I recently spent some time in Cape Town and of course one of my first stopovers had to be the well known The Southern Sun The Waterfront Hotel, owned by the Tsogo Sun team, and it certainly did not disappoint.

Located literally at the end of the freeway that heads directly into Cape Town and the Waterfront, you cannot miss the Southern Sun Waterfront hotel on the left-hand side. I think that they have one of the best hotel positions in the whole of Cape Town from an accessibility point of view – and the Waterfront is within walking distance as are many shops and also the Convention Centre.

Do, however, make sure to approach it from the ocean side, as the parking can only be accessed from that direction, don’t be like me and wind up circling the block in rush hour traffic, haha!

Having finally located the parking and headed up by lift, upon arrival in the hotel foyer we were greeted with smiles aplenty and our check-in was smooth and effortless, our check-in clerk was friendly and knowledgeable and the team escorted us up to our rooms.

I was lucky enough to have a suite on the 4th floor with fabulous sea/harbour and mountain views, and nothing was lacking.

From the bathroom which was beautifully appointed with a HUGE shower (big enough for two) and a bath, the King-sized bed, extensive lounge area and welcome snacks and bottle of bubbly, to the thoughtfully placed coat rack (I honestly do not think these will ever go out of fashion, such a handy item) to the fully stocked mini-bar and coffee making station with Nespresso coffee machine and snacks – I honestly wish I could just live here – what else could you possibly need? My dream is to live in a hotel one day – so maybe it will be Southern Sun The Waterfront, who knows!? 😉

The hotel boasts a well-equipped business centre and meeting rooms, as well as a stunning outdoor pool area, complete with a picturesque garden and big blue and white striped cushions ideally located under the shaded trees and on the copious pool loungers scattered about.

Now the best part, which you will want to take note of, is the Wednesday night Sushi and Gin promotion, which takes place in the bar/outdoor pool area every single Wednesday from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm and consists of bottomless gin and a sushi platter for R 180 per person!

I know, an utter bargain, right? Plus, what better way to wait for the traffic out of the city to subside. We sat out by the pool and the gins were fabulously refreshing, and the sushi platters were extensive and really fresh – this is something I love about the Cape, the fresh seafood!

Dining options at the hotel include locally inspired dishes at the hotel in house Yizani Restaurant and relaxed cocktails at the Waterfront Bar.

The evening that we were staying the hotel was expecting a large group to check-in, so dinner was moved to the main dining area – with a fabulous spread and a well-curated wine list to match.

The buffet was expansive and included all your cold spreads such as salads and cheeses, through to the carvery with a variety of meats and vegetables, as well as local favourites like roast potatoes, creamed spinach and loads more.

I did actually use the gym at the hotel – not often I do this when I am travelling, and I was very impressed with the amenities such as waters, towels and basic workout equipment, treadmills and bikes and basic weights, exercise balls and the like. A brisk 30-minute walk on the treadmill and I was ready to hit the breakfast buffet like a marathon athlete.

Breakfast is served in the large dining area – and this place pumps like Grand Central Station, huge groups come and go – I have not seen this much activity in a hotel breakfast area in a long time. From fresh fruits, cereals and homemade pastries, to freshly squeezed juices and the usual hot food buffet with tasty treats, this was a very welcome treat and helped prepare us for a busy day of exploring the Mother City.

After breakfast, we took the hotel provided shuttle (it was much to hot to walk across the bridge) to The Waterfront and spent our morning sightseeing, shopping and also visiting the well known Zeitz Mocca Museum (who had a stunning display on by William Kentridge) which was highly enjoyable. PS – it’s free for South African citizens, with proof of ID, between 10 am and 12 pm on a Wednesday morning – do it, the architecture is stunning and it is certainly something to check off on your bucket list!

I loved the hassle-free under the hotel parking – worrying about your car is never an option, and the parking rates are included in your hotel stay, and their wifi is effective and like a bullet!

There was no task too big or too small for the Southern Sun The Waterfront team – from baggage handling to service with a smile, to extra ice requests in my suite – it was all in all a magical stay, and I hope to be able to return to this friendly Tsogo Sun family again soon.

Special mentions to both Leanne and Johann, who both went out of their way to look after us, and checked in on us regularly – you guys are fantastic!

Join the Rewards programme – sign up is FREE and easy to qualify for the Best Rate Guarantee, an exclusive member discount applicable to online bookings.

A: 1 Lower Buitengracht Street, Cape Town

T: 021 409 4000

Find out more on their website HERE…