Having read some uncomfortable reviews I was anxious about staying in the Capetonian. This was prebooked by the organisers of our scientific conference being held a couple of blocks down the road. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly staff and a front desk parrot who likes to say 'hello' to every customer! The hotel rates are cheap for the service and amenities provided. The room provided was comfortable with a double bed, settee, office desk, TV, Radio alarm, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, an ensuite bathroom/shoer with soap, shampoo and body gel/wash provided and plenty of bath towels. No mini-bar is found in the room. Wake up calls can be booked and room service provided 24 hrs of the day. This hotel has a wide variety of cuisines and dishes provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A spread of food was available - the inclusion of 'halaal' dishes (curried and not curried) has made this hotel rather unique to those found in the neighourhood. Although no internet services are provided in the room, an internet lounge at the entrance is useful. All members of our team seemed to have enjoyed their stay at this hotel.

We booked the hotel on the internet based on location and value for money. We stayed for five nights on a bed and breakfast basis and from the moment of arrival found the staff most welcoming and helpful. Our room was large and very well appointed and the housekeeping was first class. The variety of the buffet breakfast was extensive and the hot food was hot with eggs, omelettes etc. cooked to order.

Reception and Concierge staff were most helpful in advising and booking tours etc. and the free hourly shuttle bus to the Waterfront was timely and never let us down.

All in all this hotel helped to make our stay in Cape Town most memorable and from our experience we would thoroughtly recommend it.

J and J Baker Cheshire UK (Stayed Jan 23-28 2007)

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.