DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town – Upper Eastside

Built in 2010, the hotel has a modern sheen with gleaming white sculptural chandeliers and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the interior wall that separates the lobby from the huge entry hall (which doubles as an event space) is made of windows. Decorative white latticed panels and an open glass staircase rise to the ceiling, with bright blue and green furniture adding pops of color. 

The hotel is located in an industrial part of the Upper Eastside, near the more vibrant Woodstock neighborhood, but in an area full of warehouses that’s not safe to walk around at night. Though there are no attractions within walking distance, the downtown area and the Cape Town International Convention Centre are less than 10 minutes away by car, with Victoria and Alfred Waterfront just a few minutes farther. Cape Town International Airport is less than a 20-minute drive east. 

Guest rooms here depart from the vibrant decor of the public areas, opting for a much more subdued contemporary decor with cream walls, gray carpets, and earth-toned accents. The wood furniture and cabinetry is particularly attractive, and every room has a work desk with an accompanying ergonomic chair. Standard Rooms are on the small side, but the bathrooms have large walk-in glass and tile showers. All rooms come with iPod docks and electric tea pots, but only Deluxe Rooms get mini-fridges.

Room galleries are mislabeled. The "Queen Guest Room" appears to be a Twin guest room (the lowest tier) since the hotel actually has real queen beds, not simply two twins pushed together. And judging by the sheer size of it, the pictured "Standard Room" is most likely one of the special Accessible rooms -- further evidenced by the hand rails in the bathroom. Viewing that room would lead readers to think the standard rooms are enormous.

With no attractions nearby and a gritty surrounding neighborhood, the hotel's free shuttle to the waterfront area is especially convenient. Plus the hotel has its own restaurant and bar. Liberty's Restaurant serves fusion cuisine with local influences with featured burgers. At the heart of the hotel is the sprawling e-street bar and lounge where business travelers can be found unwinding after a day of conferences, with the space hosting occasional live music events. 

The extensive meeting facilities include some 13 flexible rooms and halls, the largest of which can hold up to 350 people. The fitness room has a lovely forest scene on one wall, making the small area with only a single treadmill and a handful of other cardio machines appear more inviting. Though often listed as having a pool, the DoubleTree is only connected to a commercial development which includes an indoor pool, and there’s a fee for entry.