Taj Cape Town

Located in the center of the city, the luxurious Taj Cape Town blends historic architecture of the restored 1932 South African Reserve Bank building and the 1896 Temple Chambers with a contemporary glass tower. Every effort has been made to preserve the property’s historic charm, but not at the expense of modern comforts. Guests are greeted at an opulent barrel-vaulted lobby with marble columns, a skylight, and elegant furnishings in red, cream, and and gold hues. The sense of grandeur continues throughout the property, which abounds in high ceilings, stately couches, chandeliers, and plush rugs. Afternoon tea continues the classically luxe atmosphere, and the hotel's vibe is quiet and sophisticated. Taj Cape Town is popular with a range of leisure travelers due to its central location, as well as business travelers wishing to take advantage of its meeting and function facilities. 

Located in the city center, adjacent to St. George’s Cathedral and St. George’s Mall, the hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as some attractions. This is a good spot for business travelers working in the area or tourists wanting to be near specific sights, such as the Castle of Good Hope. However, the vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a far walk (37 minutes), or 10-minute drive away. The hotel does offer free transports to this area. The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is around a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction. Cape Town International Airport is around 25 minutes away by car. 

The 176 rooms and suites are located across the refurbished Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers buildings, and the more modern glass tower. The spacious heritage units feature high ceilings, original sash window, and elegant period furniture, while the ones in the modern tower wing have slightly more contemporary decor, floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to balconies. All are luxe and attractive, with sumptuous fabrics, patterned carpeting, and framed artwork. Rooms located on the higher floors overlook Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and the city, while rooms on the lower floors have limited views. 

Marble bathrooms are a standout here, separated from the rooms by glass and featuring separate bathtubs and walk-in showers. Hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers, and upmarket toiletries come standard, and some have dual vanities. All rooms come with air-conditioning, work desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi (premium Wi-Fi at extra charge), tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, and electronic safes. DVD players, and Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii games are available on request.

One- and two-bedroom suites, with separate dining and living areas, are also available for families or groups. The 2,088-square-foot (194-square-meter) Presidential Suite is the hotel’s top room option, and features a wrap-around balcony, hot tub, living room, kitchen, study, massage room, and bar. 

The fine-dining Bombay Brasserie is a well-regarded Indian restaurant that's only open for dinner. The dining room is lovely, housing plush chairs with a striking peacock design, chandeliers, and menus for a la carte dishes or tastings. For a casual eatery, the all-day Mint serves international and local dishes, including buffet breakfasts. Popular with locals and guests, the split-level Twankey Bar serves cocktails, local wines and craft beer, and cider, as well as a range of tapas. The more formal Lobby Lounge is where guests can take part in afternoon tea, plus there's a cigar lounge. 

A narrow indoor pool has a few cushioned loungers on one side, but as its windows only overlook the gym, the space is dim. The adjacent fitness center has a good array of cardio and strength-training equipment. For further relaxation, the sleek Jiva Grande Spa offers a range of Indian therapies, body scrubs and wraps, massages, beauty treatments, and a hot tub. Kids, meanwhile, are given a gift pack on arrival, with a passport of activities for them to do during their stay.

Guests staying in the Taj Club Rooms receive access to a lounge for free breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails, as well as one-way airport transfers and express check-in and check-out. All rooms include free Wi-Fi. Additionally, 10 event and meeting venues are on-site.