Like an ocean liner permanently
moored along Cape Town’s lively waterfront, the Cape Grace hotel juts into the
city’s harbor atop a private quay. Guests can observe the comings and goings of
the port and yacht marina from the hotel’s rooms and suites, or from tables at
its Onewaterfront restaurant. Here, the cheerful and attentive waitstaff appear
to be holdovers from the Victorian era, when the passenger steamships that plied
these waters represented the height of luxury on South Africa’s Cape of Good
Hope.
 Cape Grace’s classic hospitality continues in the guest rooms,
where English country furnishings stand against walls lined with vintage prints.
Masses of fresh flowers provide treats for the senses, as do in-room baskets of
snacks and fudge made especially for the hotel by local bakers and
confectioners. Pastries are available all day in the Cape Grace’s library,
although the hotel’s (and some of Cape Town’s) most coveted cuisine is at
Onewaterfront, where chef Craig Patterson works wonders with African game and
shellfish.
After dinner, guests often retreat belowdecks to Bascule, the hotel’s bar
that stocks more than 400 whiskies, including a 50-year-old Glenfiddich and a
1968 Caol Ila. If you prefer your Scotch on the rocks, whisky sommelier Soma
Dennis will serve it with what he calls gourmet ice: thick, slow-melting cubes
that the hotel makes from mineral water expressly for fine and rare pours.
 LOCATION On West Quay at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a few
steps from downtown.
ACCOMMODATIONS Each of the 121 rooms and suites has French doors that open to
views of the marina, Table Mountain, or the harbor. Two penthouse suites include
lounges and dining areas, walk-in closets, and 484-square-foot terraces with
private Jacuzzis.
FACILITIES The African-themed spa, located on the hotel’s top floor, offers
panoramic views of Table Mountain. For swimming, head to Cape Grace’s heated
pool or to the beautiful beach at nearby Camps Bay. The hotel’s library is
available for small meetings; the more formal boardroom accommodates as many as
16 people.
DINING Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Onewaterfront; light meals and a
selection of more than 400 whiskies at Bascule Whisky Bar and Wine Cellar.
Downtown, try 95 Keerom for authentic Milanese cuisine or Manolo for an
innovative take on South African meats and fish.
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS The hotel’s Head for Cloud Number Nine outing consists of a
helicopter ride along the Cape Peninsula before a return trip to Cape Town over
Table Mountain.
RATES From $560 to $2,265.
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