I’ll be in Cape Town for several days in early July. Can anyone recommend a good hotel (3-4 stars)? No need for flash/quirky decor/fantastic views. Just reasonable location.
what are you in Cape Town for? That determines where you need to be.
I don’t know how much you’re wanting to spend, but I helped build the Capetown One and Only and it is awesome.
Also, will you be renting a car, or are you going to be dependent on walking and public transport?
A guy I know blogged very positively about his stay at the Southern Sun Cape Sun. I don’t know if it’s in your price range, though; he was put up there by a company he was consulting for.
Just the standard touristy stuff really: the cable-car up Table Mountain; Robben island; the various city attractions (the waterfront, museums, historic buildings, Parliament) etc.
I may rent a car. I’m not sure yet. One of my South African work colleagues recommended driving out of town to the Constantia area.
How chaotic is the traffic? I rarely drive here, so I’m a little hesitant about the idea of driving in a foreign country. Still, at least I won’t have the issue of driving on the other side of the road.
Price doesn’t seem to be too much of a problem. I suspect mid-winter isn’t high season, and the AUD/ZAR exchange rate is quite favourable at the moment.
Yes, my South African colleague has already mentioned that one to me.
I would say: not that bad, actually. It’s certainly not anything like the chaos of, for example, Egypt or India. Really, as long as you drive defensively, and keep a particular eye out for minibus taxis (they may stop suddenly or change lanes alarmingly) you’ll be fine.
I don’t really have any hotel advice, since you’ll be wanting to stay in the CBD, and the hotels I know are in the suburbs.
The Cape Sun is OK, but the Waterfrontone is more modern. Not stayed there, but the buffet is excellent! Otherwise, if you are going outside the CBD, the Vineyard Hotelin Claremont is very good (and does a nice High Tea).
Just a note - I try and dissuade visitors from doing Robben Island, it’s really not worth it unless you’re a complete Apartheid history nut. It’s poorly-run and a hassle to get to. Much better to check out the District Six and Slavery museums if that’s your thing.
Thanks. That’s very useful advice. I’m not especially interested in Apartheid. It’s simply that Robben Island always seems to be on all the “Things to do in Cape Town” lists.
I’ve actually ended up at the Southern Sun Cullinan, which had some very good deals on offer. It’s proving to be very pleasant.
There is a very nice water taxi that runs from the CTICC (Convention Center) to the V&A Waterfront - very nice in pleasant weather (and the rest of the week looks good) with knowledgeable pilots/guides.
Enjoy your stay!!
Thanks, but I just walked.
I have enjoyed it. The main disappointment has been that I haven’t been able to take the cable car up to the top of the mountain. It’s been out of action for the past two days.