THE BEST WESTIN IN TOWN

LOCATION

It’s inside the blue-glass skyscraper on the Foreshore, next to the famous convention centre, and overlooking a dock from where you can catch the little canal boat down to the V&A Waterfront. Given its position, the views are simply spectacular — if you’re on one of the higher floors.

STYLE

Modern with a fresh, clean look. The hotel describes its style as “contemporary and classic”, which covers many bases. The lobby is almost otherworldly with its glass, soft light and indoor plants adding a touch of greenery.

ROOMS

I made myself at home in an executive club room on one of the upper floors. All rooms come with the usual amenities such as wifi, minibar and flatscreen TV. There was enough space to hold a convention of one’s own and not for the first time did I wish I was a rockstar with a serious retinue. Instead I sprawled on the vast bed and took my fill of the incredible view. The suites, naturally, have more space — but why would you need it? Unless, of course, you are an actual rock star, with a retinue.

SERVICE

Slick, as one would expect from a flagship property in the big Westin Starwood group.

THE EATING

Breakfast is a decent buffet served at the French brasserie-style Thirty7 on the ground floor. I had lunch at the On19 restaurant, which is, in fact, on the 19th floor. The offerings are chic, fresh, simple and healthy served with views so jaw-droppingly panoramic you may find yourself forgetting to eat.

THE ‘DO’ LIST

Cape Town is quite literally at your feet. Distractions at the hotel, however, include an excellent spa on the 19th floor — again with those views — which has won accolades in the world of spas.

GETTING THERE

The hotel is nicely situated right next to the N2 offramp — so, 25 minutes from the airport at Cape Town driving speeds.

RATES

Currently from R2 900 per night for a deluxe room, rising to R4 900 for an executive suite. A night in the Presidential Suite will cost you a lofty R40 000/night.

BOOKING

Visit westincapetown.com.

Ash was a guest of The Westin Cape Town Hotel