Cape Town - Having stayed at many hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and similar over the years, I’ve developed a list of gripes – and compliments. Something I’ve never understood, in establishments carrying the requisite number of stars which allow for a fridge in the room, is fresh milk, or the lack thereof.
Even comedian Michael McIntyre has talked about those hideous little pyramid containers of long life milk that squirt everywhere except in your cup. My question is: “Why, if you know you have a guest checking in, don’t you put a jug of fresh milk in the fridge?” It’s really not that difficult, and is always supplied on request. At The Last Word they have thought about this, and when I opened the fridge (looking for wine, I’ll admit) there was a cute little bottle of real milk. I fell even more in love with the place. It’s a small detail, but one that makes all the difference.
The Last Word is big on those important touches that make you feel extra special. The suite in which I stayed, one they call an Elegant, was gorgeous and about as big as my entire flat, with an open-plan shower for two, lounge area with three armchairs and a couch, flat-screen TV with DStv and DVD player, dining and bar areas, king-size bed, and a small balcony set with cast iron table and chairs and a view of the garden. The decor is subtle and sophisticated, delicately positioned between overpowering old-fashioned and cold, clinical modern, and just right for Constantia.
I’d barely had time to admire its beauty when checking in and being greeted by a tall, blonde angel in flowing white garments (day manager Tessa Ellis-Brown), but when we returned after dinner – escorted from Peddlars through the side gate by night manager Sam Phiri – I was free to explore and marvel.
The bed had been turned down, there was a bottle of water on the side table, and instead of a chocolate on the pillow, a tiny bowl of creme brulee. At the foot of the bed was a silver grey velour robe. Being enveloped in its luxury was almost entirely the reason I decided not to go downstairs for breakfast the next morning; it was bucketing down with rain and the staff were happy to deliver to me a plate of perfectly scrambled eggs and rashers of crispy bacon. With a filter coffee plunger and a teapot, bags and bags of Earl Grey, and, of course, the real milk already in the suite, there was no real reason to go anywhere.
The first thing I did when I got to the room was kick off my shoes. “Ooh, there’s underfloor heating!” I squealed with delight. Heated towel rails too. And the cherry on top? In anticipation of my return, someone had drawn me a bubble bath with pink bougainvillea petals floating in it.
But wait, there’s more. Vases of exquisite fresh flowers, a complimentary mini bar plus snacks (fruit, nuts, biscuits), a heavy crystal decanter of sherry, free unlimited wifi, an abundance of soaps (there’s nothing more annoying than having to transport one tiny cake from basin to bath to shower), face cloths, towels, and other toiletries; and a poofy feather duvet encased in 300 thread count linen (extra blankets in the wardrobe). It was one of the most perfect places I have had the pleasure of spending the night. The bar has been set rather high now.
The Last Word in Constantia – there are others in the Western Cape – has nine suites. There is a large family one with two bedrooms and two bathrooms; two Elegant suites; two pool suites on the ground floor with small private gardens; and four “superior doubles” with private patios. Facilities include a heated pool, a bar for guests, a huge glass-enclosed lounge, secure parking, laundry service, and 24-hour security. Spa treatments, picnic baskets, lunches and dinners, tours and transfers can all be arranged on request.
l For reservations call 021 794 6561, or e-mail [email protected], rates and specials at www.thelastword.co.za For general inquiries call 021 794 2036 during office hours 9am-5pm.
Weekend Argus