The PortsWood Hotel Cape Town

Terrific Location.

Situated in wonderful position just two minutes walk down to the waterfront. The hotel is connected to the Commodore Hotel and is sister to the Portswood. Both are in outstanding positions.

The foyer is small and appealing with fast, friendly check in service. Staff seem to be plentiful and welcoming. Down two steps is the bar and restaurant area. Breakfast is served overlooking the pool, with a lovely European flavour and ambiance. The only complaint we have of this hotel is the size of the rooms.

After a long haul flight from Australia we were given room 337 which was a petite double standard room with little space to put two large suitcases, not to mention a 6’ 4ins man!! . Seeing we were in Sth Africa for business and had this room booked for a week, we decided the room certainly had to go…..or alternatively moving to another hotel.

In the morning we told staff our problem and they were extremely helpful in allocating us to a suite on the ground floor. Our room 101 was charming, spacious with king size bed, large bathroom, working desk with two lounge chairs and coffee table. Internet connection, safe, mini bar, air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities.

Unique Quality: PROS: Marvelous position better than Holiday Inn or Sheraton which are located in the business centre with shuttle bus distance to waterfront. Cape Grace is expensive and only two minutes away from Portswood looks over dock area of harbour. If looking for value then Portswood or Commodore offers a better alternative. Staffs very accommodating and affable, although at breakfast it was a little slow.

Breakfast is great with a first-rate selection of fresh fruit, juices, and continental delights. Also one can have a cooked breakfast if required. Bar area small but relaxing although it closes at 11.00pm…the Commodore bar stays open 24hours. (Portswood Hotel users can use facilities at Commodore as they have one owner.) Room service superb, with a lovely touch of turning beds down at night and filling ice-bucket. Use of Commodore facilities such as the Admiralty lounge and health spa and gymnasium.

CONS: If staying in standard rooms, well they are small, dark and gloomy. For an enjoyable stay I highly recommend booking a suite .I noticed there are about three on every floor. Rooms are also shaded in heavy nautical colours, an update in fresh modern colours would do this hotel wonders.

OVERALL: Brilliant position offering good value with capable friendly staff. I would only stay here….if a suite was available. An interesting city with an abundance of tours offering a wide variety of sight seeing and activities...