Winchester Mansions, Cape Town
It sounds like an odd mix, but the Winchester Mansions building reminds me of a Cape Dutch convent (in a good way). Built as an apartment block in the 1920s, it is white, with gables and very serene. Outside, a colonnaded terrace overlooks the sea. Inside, three-tiers of open arches surround a leafy courtyard where happy diners munch their way through gourmet cuisine by flickering candlight at night.
The rooms are not huge, but are large enough with a slightly old-fashioned comfort and elegance. Ask if you want a sea view.
The pool is heated so can be used year round and the Ginkgo Spa does a nice line in pampering, with a wide range of treatments including specialist treatments for expectant mums. There isn't a gym on site, but they have an arrangement with the Virgin Active club along the road. The bar and deli are popular with locals producing a friendly buzz without it getting overly loud and disruptive.
The hotel is working towards full 'green' certification and supports a number of social projects. You will be fed information and invited to support them without any pressure to do so. For those looking for comfort and luxury with a more intimate feel and without an exorbitant price tag, this is ideal.
Basics
The hotel has 51 classic rooms and 25 suites decorated in a slightly more modern style. It has a pool, restaurant, bar, deli, shop, business centre and spa. All prices start at around R1450 per room per night, including breakfast.
Meals
Under the rule of German-born head chef, Jorgen Riedel, the hotel restaurant, Harveys, is rapidly making a name for itself as one of the places to be seen. He borrows inspiration freely and the menu wanders around the world, collecting delicious ingredients. Being South Africa, at lunchtime, they frequently come in a wrap, while in the evening, they come with the addition of ostrich or Amarula! There is also a bistro and the bar for those who want lighter meals. On Sundays, Harveys does a hugely popular jazz brunch (booking essential). On other days, the breakfast buffet is a lavish affair with addition of a hot menu ranging from the traditional fry-up to eggs benedict and smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagels.
Pros
Cons
Two minor niggles
What to Do
Practical details
Address: 221 Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town 8005
Tel: +27 21 434 2351
Web:Winchester Mansions
Price: from R1450 per room b&b. Bookable through The Portfolio Collection.
No of rooms: 51 rooms and 25 suites
Star rating: ****
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
The rooms are not huge, but are large enough with a slightly old-fashioned comfort and elegance. Ask if you want a sea view.
The pool is heated so can be used year round and the Ginkgo Spa does a nice line in pampering, with a wide range of treatments including specialist treatments for expectant mums. There isn't a gym on site, but they have an arrangement with the Virgin Active club along the road. The bar and deli are popular with locals producing a friendly buzz without it getting overly loud and disruptive.
The hotel is working towards full 'green' certification and supports a number of social projects. You will be fed information and invited to support them without any pressure to do so. For those looking for comfort and luxury with a more intimate feel and without an exorbitant price tag, this is ideal.
Basics
The hotel has 51 classic rooms and 25 suites decorated in a slightly more modern style. It has a pool, restaurant, bar, deli, shop, business centre and spa. All prices start at around R1450 per room per night, including breakfast.
Meals
Under the rule of German-born head chef, Jorgen Riedel, the hotel restaurant, Harveys, is rapidly making a name for itself as one of the places to be seen. He borrows inspiration freely and the menu wanders around the world, collecting delicious ingredients. Being South Africa, at lunchtime, they frequently come in a wrap, while in the evening, they come with the addition of ostrich or Amarula! There is also a bistro and the bar for those who want lighter meals. On Sundays, Harveys does a hugely popular jazz brunch (booking essential). On other days, the breakfast buffet is a lavish affair with addition of a hot menu ranging from the traditional fry-up to eggs benedict and smoked salmon and scrambled egg bagels.
Pros
- A wonderful location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean close to the city centre.
- The hotel actively welcomes families and caters for children - even providing child-sized bathrobes!
- Great charm and friendly staff.
Cons
Two minor niggles
- WiFi isn't free - and comes at a fairly hefty price.
- In a very spacious bathroom, the shower cubicle was a bit cramped and elderly although it worked perfectly well.
What to Do
- You are on the seafront very close to the centre of Cape Town, with all the possibilities of the city, the Cape Peninsula and the surrounding area laid out before you. The options are almost endless. Enjoy.
Practical details
Address: 221 Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town 8005
Tel: +27 21 434 2351
Web:Winchester Mansions
Price: from R1450 per room b&b. Bookable through The Portfolio Collection.
No of rooms: 51 rooms and 25 suites
Star rating: ****
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
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