Fodor's Expert Review Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa
47 Main Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa See on Map
Just a stone's throw from the Green Point stadium and the V&A Waterfront—and surrounded by restaurants and public transportation—the swanky Cape Royale offers spacious apartment-style accommodations that make a reasonable base for longer-term travelers. It is perhaps looking a little tired nowadays, but the rooms are comfortable and the amenities sell the hotel, including the amazing rooftop pool (which is why it is a shame that it is currently closed). Bargains can be found online.
A free shuttle every two hours takes you within a 5-km (3-mile) radius, which includes the city center, V&A Waterfront, and Sea Point.
room
One-, two-, or three-bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and many with some kind of view, are roomy and luxurious with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
bathroom
Granite and porcelain bathrooms come with showers or baths depending on the room class. All are clean and reasonably spacious.
lobby
The pleasingly designed building sets the tone with some doormen in top hats who greet guests as they arrive. The lobby has a similarly grand feel, and helpful staff.
pool
The pool on the rooftop, overlooking the city and ocean, is gorgeous, but not fully operational at the moment.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The rooftop area is currently (2018) closed - a mixture of renovation and the drought -but should be back up and running soon.
spa
The Casuarina Wellness Center and spa downstairs, not run by the hotel, is a lavish day spa with some nice touches, like candlelit corridors.
gym
The hotel has a small gym.
dining
A host of franchised restaurants jostle together on the ground floor, including Café Royale, a French-style café with a patio, an espresso bar, the Thai-focused Simply Asia, the healthy osumo and lastly the Jewel of India. So there's plenty to choose from.
drinking
The hotel's sky bar is currently closed, but if and when it reopens on the rooftop pool deck, it has fantastic 360 views and is a real selling point.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The hotel is close to the bars and restaurants of the waterfront, as well as a busy strip of places on the way, and fairly quick drives to most of Cape Town's other actions. Public transport - chiefly the bus to reach Camps Bay - stops nearby, too.
Restaurants
Pigalle (7-minute walk) is a stylish old-school dinner and dance restaurant. Or try El Burro (2-minute walk) for fantastic, fresh Mexican food.
WHY WE LIKE IT
While there's a definite sense that the Cape Royale could do with a bit of loving attention, the suites are still roomy and comfortable and the location is central. When the rooftop pool and bar are in full swing, it's a decent choice in the city center, particularly if you can get a deal.
QUICK FACTS
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