a variety of conference packages.
Restaurants & Bars
The in-house Connexxion restaurant offers breakfast from 06h30-10h30 on weekdays, and 06h30-12h00 on weekends. I was impressed with the buffet spread, which included items such as smoked salmon, a variety of cheeses, fruit, nuts and vegetarian and hot breakfast options. Aside from breakfast, the restaurant cuisine is more Tapas orientated and suited to ‘guests on the go’. There’s also an in-house bar, which is open for 18 hours of the day, and prides itself on its extensive wine list. If you’re looking to go out, there are more than 20 restaurants and bars in the area, covering most tastes.
Verdict
Firstly, the location is very convenient, if you’re looking for a central base in Cape Town, and if you’re someone who likes to walk, there is plenty to explore in the immediate vicinity. Along with that, the rooms are comfortable, elegant and turned out with all the contemporary trimmings you would want from a business hotel.
Contact
Address: Corner of Somerset and Ebenezer Roads, Greenpoint, +27 21 418 1234, proteahotels.com
Tarique Holland