 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 one.waterfront 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 the Cape of Good Hope.
The Cape Grace’s classic hospitality continues in the guest
rooms, where English country furnishings stand against paneled 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 one.waterfront, where chef Bruce Robertson 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 expressly for fine and rare pours.
LOCATION
On West Quay at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a few steps
from downtown. ACCOMMODATIONS
Each of the more than 110 rooms and suites has French
doors that open to views of the marina, Table Mountain, or the waterfront. Two
penthouse suites include lounges and dining areas, walk-in closets, and
484-square-foot terraces with private Jacuzzis. FACILITIES
The hotel’s spa, located on the top floor, offers views of
Table Mountain. For swimming, head to the Cape Grace pool or to the splendid
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 one.waterfront; 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
A visit to Meerlust, Boschendal, and other local
wineries, followed by lunch at Le Quartier Français in the charming village of
Franschhoek. RATES
Rooms and suites, depending on the season, range from $500 to about
$2,000.
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