Fodor's Expert Review Winchester Mansions Hotel

This historic hotel's position overlooking a green belt, popular promenade, and the sea can't be beat - perhaps why it continues to score highly with value-oriented travelers. Its Sunday jazz brunches are legendary (and have to be booked in advance), and the elegant sea-facing terrace is popular with locals for tea and afternoon drinks. Meanwhile, the Mediterranean-style courtyard draped in ivy and bougainvillea makes for an elegant summer refuge from the blazing sun, offering tea and meals around a beautiful wrought-iron fountain. There's limited parking.

room

Rooms are large, unfussy and comfortable, and blend the hotel's history - it's an 18th century building - with modern design pretty well. Some face the sea, some the lovely courtyard, and all come with welcome wine, lime cordial and the initial stock of the minibar thrown in. Design is light and bright, with some cool wildlife cushions.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Room 120 is noisier than the others - most are quiet. Check on booking.

bathroom

Bathrooms fall into two categories depending on the room - classic, in which case they are in white and grey with hardwood, and mostly have baths and showers, or modern classic, with glass bathrooms. Toiletries are by Charlotte Rhys.

lobby

The lobby feels a little old-fashioned, effectively a corridor with an enclosed wood and marble reception desk, but it is saved by opening out onto the courtyard, giving it a pleasant open vibe. The gift shop and bar/restaurant fan out on either side of the main corridor. Staff are very friendly.

pool

The hotel's enclosed outdoor pool lacks views, but is in a sunny spot. The hotel is also close to SeaPoint's gorgeous outdoor pool right by the ocean, a liitle further down the coast.

spa

The small Ginkgo spa smells beautiful and has a nice range of treatments.

One relaxing option to kickstart your holiday is the 'arrival rejuvenation package', available for guests fresh off the plane who arrive too early to check in to their rooms.

gym

There's no gym on-site, but a Virgin Active is relatively nearby.

dining

Harvey's Restaurant and Bar is a buzzy place along the seafront strip, serving South African food with an international twist. Breakfast is great.

The hotel has a lot of extra little touches which are very appealing: complimentary fruit skewers by the pool, children's menus in the restaurant (and babysitting services!), and a complimentary shuttle to the V&A Waterfront.

drinking

Sundowners on Harvey's terrace overlooking the sea are basically a must-do. Drinks or the weekend brunch in the courtyard are also very pleasant.