A Right Royale Treat

Was I in the streets of Cape Town or the Place Vendome in Paris? Bracing sea air, table mountain views and splendid sunshine confirmed I was indeed in Cape Town as I ogled the magnificent leviathan that took 7 years to build by the now chairman Paschal Phelan. The eleven storey flag stone facade of the Cape Royale is punctuated by French windows and wrought iron Juliet balconies.

The 95-suite hotel opened in 2008 in the heart of Green Point and offers guests the ultimate in luxury and refinement. I pulled up along the red carpet to a hearty welcome from the smiling porters and butlers. This is what sets The Cape Royale apart – personalised service and staff trained to indulge your every whim with the utmost professionalism and discretion. My car was whisked away to the underground car park as I was ushered through the grand archways into the breathtaking reception. The design is reminiscent of renaissance opulence – high ceilings, extravagant marble floors and columns and dark wood furnishings .

I could not believe my luck as I was shown around my suite (larger than my apartment) – two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a granite kitchen and a huge open plan dining room/sitting room with views out to the Waterfront and harbour beyond. A modern steel and cherry wood staircase clambered around two magnificent glass chandeliers. Fine Music FM was tinkling away as I set about my explorations. Modern art compliments the classical finishings, period fabrics and design classics. Before the sun set on my day, I knew I had to get up to the Sky bar and pool on the roof that I’d heard so much about, so off I set along the suspended corridors straight out of the Quantum of Solace.

The Cape Royale building is crowned with an austere slate mansard roof upon which sits the Sky Bar and pool – my favourite part of the hotel. This is the fun zone. The Cape Royale is right in the heart of Cape Town, but at that height, I couldn’t believe quite how peaceful it was as I inhaled the panoramic views of the harbour, mountain and the magnificent Green Point stadium. The sun loungers and day beds looked all too inviting, but I was late for my meeting with Francois, the ebullient Sales Manager who typifies the gracious and generous hospitality of the place.

Francois showed me around, glass of Shiraz in hand, as we strolled through the well equipped gym and tranquil environment of the Equinox Spa presided over by the gracious Janice and her team of nubiles.

Outside, Paschal fought hard with the council to create a Parisian pavement cafe vibe and he’s succeeded with aplomb. Step out onto the Green Point boardwalk to a veritable salmagundi of restaurants, not least, the three that are in the Cape Royale building itself. Described by Francois as the three sisters.  There’s the classy sister – the upmarket Camil’s restaurant, then there’s the reliable and down to earth sister, 1800 and finally the wayward strumpet, Bamboo.  Francois has to keep a close eye on Bamboo – give her an inch and she’ll be grooving to a live band or chuckling away to some stand up comedy. There’s even a rumour about naked sushi nights. Don’t ask.

The Cape Royale oozes contemporary class but retains a warm and laid-back style. The knowledgeable and professional staff were some of the slickest in town – everything served with a beaming smile. A chic hotel for those looking for a bit more space and independence in the heart of this magnificent city!