Cape Heritage Hotel

The Cape Heritage Hotel is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city. The smooth exteriors are cream colored and feature dark-wood framed windows. Guests are greeted with welcome drinks in the reception area, which looks more like a living room with a small desk and quirky wall-mounted lamps fashioned to resemble animal head trophies. Beyond the front desk are lounges, one with plush leather sofas and sand-colored walls with a fireplace at its center and a couple of well-stocked bookshelves. Directly opposite sits a second lounge with more bookshelves and leather sofas along with bright blue walls and a computer for guest use. The hallways have eclectic decor, accented by what appear to be Zulu-inspired statues contrasted with funky modern art pieces. 

The hotel is also reputedly home to the oldest grapevine in the Southern hemisphere, believed to be of the Crouchen Blanc variety. Only 30 bottles per year are produced, and the proceeds go to charity. The vine weaves through a small, narrow courtyard corridor with a few tables and chairs that open up to a larger dining area. 

The Cape Heritage is situated right on Heritage Square, within easy walking distance of cafes and restaurants. It’s also a short drive in opposite directions to reach both the waterfront, where Two Oceans Aquarium is located, and the Heart of Cape Town Museum. The area is generally safe to walk in during the day, although it’s advisable to take taxis after dark. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is 10 minutes southwest by car and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a 15-minute drive south. Getting to the airport takes just under 20 minutes by car, or about 45 minutes by public transport. 

There are 17 guest rooms at the Cape Heritage divided into three categories: Standard, Luxury, and Suite. Each room is individually decorated with original art, elegant antique furniture, chandeliers, and extra-long king-sized beds, including four-poster beds in some spaces. All come with air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and outlets that accept plugs from around the world. The floors are made of Cape yellowwood and the ceilings in some rooms have teak beams and original plasterwork dating back to the building's early days. Bathrooms vary a great deal, but all are spacious and elegant and come with deep tubs and luxury toiletries. Many also have separate walk-in showers. 

The Cape Heritage doesn't have a pool, although its rooftop deck with a whirlpool hot tub is an attractive alternative. Next to the tub is a seating area with table and chairs, including a few wooden loungers. The space offers views of the city and Table Mountain in the distance. A daily breakfast is served in the courtyard and room service is available as well. Morning meals can also be taken inside in the small breakfast room, which includes a bulletin board with daily information. The space is casual and feels like someone's home, with high dapple gray walls and a smiling poster of Nelson Mandela. 

Although the Cape Heritage doesn't run its own restaurant for lunch and dinner dining, it does offer picnic baskets (for a fee), which can be handy for guests going out on day trips to nearby scenic spots. The property’s location on Heritage Square means that there are eating spots so close that they feel like they are part of the hotel. These include Bizerca, a French-run bistro with a seasonal menu of European and international dishes and an extensive wine list. The slightly more casual Chefs Warehouse & Canteen serves tapas, antipasti, cheese plates, and charcuterie. There's also a steakhouse and pan-Asian (but mostly Thai) spot. Those wanting a more regionally authentic experience, however, can check out The Africa Cafe, which serves items from across the continent.