The Radisson Collection brand is one of the newest to the Radisson Rewards family and provides the highest standards of luxury for travelers. Many of its hotels are in historic buildings or iconic locations that showcase the destination’s many assets. This is especially true at one of its newest conversion hotels, Radisson Collection Cape Town Waterfront.
Previously the Radisson Blue Cape Town, this hotel underwent a top-to-bottom makeover that gives it proper billing to fit into the top-tier Radisson Collection portfolio. These are the top five reasons to stay at this hotel on your next visit to Cape Town.
The location
There is no denying that its location is unique. No other hotel in the heart of the central business district (CBD) has waves lapping at its doors. The sound of the ocean and waterfront infinity pool are two special features here that you won’t find at other luxury hotels in town.
Its terrace extends along the edge of the resort with black-and-white cushions lining the chaises longues. From here, you can watch the giant waves splash against the shore. It is a wonderful way to relax after a long flight.
A free shuttle whisks guests from here to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area, perfect for shopping or dining (although on a not-so-hot day, you can walk). I have stayed at this hotel many times and almost always choose to stroll although during my visit it was scorching hot.
The rooms
Seeing the renovations here is something special. I remember the lobby and its former nautical look, but it now sports a posh and chic marble backdrop. And this continues in the guest rooms, which are reachable via glass elevators in the atrium-style lobby, awash in natural light.
The clean lines and velvet fabrics of the new look showcase a new era for this hotel. I was especially impressed by the Cape Dutch photography that brings the entire region to your room and hallways. This is great for business travelers that may not have extra time to get out and explore.
Bathrooms now showcase ultra-bright mirrors with gold trim and marble surfaces. I love the rain pressure of the glass shower stalls, and many rooms come with separate soaking tubs. I also like the extra toiletry offering of Radisson Collection hotels (like separate hand and body lotions or dental and vanity kits). It is clear that Radisson means business when it wants to differentiate the Collection hotels from its high-end Radisson Blu properties.
This hotel counts a large number of junior and Presidential Suites, all with the best waterfront views (and the latter with second bedrooms and kitchen areas).
The spa
Eleven treatment rooms are not what you would expect when visiting the unassuming entrance of this spa. It has a small door off reception, but the Amani Spa treatment menu and service offering are quite impressive.
Guests will be surprised to see that the 24-hour gym is actually inside the spa itself. There, they can work out with views of Table Mountain as they help themselves to chilled towels and bottled water from the fridge. Free weights and modern cardio equipment are also on offer.
Those enjoying a spa treatment can relax by a heated pool with splashing fountains and massaging jets. A wide array of massage and beauty treatments are on offer, and the facial that specialist Mandy provided was a real treat. Not only did she do extractions and body massage along with it, but even a magnesium boost, too.
A Rasul Chamber and Himalayan salt room are two additional options for those that want to relax and recharge during their stay.
The dining
Tobago’s is the main dining room, which serves three meals a day. It starts with a buffet breakfast, complete with eggs cooked-to-order and sweet options from a menu, and continues to include all-day dining on the waterfront terrace.
Plans are in place to complete the entire hotel’s transformation here by turning this into a Mediterranean-themed restaurant. Once the venue has been redesigned, this Radisson Collection will be complete.
A new coffee shop takes the place of the former lounge that was in one corner of the atrium lounge. Barista drinks and pastries are an all-day offering that draws in business travelers from the spacious meeting rooms here. This is one of the few hotels in town to offer waterfront and daylight-illuminated conference space.
Room service is always an option, and four nights a week (Mondays through Thursdays), all guests can take advantage of the evening reception between 5 and 7pm in the lobby. It includes fruit, cheese and canapes with local white or red wine all complimentary to enjoy. It’s like a club lounge selection, but for everyone, which gives Radisson Collection a leg up on the American chains in Cape Town.
The service
Expect the friendliest of service here. What I have found at this hotel is genuine hospitality. Almost everyone from the front desk to restaurant staff offer a very warm welcome asking how you are doing and making small talk as you pass. This is something that is innate in South Africans, but I noticed it to be a high point here.
Aside from a small hiccup in my room with housekeeping, every interaction here was top-notch. Radisson Rewards members have numerous brands to choose from in the city (like Radisson RED with its design focus on the waterfront and Radisson Blu for business travelers in the CBD). But, there is no beating the waterfront locale (near Green Point Stadium) here. This is probably my fourth or fifth stay here, and I would not hesitate to return to this hotel, especially now that it belongs to the highest tier of Radisson brands, Radisson Collection.
