Fodor's Expert Review Derwent House

This bright, beautiful old house in a fantastic and very central Tamboerskloof location makes for a stylish and convenient base while exploring Cape Town. Rooms are lovely and individual and the public areas are very appealing, too, including a large bright lounge area with a fireplace, lots of beautiful books and good magazines, and an iPad for guest use. A large pool and hot tub also enjoy nice views of Table Mountain, as do a few of the rooms. Free afternoon cake and great, friendly 24/7 service complete the vibe.

room

The nine rooms are clean, comfortable and eclectic, and include lots of nice perks like a local mobile phone for your use, international plug points and free WiFi. Some have direct access to the pool. The decor is stylish and involves lots of bright colors and brilliant patterns.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Although all of the rooms are bright and cheery, some are a bit small, so if you travel with heaps of luggage and spend a lot of time in your hotel, you may feel cramped.

bathroom

Bathrooms, as stylish as the rooms themselves, mainly have rain showers, and Charlotte Rhys activities. They too vary in size.

lobby

The reception area feels like a cool friend's house - we particularly like the 'Hello Africa' poster with guides on how to greet people across the continent.

pool

The pleasant T-shaped pool, overlooked by some of the rooms and palm trees, is a relaxing spot.

dining

The hotel breakfast is legendary - a bountiful cold buffet and then a great a la carte menu, including Franschoek trout and changing daily specials.

Don't miss Florence's chakalaka, a South African vegetable relish that is served at breakfast alongside boerwors sausage, crispy polenta and fried eggs to make up a storming local meal.

drinking

There's an honesty bar for guests.