Boutique luxuriating a stone-throw away from Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront
It’s boutique, it’s cosy – and bears all the trimmings that make for a serene staycation in the heart of Cape Town’s most pulsating district – the V&A Waterfront. A visit to Cape Town is always one that appeals with a throng of leisure experiences; from exceptional food and wine pairing, to setting off towards the call of nature with views of the ocean or drives up the rolling hills of the Western Cape. A stay at one of Cape Town’s most distinguished boutique addresses, the Queen Victoria & Manor House, is that icing that cradles it all together, as this 5-star hotel’s close proximity to the nearby hive of activity, ushers you into the timeless elegance, the contemporary design that the rooms within its walls present and the stand-out service offered by a dedicated team of professionals.
Checking into the Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House
Deep purples and calming greys welcome you into a cozy atrium, where skylights unveil the stark, often blue Capetownian skies, depending on how favourable the weather is at check in. We all know that life has a knack for driving you in many different directions, but who needs to go far when a resident of the Mother City, and why not venture to Africa’s prolific, southernmost destination if in fact you are looking for an opportunity to blend the thrill of cosmopolitan living in South Africa, and the wonderment of nature’s secret processes, which over time, have formed the backdrop of such a captivating city. You experience stellar views of Table Mountain in the distance and the bustling seafront not too far off from the window to your pristine suite, swathed with rich deep hues of grey carpeting, white soft linens and silver chandeliers dangling from your ceiling.
Welcomes are warm, with wide smiles from the delightful staff that have plenty tales to tell of Cape Town and the history that lives within the walls and cobblestones of the quiet precinct on which the property sits. Cape Town is indeed the most visited destination in South Africa and where the Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House and Dock House Boutique Hotel are located, is quite literally, across the road from the renowned landmark – the V&A Waterfront. This avails guests of even the most discerning of preferences and tastes, an opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of the district, while immersing themselves in complete privacy in intimate settings.
A day in and around the hotel…
Many visit Cape Town simply to appreciate the beauty of nature at every turn. Manicured gardens form the backdrop of most hotels whether boutique or larger in size. For a more serene way to spend the day, those on which the Dock House Boutique Hotel sit are perfect to still time while surrounded by the majestic views of Table Mountain and the famous Big Wheel.
Breakfast in the utterly charming Dock House breakfast room – a kin to a 19th century cottage or manor, with the same exceptional luxury and warmth – is in fact the near perfect way to start the day. What’s not to love about a selection of cold cuts and cheese, cereals and yogurts, before tucking in a hearty farm style breakfast, complete with waffles, pancakes and freshly squeezed juices.
Nestled in a charming nook of the Waterfront, is a world of luxury and convenience to be discovered beyond the walls of Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House and Dock House Boutique Hotel. Lunch is quite literally served from a plethora canal side restaurants should you be keen to venture out and explore the neighbourhood. A short walk will take you to the heart of V&A Waterfront, where the mall stands replete with much to choose from by way of retail therapy and dining options. Attractions such as the Watershed, The Alfred Mall and Pierhead, The Clock Tower, and Breakwater Point can be visited in no time at all, and make for a perfect outing moving solo or with company.
For a little pampering while checked in at the hotel, the Sanctuary Spa is but a few steps away, located in the same square as the hotels and hidden enough to still feel like a private escape or retreat someplace else. Sanctuary Spa boasts a tylarium – a combination of a sauna and a steam room for re-balancing your body’s metabolism at an optimal temperature – and an absolute delight for spa-cation lovers.
After a long day exploring the city, relax in the fire-lit bar and lounge area of Queen Victoria Hotel, settling down for your favourite cocktail over soothing lounge music or a performance from the Baby Grand piano should you opt out of a night out on the town. The in-house restaurant, Dash, which recently underwent a soft refurb to unveil bespoke finishes from various designers’, serves up sumptuous a la Carte meals made from on the freshest local produce; perfect to close out your day before retreating to your opulent room.