South African Hospitality: A Stay at the One & Only Cape Town
by Krish Patel
As one of South Africa’s largest cities, Cape Town has quite a few luxury hotels. Among that list is the One & Only Cape Town, where I had the chance to stay a few nights during my 10-day vacation. From the friendly staff to the great rooms and delicious food, this hotel does a great job capturing South African luxury and hospitality.
One & Only Cape Town Location and Convenience
If you’re visiting Cape Town, then chances are you’re likely flying into Cape Town International Airport (CPT). The airport is about 20 minutes (by car) from the hotel and you’ll be able to take an Uber. Additionally, the MyCiTi bus goes from CPT Airport to the city center, which is walking distance from the property.
Also from this Trip: Onboard the Flagship: Delta One Suites on the A350 from Atlanta to Cape Town
One & Only Cape Town Layout, Design, and Facilities
Upon entering the hotel, you’re welcomed warmly and will find yourself in the massive entrance area, which feels very spacious. The live plants, stripe-like pattern on the floor, and comfortable seating all make this a sleek-looking lobby. I was escorted to one of the check-in counters by the concierge, where I was seated and given a hot towel and my key card.
The gym can be found in the main hotel building and is one level up from the ground floor. It includes a variety of weights and cardio machines, as well as a pull-up bar.
Other on-site amenities include the pool and spa, both of which aren’t found in the main building. If you make your way outside the primary building, you’ll notice a bridge that connects onto an artificial island. Both the spa and pool can be found on this island, with the pool being outdoors.
By the pool is some lounge seating, and much of it remains open throughout the day. The pool on property was never crowded, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon plunge. If you ever get hungry, there’s a poolside restaurant and staff will come around, asking if you want something to snack on or drink.
One & Only Cape Town’s spa is incredibly swanky, with plush seating in the waiting area and several Espa skincare products available for purchase. You’ll be able to have a massage or facial in one of the treatment rooms, and there’s also a hot tub and steam room.
One & Only Cape Town Room Accommodations
One & Only Cape Town has 131 rooms and suites, 40 of which can be found on the private artificial island. My suite consisted of two bedrooms, one of which featured a king-size bed and the other had two twin beds. The rooms are separated by a luxurious living room area, complete with a couch accented with throw pillows, marble coffee table, and TV. There’s also a dining table, mini bar, and kitchen space.
The bedrooms are incredibly luxurious and both came with similar features. In front of the king-size bed was a sleek couch, as well as a TV. On either side were night stands complete with a reading light and drawer for storage. My favorite touch was the calming blue and white carpet.
I loved the in-suite bathroom that felt clean and luxurious. The wooden finishes were very elegant, pairing nicely with the various light installations. You’ll also find a bath tub that comes with several amenities, including bath salt and soap. It feels really big, and the bowl-like design makes it stand out.
One & Only Cape Town On-Site Dining
One & Only Cape Town will keep you well-fed during your stay, with multiple dining options to choose from. Notable among them are Nobu, Rooi, and the Vista Bar and Lounge.
During my first night, I ate at Nobu, the Japanese restaurant on the property. Nobu is one of my favorite eclectic Japanese restaurants in New York City, but the one in Cape Town didn’t live up to my expectations. The food was alright, but not as great as in New York.
Rooi serves South African cuisine and is where you’ll find the complimentary buffet for breakfast. I loved the selection of pastries, yogurt, cheese, and hot entrees. It’s also possible to order more substantial items off the menu. The ambiance of Rooi had me very impressed, with plenty of seating that’s locally-inspired.
Vista Bar and Lounge is a great spot to have post-dinner beverages or relax and order some tea. I loved the afternoon tea available at the bar and lounge, with a selection of curated finger sandwiches and sweet delicacies. For my beverage, I tried the strawberry and vanilla tea and absolutely loved my drink.
Service at One & Only Cape Town
For the duration of my stay, the staff were super friendly and professional. They always maintained a pleasant attitude and the concierge would check on me nearly every time I made my way out of the hotel into the city. I appreciated the warm care I was provided with and every moment felt like one that I was being looked after.
Booking a Stay at the One & Only Cape Town
The One & Only Cape Town is on the more expensive side of hotels in Cape Town. Even for the most basic rooms, it frequently costs upwards of $700 per night. Suites on the hotel’s private island can cost nearly $2,000 a night.
One & Only Hotels doesn’t have its own loyalty program with a system of points. However, you can use American Express points to book a stay through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts. Booking through the Amex Travel Portal using a qualifying card will unlock perks such as an on-property credit of $100, room upgrades (potentially if available), early check-in, and late check-out. These benefits can even be used if you book your stay on points.
Overall Thoughts
One & Only Cape Town is a great hotel that offers a wonderful experience for those who value excellent service. I was more than impressed during my stay with the accommodations, amenities, and food and drink provided. Its location in the city allows easy access to places like Table Mountain and Boulders Beach. Best of all, if you book via American Express using an eligible credit card, you can take your stay to the next level with a host of extra benefits, even if you book using Amex points through the travel portal.