Arriving at this magnificent hotel, one is greeted like a visiting dignitary. Our car was whisked away by valet parkers, but it re-appeared every time I need it!
The hotel lobby is spacious, and I am certain that it was designed to accommodate large groups of delegates that might be visiting the CTICC that is directly opposite.
(The entire week-end of our stay there seemed to be functions of some sort there)
Our room, situated on the 11 floor had a great view of the harbour as well as part of the iconic Table Mountain.
While I sit at the desk writing this I look out towards the V & A Waterfront where a huge cruise ship has been docked all week-end.
The room was well appointed with almost every form of electronic connectivity known to modern science.
Aside from card key access for the rooms, the entrance to the accommodation on each floor is also access controlled, and I even noted that the lifts can be programmed to run of the room card. This level of security could be a requirement for a visiting head of state perhaps, but not something that my wife and I needed to worry about.
On the 19th floor is the gym spa and lap pool and I suppose that the view is what made us want to exercise.
We tried out the pool and the Jacuzzi and I did look into the gym, but decided against trying to tackle some of the more daunting looking equipment.
The meals that we had certainly exceeded our expectations and my wife’s inbuilt ‘coffee meter’ rated the cappuccino top class.
You can dine in the Louis B or you can have the same menu in the smoking lounge on the mezzanine floor.
For the health conscious, try the “ Superfoods” breakfast. This menu features dishes rich in nutrients and antioxidants so that you can start your day feeling supercharged (a must if you are going to be spending your day in meetings
But, if like us, you are on holiday, we recommend that you try the “regular” breakfast spread. This seemingly endless array of food took our breath (and our waistlines) away. Sushi, Tai vegetables and miso soup were just some of the more “unusual” foods on offer. Two types of bacon, pancakes and waffles as well at the ubiquitous baked beans were also available.
Instead of just the standard fruit juices there were also smoothies available, the most unusual being one made from spinach!
The staff was attentive and friendly with all of them wearing 2010 Soccer World Cup badges. A nice touch is that staff name tags also displayed what their passion is (music, cooking, animals and animals)
The majority of the guests that we met to seemed to be from overseas. We also got to chat to a couple of the competitors in an amateur round the world yacht race. “ I am not one of the rock stars of the professional yacht circuit” is how one of the Aussie crew described himself.
The hotel is situated within walking distance of both the city centre and the V & A Waterfront. The former is constantly patrolled by security to keep visitors safe, while the latter is a must visit destination for local and international tourists alike.
We ended off our visit with treatment at the Arabella Quays spa. I suffered through a personal fitness assessment and then tried the 2 hour Jet Lag therapy, while my wife opted for the more serene Phyto-Aromatic massage.
Contact details:
Phone: 021 4129999
Email: westin.grand.capetown@arabellastarwood.co.za
Web-site: www.westin.com/grandcapetown