Last Updated on October 26, 2023
After a 20-plus-hour flight with a holdover from San Diego to Cape Town, my husband and I gathered our luggage, cleared customs, and headed with our driver to The Table Bay Hotel where we would spend four glorious nights before venturing on to the impressive Knysna Peninsula and then to the Realm of the Lion King at the Kapama Private Game Reserve.
Cape Town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, a treasure chest of natural wonders, vibrant culture, and fascinating history located on South Africa’s Western Cape.
No sooner did we pull up to the hotel than we were immediately greeted by the valet who took our luggage and invited us to take a seat in the elegant lobby. After a welcome glass of champagne and a brief overview of the property, we headed up to our room to get settled before dinner.
About The Table Bay Hotel
The spacious, sophisticated five-star hotel is located on Cape Town’s picturesque Victoria & Albert Waterfront. The property features stunning views of the working harbor, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean promising the quintessential South African experience. A promise made good!
The international property, considered to be the best address in Cape Town, was opened in May 1997 by former South African president, Nelson Mandela, and since then has welcomed many a dignitary, celebrity and head of state. The property absolutely has the feel and intimacy of a boutique hotel where every detail has been considered.
Each of the 329 beautifully appointed rooms enjoys uninterrupted sea-facing views that include standard accommodation and junior and executive suites with en-suite marble bathrooms.
Our king room overlooked the harbor and after one amazing night’s sleep, we enjoyed sipping coffee in our soft, comfy robes, thankful for being able to stay at this lovely property that made us feel so pampered and special.
When you hear “location is everything,” believe it.
The Victoria & Albert Waterfront is a bustling retail, dining and entertainment district that includes gift and design stores, museums, an aquarium, and even a towering Cape Wheel ride located along the oldest historic working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere.
As a result, everything here is walkable from the hotel which made us happy as we didn’t have to go far to enjoy a traditional African dinner after two long and harrowing travel days. More than 80 eateries bring a fusion of local and international cuisine that’s absolutely phenomenal.
Benefits of Staying at Table Bay Hotel
The resort features a lovely outdoor pool offering poolside yoga sessions on the deck. If you’re looking for more calorie-burning than walking the waterfront, Table Bay’s fully-equipped gym offers a myriad of equipment along with a personal trainer.
Camelot Spa’s mantra, “inhale, exhale, experience wellness at The Table Bay,” fits the wellness spa to a “T,” especially with its infusion of botanical décor with textured wood and marble along with a serene color palette of light greys, white, greens and honeyed gold.
Six luxurious treatment rooms offer a myriad of health and wellness services to renew the body and soul.
Dining at Table Bay Hotel
There is dining, and then there’s dining.
The Atlantic hosts a daily breakfast buffet that almost surpasses any hotel experience I’ve had. Guests are treated to picturesque harbor scenes viewed from its expansive windows or from the outdoor patio.
The buffet features everything from a bread station to meat and cheese options, a salad bar, hot entrees, and two made-to-order omelet stations. The real surprise was the impressive juice bar, offering a number of different beverages from classic fresh-squeezed orange juice to healthy smoothies and everything in between.
The Lounge in the main lobby area offering serene views of the Atlantic Ocean is also set up for breakfast, be it more of a continental option.
At lunch and dinner, guests can select offerings from the main menu and if you have time in your schedule, indulge in the sweet satisfaction of traditional high tea with two afternoon seatings.
Siba is the resort’s fine dining venue overlooking the waterfront and Table Mountain featuring African-inspired chef specials along with an optional wine pairing.
If you’re hanging out at the pool, the casual menu offers burgers, wraps, sandwiches and a few desserts.
If you’re just hankering for a cocktail, head to Union Bar, an intimate cocktail venue that lovingly recalls Cape Town’s nautical history.
We found the Table Bay Hotel to be incredibly classy though not in the least bit stuffy. Service was outstanding, the cuisine impressive, rooms were elegant, as was the entire resort. And due to its prime location, we were able to truly enjoy all the Cape Town has to offer – all within easy walking or driving distance.
