Cape Town - Mention urban resort and the first thing that comes to mind is a Club-Med type grey concrete jungle sprawling fake-tan foreigners in the middle of the CBD. Actually, those were my thoughts.
What I didn’t expect was an oasis of calm just minutes away from Cape Town city centre, with the Atlantic as its playground. This is what the President Hotel Bantry Bay was. With the ocean at her doorstep and Sea Point’s trendy eateries just a hop and skip away, it’s like a Mecca for Millennials.
Priding itself as the perfect hub for business travellers, The President isn’t short of bookings. On checking in, the foyer was abuzz with flip-flopped tourists and concentrating staff trying to bring order to the organised chaos.
Maybe it had something to do with Cape Town hosting the International Jazz Fest that weekend, or the fact that the hotel is central to all the tourist traps. Whatever it is, the hotel’s recent refurbishment certainly played a part.
The airy entrance and foyer is a light, breezy open-plan marvel. No where do you feel boxed in or claustrophobic, no matter how full the hotel is. Making use of calming colours like grey and turquoise also adds to the tranquil effect the hotel embraces.
The African-inspired artwork is an ode to this colourful, eclectic continent we call home. I especially loved the zebra-stripped sofa taking pride of place at the entrance to the lifts.
And because of the island paradise feel of the verandah overlooking the ocean, you’d never guess that you’re a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. The hotel also takes advantage of the Cape’s balmy sunshine and moved most of their indoor space outdoors for sundowners and al-fresco dinning, and the results are breathtaking.
Our Guest Relations officer Rene was the most attentive and sweet people. Her aim was to make our stay as comfortable as possible, and she went beyond the call of duty.
After showing us around the hotel, off to our suite she whisked us, and we were greeted with a stunning sea view.
The two-bed apartment we stayed in was big enough for a family of four with a shared bathroom. With a kitchenette and large sitting room, there’s no such thing as cabin fever. But who would want to stay cooped up in your room the entire stay when there’s so much to do?
The large pool area has designated spots for the kids to play in while mom catches a tan and dad has a few drinks.
The three little children by Vivien #president #hotel #art #oilpainting #oss
A photo posted by Bruno B Piedade (@brunobpiedade) on Feb 24, 2016 at 5:10am PST
There’s also the renovated deli which the hotel is extra proud of - the Botany Cafe serves fresh salads and wraps for those who want something on the lighter and healthier side. I tried the smoke chicken salad, and for R50, I reckon it was a bargain. You can even design your own salad and they come in various sizes.
New executive chef Craig Paterson, formally from Haute Cabriere in Franschhoek, has put his mark on the dishes, while concentrating on fresh, organic ingredients.
I thought I’d get to see Chef Paterson’s creativity first-hand when it came to dinner, but we were told a buffet would be served with an African theme. Disappointment written on our faces, the waiter explained that because the hotel was booked to capacity, it’s easier to do a buffet setting instead of a-la-carte menu. Noted, it’s understandable and logical, but still it would have been a lovely experience.
The hotel seems to be a hit especially with tour group and airline crews. And still, I couldn't put it down to one thing. The friendly staff definitely played a part. The picture-perfect canvas of the sun setting over the ocean didn’t hurt either.
I think sales and marketing manager Nikki Vardan sums things up perfectly when describing the hotel.
“People call it ‘iconic. And it is, in the sense that it represents the best, most gracious, most beautiful and most fulfilling of what Cape Town lays out for the visitor – but it is an icon not to be admired at a distance, as something remote and impersonal.”
If You Go...
Rooms are priced from R 1 500, incl breakfast
Guest facilities include hotel bar, salon and spa
The hotel is serviced by two restaurants
The President Hotel is situated in Bantry Bay, Cape Town
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Telephone: +27 (21) 434 8111
Email: [email protected]
Marchelle Abrahams, IOL