We booked The Glen months ago based on the incredible Tripadvisor reviews. The location, beautiful setting, and being a gay friendly hotel helped seal the deal. My husband and I would be arriving into Cape Town after roughing it on a basic 12 day camping safari and The Glen would be our treat. Based on the raving comments on here, I was excited about our four night stay, but surely it couldn't be THAT good.
Well, simply put, it is! We were spoiled from the moment that we arrived. We parked our car across the street on arrival and the attentive staff literally came across to carry our bags and greet us as soon as stepped out of the car. Now that's service! From that moment on, it was like being in an alternate universe where we were pampered and cared for.
The staff were extremely friendly and ready to help with anything at a moment's notice. The glasses of bubbly given at check-in were a nice touch and every little detail was handled and looked after with grace. Nothing was ever a problem. The turndown service with the chocolates each evening was an unexpected treat as well.
Breakfast each morning was included and delicious. It was the same offering each day, but there was a lot of variety and it never became old. The orange juice that was literally just squeezed was to die for! All of the items offered for breakfast were fresh and thoughtfully presented. We also were able to meet Mark, one of the owners, during each breakfast and he was a charmer; offering the best customer service and being authentically interested in each guest while "making the rounds" at the tables.
We also ate dinner one night and the food was equally exquisite, well prepared, and tasty as breakfast. It was good value as well.
Our standard room was on the small side, but after a tent, it felt like a palace. It's nicely furnished, the soaps and sprays provided smelt beautifully, and the bed was so comfy! We were pleased with it. However, after my husband became sick during the stay, Mark voluntarily upgraded us to a suite that was simply breathtaking. He was insistent on the upgrade and we felt bad that it could've been used for other guests, but OMG, we don't regret accepting his offer. Once again, incredible customer service. I work in hospitality myself, and Mark's, and the Glen's, level of service is impeccable.
The pool area is the centrepiece of the property and is stunning. Sadly, it's not heated, yet I was willing to brave a swim during Cape Town's mild winter. The nearby Jacuzzi is relaxing, as were the beach chairs around the pool. Usually I fill my trips with a lengthy itinerary and don't stop being on the go, but not taking advantage of The Glen's outdoor area would be a waste, and I unregrettably spent many of my days out there relaxing and drinking. The nearby bar was ran by Maggie, and she was so attentive, friendly, and efficient, and the drinks were great.
The location was what we had hoped, and had expected since I'm pretty familiar with Cape Town from past visits. Safe, close to Seapoint and shopping, and an easy drive to the CBD, Table Mountain, and Camps Bay. Safety and a central location cannot be taken for granted in Cape Town and the area felt plenty safe enough for evening strolls.
Not everything is perfect and my only two complaints are that the pool is not heated; seems like a waste of a perfect opportunity and gorgeous spot for six months of the year, and the staff were relentless about upselling. There was rarely a moment that any time with the staff wouldn't include an upsell; massages, hire cars, swimwear, tours, paragliding, meals, etc. We did give in and ordered a massage (the befittingly named "African Touch") , which was fantastic.
Still, these were just misdemeanours during a perfect stay and at one of my new-found top three hotels in the world. It was sombering to leave, as the staff did become friends, and we could easily get used to "The Glen way of life". I'll absolutely come again (I'd be intrigued to see what the scene is like during summer), and have already recommended it to friends and family (and you, the TripAdvisor reader) if they're heading to Cape Town. The Glen just can't be beat for its ambiance, décor, attention to detail, charm, and incredible customer service.