The Capetonian is a great base for a lively holiday.
I was too busy enjoying life outside to worry about the lack of a view from my room.
It was the beginning of winter so prices were very reasonable. I stayed on my own in a large double room - clean sheets and towels every day, room always spotless. A free paper was delivered to my room on Sunday and a fee magazine on another day. Room service was excellent - the salads I ordered were beautifully presented.
The array of food in the main restaurant was mind-boggling. Ask and the staff will explain the dishes. (Still can't bring myself to eat curry for breakfast!) You name it, they've got it - even toast and marmalade. The buffet set-up encourages experimentation and offers the pleasure of a variety of different tastes. I did miss my wine with my meals!
Staff were friendly and very helpful - there's even someone on duty to press the lift button for you! Mention where you'd like to go on a particular day and it's organised at the tour desk - all my trips, bookings, taxis, tour guides were arranged there and then.
They were all great people and made my stay a very happy experience.
The only one I wouldn't trust is the old parrot - steer clear of her!

Do not stay at this hotel. You will be sorry. I wish I had spent a few dollars more for a better hotel.

The hotel's shuttle, scheduled to pick up guests on the hour at the waterfront, failed to come on several occasions. This first time, I called the hotel and they assured me the van was on its way. They lied. I called three more times, each time assured they were coming. They didn't arrive until a full hour later. When we finally arrived at the hotel, cold and tired, the front desk, indifferent, told me to take it up my problem with the driver. I explained I was a guest, not a supervisor. They shrugged.

The room was old, featuring uneven floors and worn carpet. We were placed above the trash pickup dumpster, clanging at 7 a.m. After two days of complaint and being told there were no rooms available, we were moved to a higher, quieter room. It was still shabby, but better.

Breakfast was disorganized and included various pots of brown liquid with unknown ingredients. Almost nothing was labeled so you take your chances.

The price was good, but it wasn't worth it. Save yourself. Go elsewhere.

I agree about the bad service here. We eat in the "restaurant" one evening. It took 30 minutes for them to bring our drinks. Then ages for our meal and only 4 others in the restaurant.The table was not laid (no forks )
The reception staff were unhelpful and disinterested in the clients.
The shuttle bus drivers were good.
The rooms were good but so were other hotel rooms in Durban.
The Hotel let South African down as the standard of service generally in the country is excellent.

warning to all tourists: do not be fooled by statements such as 'the level of service is well above average' or 'quality service'. this hotel is stuipdly overpriced, smilling whislt they happily take well earned cash and offer nothing but shoddy service. the staff are rude, not at all helpful and in fact are an embarrassment to south african hospitality. where this hotel got it's 4stars one can only guess! and i am south african!