The Hotel
Cape Town is always a good idea, with year round excursions, events and climate to entice. I found myself visiting in February, and boy was it good to me. I stumbled upon the One & Only Cape Town when I was in my teens planning notional holidays with my future notional adult money; so when the opportunity came to actually go to Cape Town, the O&O was at the forefront of my mind.
The One & Only Cape Town is a sanctuary within the city, an urban resort, with an abundance of luxury and even more charm. Located in the central hub of the Victoria & Albert waterfront, staying here is hitting the jackpot of locations for pedestrian accessibility to the waterfront and visiting the beautiful yet pungent sunbathing seals.
The Arrival
After being collected at the airport by a chauffeur arranged through the hotel, I arrive at the hotel where the vehicle pulls up to the security booth, where all cars in and out have their plates scanned. Once completed the vehicle was escorted to the entrance. This process feels more grand in a presidential way, and some what adds to the build up as you pull up to the main hotel entrance. The door attendants beam as you arrive and take your bags as you are led to the lobby.
The lobby is a grand spectacle with floor to ceiling windows looking directly out to Table Mountain, seeing the dramatic clouds creep over the ledge of the mountain puts this reception area firmly on the list of best lobby views in the world.
For check in you are sat down in a cosy alcove avec cocktail, where the check in team guide you through the hotels facilities and dining options. Check in is 14:00, however our room was ready upon our arrival that morning. Check out is 11:00, but late check out is available at 50% of the room rate up until 18:00.
The Room
There are 132 rooms and suites, which despite the grand scale of the hotel, I find it still offers a cool boutique vibe and personable feel. Once check in was completed, I was driven in a golf buggy (you could easily walk, but sure why not indulge) to my own personal oasis. I stayed in a first floor island suite, measuring at over 700 sqft, it felt like a large one bed apartment, with views over the pool and the lagoon. Offering a walk in wardrobe, triple shower, freestanding bath, two basin vanity units, desk area, mini bar area and the most divine bed, it didn’t disappoint.
The Facilities
The pool area is charming and fits organically with the landscaping, with slate tiling and direct cabana access and an uber attentive pool team – I mentioned my love of Grapetiser, so everyday when I arrived at the pool the team had a chilled Grapetiser ready for me.
The spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary, with 12 treatment rooms, a private wet area, steam and sauna rooms, a yoga pavilion, thermal suites, hydrotherapy facilities, vitality pool, aroma steam room, sauna, ice fountain and experience showers… aaand breathe. You can use the spa facilities between 08:00-20:00 before & after any treatment and there is a relaxation room with fresh juices, teas & an expansive treat selection. I had two massages during my stay, the One & Only Inner Calm massage and then I couldn’t resist a hot stone massage (selflessly building a list of best hotel hot stone massages, to give the people what they want.)
The hotel’s gym facility has the latest equipment, boxing, bootcamp and on hand personal trainers that also offer private sunrise hiking trips up Table Mountain as well as yoga on Table Mountain. Little touches in the gym include refrigerated towels, iced water, fresh fruit and post gym snacks.
The hotel creates bespoke experiences for all guests and they are especially attentive to families, with a kids club offering cooking classes, outdoor games and supervised visits to the Two Oceans Aquarium next door to the hotel. The Hotel works closely with Jarat Tours, who not only offer chauffeur services but also private day trips with tour guides who are truly fantastic – I used Jarat Tours and had total peace of mind knowing you are utilising your day and not missing a bit, whilst also in the safety and comfort of being with an experienced tour guide in their suite of Mercedes E, S and V Class vehicles.
The Dining
In terms of dining options, there is the continent’s only Nobu, which with the high rand to low USD, EUR and GBP exchange rate most likely makes it the most inexpensive Nobu in the world.
There is also the vista bar in the lobby, which wraps around the central focal point bar, where the menu is in collaboration with South African Chef Karen Dudley. I became close to obsessed with the citrus grilled prawns (writing this is making the obsession worse).
The breakfast in Ochre is ample, serving champagne on tap, bloody marys and oysters, in addition to an array of pastries, fresh fruit, contintental breakfast and hot dishes to order. The in room dining option brings silver service to the bedroom and adds to the indulgence of the stay.
There is pool side dining as well as the Isola restaurant overlooking the pool area which serves wood fired pizzas and tapas; offering the perfect go between for the pool and dining for families and couples.
The Hospitality
The poolside and house keeping team were fantastic. One of the poolside members remembered me by name and had my favourite drink (Grapetiser) ready for me each day when I reached the pool. Whenever you passed a member of the hotel team they would place their hand on their heart and nod, which is a sweet gesture. However, I had a disappointing experience with a member of the concierge when I asked them directly at the desk a day in advance to book a table for 2 at the Nobu in the hotel, upon which they confirmed straightaway. Yet when we arrived for the booking, the restaurant said they had no reservation and were now fully booked. I went back to the concierge desk who had a different member working and they said they had no note of that and there was nothing they could do – no sorry either. I rebooked for Nobu via their website without a hitch for the next day. For the week long booking, I had booked the island room for half the week and a Table Mountain view for the other. I had packed up my belongings and had the suitcases in the room to be collected and moved to the new room. However when I came back that evening I was told I could keep the room (the Table Mountain Room is slightly less per night). It’s indulgent to be frustrated by this, but I was, as it didn’t feel like a generous offer, more that they were either understaffed to prep both rooms for new guests or couldn’t be bothered with the hassle.
The Good To Knows
You really cant beat the hotels location along the Victoria & Albert waterfront, a perfect mix of prime location, but tucked away so it’s an urban oasis.
During peak season the pool day beds can be quite busy so optimum positioned beds weren’t always available unless you got to the pool around 09:00.
Wifi throughout the resort is good and complimentary.
The Price
Stays start from £800 per night inclusive of breakfast.
The dining options are inexpensive given the current currency conversion rates to the Rand.
The TLDR Conclusion
Great first impression on arrival and check in. Rooms are beautifully designed and spacious, but may be deemed on the pricier side compared to other Cape Town five star hotels. Amazing location and setting. Good dining but could have more restaurants. Beautiful focal bar in lobby overlooking Table Mountain. Service inconsistent. Would recommend, however I would browse a few other Cape Town hotels like the Mount Nelson Belmont Hotel before booking the One & Only Cape Town again.
Room & Hotel Amenities 3/3
Dining 2/3
Service 1/3
The Je ne sais quoi factor 1/1
The IRL Edit Score Out of Ten = 7/10
The IRL Edit. 