Cape Heritage Hotel

The Cape Heritage Hotel is housed in one of the
oldest buildings in the city. The smooth exteriors are cream colored and
feature dark-wood framed windows. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks in the reception area, which looks more like a living room with a small
desk and quirky wall-mounted lamps fashioned to resemble animal head trophies.
Beyond the front desk are lounges, one with plush leather sofas and sand-colored walls with a fireplace at its center and a couple of well-stocked
bookshelves. Directly opposite sits a second lounge with more bookshelves and
leather sofas along with bright blue walls and a computer for guest use. The
hallways have eclectic decor, accented by what appear to be Zulu-inspired statues
contrasted with funky modern art pieces. The hotel is also
reputedly home to the oldest grapevine in the Southern hemisphere, believed to be
of the Crouchen Blanc variety. Only 30 bottles per year are produced, and the
proceeds go to charity. The vine weaves through a small, narrow
courtyard corridor with a few tables and chairs that open up to a larger dining
area. 

The Cape Heritage is situated right on
Heritage Square, within easy walking distance of cafes and restaurants. It’s
also a short drive in opposite directions to reach both the waterfront, where Two
Oceans Aquarium is located, and the Heart of Cape Town Museum. The area is
generally safe to walk in during the day, although it’s advisable to take taxis
after dark. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is 10 minutes southwest by car and
the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a 15-minute drive south. Getting
to the airport takes just under 20 minutes by car, or about 45 minutes by
public transport. 

There are 17 guest rooms at the Cape Heritage divided into three
categories: Standard, Luxury, and Suite. Each room is individually decorated
with original art, elegant antique furniture, chandeliers, and extra-long
king-sized beds, including four-poster beds in some spaces. All come with
air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free
Wi-Fi, and outlets that accept plugs from around the world. The floors are made
of Cape yellowwood and the ceilings in some rooms have teak beams and original
plasterwork dating back to the building's early days. Bathrooms vary a
great deal, but all are spacious and elegant and come with deep tubs and luxury
toiletries. Many also have separate walk-in showers. 

The
Cape Heritage doesn't have a pool, although its rooftop deck with a whirlpool
hot tub is an attractive alternative. Next to the tub is a seating area with
table and chairs, including a few wooden loungers. The space offers views of the
city and Table Mountain in the distance. A daily breakfast is served in the
courtyard and room service is available as well. Morning meals can also be taken inside
in the small breakfast room, which includes a bulletin board with daily
information. The space is casual and feels like someone's home, with high
dapple gray walls and a smiling poster of Nelson Mandela. Although
the Cape Heritage doesn't run its own restaurant for lunch and dinner dining,
it does offer picnic baskets (for a fee), which can be handy for guests going out
on day trips to nearby scenic spots. The property’s location on Heritage Square
means that there are eating spots so close that they feel like they are part of
the hotel. These include Bizerca, a French-run bistro with a seasonal menu
of European and international dishes and an extensive wine list. The slightly
more casual Chefs Warehouse & Canteen serves tapas, antipasti, cheese
plates, and charcuterie. There's also a steakhouse and pan-Asian (but mostly
Thai) spot. Those wanting a more regionally authentic experience, however, can check out The
Africa Cafe, which serves items from across the continent.