Nestled into the bustling centre of the old city, The Taj Cape Town is a 176 room luxury hotel perfect for exploring ‘the mother city’ and its jaw-dropping landmarks.
The location is conveniently central, about a 10 minute drive from the popular V&A Waterfront, and the same distance from the Table Mountain cable car office. The colourful streets of Bo Kaap are a short walk away, so too are the trendy cafes, bars and restaurants of Kloof street as well as many of the frequently visited tourist attractions.
LOOK & FEEL
There is an undeniable Indian influence at The Taj, which is unsurprising given its name. Staff (like most people in Cape Town) are warm and friendly and always looking to help and like any good city hotel, there is a feeling of excitement as people are headed out on daily activities like nearby markets or a side car tour down to Kalk Bay.
Part of the building itself is the former reserve bank, where the lobby bar and lounge is situated (and the breakfast buffet). The high ceilings, pillars and chandeliers are key features of this room which still holds is classic feel and is now home to a classy place for a pre dinner drink.
ROOMS
If you are lucky enough to be roomed on the south side, you will be treated to breathtaking views Table Mountain from your balcony. If you’re not, it’s nothing to be too concerned about, walk outside and you’re metres away from Government Avenue, where parliament house is situated, along with the National art gallery and home to some of the best views of the Table Mountain national park in the whole city.
The rooms themselves can’t be described in a way other than deluxe. The beds are not only comfortable, but also massive, and the sheets uber clean! We were treated to a welcome chocolate cake in the room that also has a neat working space, stacked mini bar and tea/coffee selections along with a large TV and USB chargers on the wall.
The bathroom, equally impressive, with a slick, marble tile finish, a gigantic walk in shower and bath that’s screaming relaxation and a movie … but you don’t have time for that in Cape Town!
FOOD
If you’re into buffet breakfasts you’ll be in heaven at the Taj. The all you can eat breakfast is so big it’s actually spread over two rooms and features all the brekky classics. There is also a range of traditional South African breakfast dishes like ‘pap’, a staple porridge/polenta style dish made from mielie-meal (ground maize meal).
There’s also several restaurants within the Taj, all differing in décor and cuisine. Get your Indian fix at the Bombay Brasserie or enjoy all day dining at the Mint Restaurant and Wood Fired grill. The Pantry is your place to enjoy a piece of cake or a flaky pastry with a coffee before you head out for the afternoon, or if an alcoholic beverage is your thing, you can try the Whisky Lounge – which we need not explain – or the Lobby Bar and Lounge.
FACILITIES AT THE HOTEL
The fitness centre is open from 8am to 8pm, featuring a fully equipped ‘techno-gym’ with weights and cardio equipment as well as a 15 metre lap pool and two saunas.
The Taj’s in-house ‘Jiva Spa’ combines traditional Indian techniques and 6000 year old eastern wellness philosophies that encapsulate the “science of longevity”. Enjoy the Vishrama muscular massage, or an Indian Pada Maradana. For couples, the Soma treatment is a romantic treat and if you’re not flush with time, perhaps a Vishuddi skin treatment or Hast Snana-Manicure is for you.
FINAL WRAP
8/10
A luxurious stay in the heart of Cape Town, great dining both in the hotel and around it, plus the location is perfect to explore the entire city from!
