I worried that this would change when the Meikles Group of Zimbabwe bought the Cape Grace but it hasn't. We've been fortunate to stay at The Cape Grace four times over as many years. I'm pleased to note that they still greet all resident guests by name. It is a small detail that makes a huge difference to feeling comfortable and looked-after, which is, after all, what we all want.
On this visit we were privileged to stay in their penthouse suite 419 with a large corner balcony and spa pool. Following their "refashioning" two years ago, The Cape Grace remains the most exquisite, bespoke hotel in the Waterfront. The highly individual décor, an interpretation of historic Cape references, is the first new hotel that has paid such vibrant tribute to our past. On the landings, and in the corridors, are artefacts, some of museum quality, that reflect colour and history. On one floor, warm golden colours are reflected in copper pots and timber implements from rowing paddles to fishing rods and framed photographs of the Cape in early times, on a another VOC Blue crockery is the theme. The corridors too are extra wide. The yardstick, I'm told by another hotelier, is to allow two robed sheiks to pass each other with room to spare.
New since we last visited is the addition of a gym, near the spa. I'm pleased that the hotel has retained its offer of complimentary chauffeur-drive and access to the Point Virgin Active for guests. Another useful value-add is free luxury transfers within a 20km radius of the hotel and free Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas. The hotel also has two dedicated day rooms to accommodate early or late check ins/outs.
At R4514 for an entry-level double room in low season in 2011, The Cape Grace is among the costliest of Cape hotels. It does, however, provide excellent value when you consider the extras. There are daily wine-tastings for guests which not only act as an introduction to the local wine industry, but also as an introduction to other hotel guests and there's the Cape Grace's luxury yacht, The Spirit of the Cape, an AICON 56FLY which is the most perfect location for sundowners. The Bascule quayside bar has an enviable whisky collection.
Often guests don't want to sit down to a three-course lunch or supper but favour the option of something light. Their sugar buffet served in the library is a good example of this. You don't need to have an afternoon tea buffet if you don't wish to and can have a little something sweet for as little as R14 with your coffee.
There's also a daily soup-with-bread option and of course, Signal Restaurant with its fine-dining menu.
When 185 out of 193 customer reviews on www.tripadvisor.com are either Excellent or Very Good and the main complaint of those that did was that the hotel previously billed for Wi-Fi which is now free, there isn't a lot this review can say against it. Hotels simply don't get much better. That said, the five-star market in Cape Town is oversupplied and even this property is forced to sweeten the deal. There is a current weekend-stay special offer where you get three nights when you pay for two.
Go to www.capegrace.co.za for more information or call +27 (0) 21 410 7100.
