The Cape Royale Luxury Suites

Looking like one of the iconic buildings in the center of Paris (and not unlike the Ritz Paris), the hotel's facade exudes a sense of grandeur that's continued inside the long, marbled lobby. Classic columns and latticed wood panels rise to the high ceiling hung with copious chandeliers. Abundant seating is found in the form of small neutral-hued sofas and patterned easy chairs that add to the elegance, which might actually feel too formal depending on decor tastes. 

Located in Green Point on one of the main roads (literally Main Road) that runs through Cape Town, this hotel is conveniently situated between the waterfront and downtown. It's within walking distance of Cape Town Stadium, Green Point Market, Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Cape Town International Convention Centre is a short six-minute drive into the downtown area, while Cape Town International Airport is about 25 minutes east. 

Large and luxurious all-suite rooms are the hotel's strong point. Living rooms and full kitchens with coffeemakers and dishwashers make them feel more like apartments. Contemporary decor is in a color palette of gray, navy, and soft purple; floors are hardwood. Chandeliers and wall molding add the panache expected for the luxury caliber, and some rooms have well-placed artwork and designer furniture like Barcelona chairs. The Juliet balconies are too small to lounge on, but they're cute additions that let guests take in outside views. Bathrooms have large walk-in rainfall showers and some have a separate soaking tub. Just note that beds are made up of two twins pushed together. 

Apart from a thoughtful welcome drink, there are few free extras here, and even the Wi-Fi requires a fee after an initial free bandwidth allotment. It's a welcome surprise then to see the affordable fare at The Banting Kitchen, with prices that a budget traveler wouldn't shy from. Named after the 19th-century English undertaker and coffin-maker William Banting, the restaurant follows the low-carb philosophy he helped popularize after remedying his obesity with a regimen of greens, meat, fruit, and dry wine. The cuisine is international and gourmet, with breakfast and dinner menus available. The rooftop Sky Bar serves snacks and cocktails with views of Table Mountain. A tiny pool shares space on the terrace with lounge chairs and little private cabanas. The hotel also delivers on expected luxury features such as a small spa (with all the usual massage and facial treatments), a small fitness room, and a business center tucked away in a small room with two computers.