THE three most wonderful words in the English language we all want to hear? “I love you” and “you’ve lost weight” are right up there, but for the frequent traveller they are “you’ve been upgraded”. This is what happened when we checked in at the Radisson Blu hotel in Granger Bay, near the V&A Waterfront.
To be fair, even a standard room here is going to be perfectly acceptable – it will have all the essentials like bathrobes and slippers, free wifi, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a mini bar. Our two-bedroomed, two-bathroom suite, however, took it all to a whole new luxurious level. Those bedrooms and bathrooms were separated by a large open-plan lounge and kitchenette, ensuring much-appreciated privacy. Yes, my friend and I are close but we have vastly different sleeping habits and this meant we didn’t disturb each other with our nocturnal activities.
The same cannot be said about the crack of dawn departure of a small boat with a disproportionately noisy engine which could be heard all the way from the harbour until it finally disappeared over the horizon – a painfully slow journey at that hour, exacerbated by the fact I’d gone out partying at a nightclub in the city until 3am (which is nobody’s fault but my own). Making the best of a not necessarily bad situation, there was a magnificent sunrise which I would otherwise have missed, and at least I could go back to bed.
Late last year, the hotel retained the services of award-winning AJ Snetler aka The Tattooed Bartender, who says “absolutely everything” excites him about joining the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront. “I met the guys and fell in love with the team and the venue, which is just so beautiful. It really is the best location in Cape Town. It’s a very exciting summer season to look forward to, we have some exciting things planned including the launch of the new menu, it is going to be fantastic.”
He’s not wrong. The setting is amazing, whether you’re staying a night or longer, or simply there for a meal or one of AJ’s creative cocktails. It’s difficult to think of many more places which puts guest so close to the water’s edge they can feel the spray of the waves tickling their faces.
Amenities on-site are plentiful, from the rim-flow swimming pool which the seagulls arrogantly treat as their own when the humans have retreated at dusk or dawn, to the Amani Spa where we wrapped up our stay with relaxing foot massages and herbal tea.
The V&A Waterfront is almost on the doorstep, an easy walk from the hotel. When returning with bags of shopping, perhaps it’s a better idea to hop on the free shuttle. If you are staying in one of the suites, you can do a spot of shopping at the Oranjezicht City Farm market, and bring back some delicious goodies to enjoy in the comfort of your apartment. Another option would be to sample the host of yummy artisanal treats and meals right there and then; vegans and vegetarians, raw foodies, and customers who want wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy-free alternatives, are all catered for. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday 9am till 2pm and 3pm respectively, and entrance is free.
THE LOWDOWN
Where: 100 Beach Rd, Granger Bay, Cape Town
Telephone: 021 441 3000
Email: capetown.reservations@radissonblu.com
Website: www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-capetown
PHOTO CREDIT: BIANCA COLEMAN ©
- This story first appeared in Independent Travel on January 12, 2019