Kensington Place

Rooms

There are just 8 luxurious guest rooms, all large and each with a balcony offering wonderful views across the city. No expense has been spared in the furnishings - heavy draped curtains and dark wood furniture combine with fresh flowers, crisp linens, sisal flooring and African prints and textiles.

All the rooms have a different feel. Room 6 is the only Standard Room - it has lots of raffia and is open-plan. Of the Superior Suites, 7 and 8 have a contemporary feel; 3 and 4 are more traditional and 1, which is on the corner, is light and airy, commanding both mountain and sea views. Suite 2, where we stayed, has a long terrace with views over the city harbour - watching Cape Town’s lights gradually twinkle on in the twilight was a delight.

Bathrooms are spacious with natural marble. The power showers have sleek minimalist chrome fittings, and the towels are thick and soft. All the Superior Suites feature either a sunken or freestanding custom-made bathtub.

All rooms are extremely well-equipped: satellite TV, DVD players, electronic safes, air-conditioning, minibars/fridges and iPod docking stations. Laptops and local cell phones are also available from reception. Little noise filters from one room to another - you may not know you have fellow guests until they drift in to breakfast.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Minibar/fridge
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast is served until mid afternoon at Kensington Place - we didn’t test whether it was any better at 2pm but we certainly enjoyed it at 11am. Fresh yoghurt, muesli and fruit, plus creamy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, are served on the airy terrace.

For other meals, the hotel offers lunch or light dinner options, which can be served in the dining area or via room service. We opted for this one evening and enjoyed a supper on our private terrace of smoked chicken Caesar salad washed down with our complimentary bottle of white wine. Sometimes the simple things are the best - especially if they include a sunset view over Table Bay.

Alternatively, there are a host of good restaurants within walking distance from the hotel - we waited to get an outdoor table for lunch at Café Paradiso but the chilli calamari linguini made it worthwhile.

Features include:

• Minibar/fridge
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Visit Robben Island - the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27 years of imprisonment
  
  
• Take the cable car up Table Mountain - a must for sunset on a clear evening
  
  
• Bo-Kaap, the city's Cape Malay area, is worth a visit for its cobbled streets and colourful historical houses
  
  
• Adrenaline seekers can abseil down Table Mountain or paraglide off Lions' Head with local operators
  
  
• Check out some of Cape Town's trendy beaches - but watch out as the winds can be strong and the water very cold
  
  
• Plant lovers should not miss the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, where you can wander through the unique flora of the region - take a picnic
  
  
• There are plenty of oppurtunities for hiking. There's a nature reserve nearby or you can walk up Lions' Head for some great coastal views. The more energetic can climb up Table Mountain
  
  
• Spend a day in the Winelands (30 minutes' drive away) most vineyards are open to the public for tasting
  
  
• Drive down the scenic Cape Pensinsula to Cape Point, stoppong off en route to see penguins at Boulder's Bay
  
  
• Township tours can be arranged through Uthando charity - see Social Responsibility
  
  
• Use of local golf, squash and gym clubs can be arranged by the hotel
  
  
• Back at the hotel take a dip in the plunge pool or sunbathe on the deck

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Golf
• Hiking
• Nightlife
• Shopping / markets

Kids

No children under the age of 12 are accepted - this hotel is designed to be a peaceful haven.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Kensington Place in Higgovale,on the slopes of Table Mountain, Cape Town. It's roughly a 25-minute drive from the city's Airport.

By Air
Cape Town International (10km) is close by. Click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged with the hotel, and there are plenty of taxis in and around town. Many guests choose to hire a car (see below).

By Car
If you want to explore beyond Cape Town it's probably worth hiring a car - see our car rental recommendations.

By Public Transport
Public transport in Cape Town is rather slow and occasionally risky, so best to avoid it unless you know the ropes.

Detailed directions to find the hotel will be provided when booking is confirmed.

More on getting to South Africa and getting around.