The Taj group is well known for taking palaces and historic properties and converting them into hotels. The Taj Cape Town has embraced this ethos with the conversion of the original SA Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers abutting Adderley and Whale Streets where BOE was previously located in the city centre.
From our suite in the Tower block, the views over St George's Cathedral, Parliament and onwards to Table Mountain are spectacular. Rooms and suites in the Heritage wing are a little more traditional. A drawback is that windows cannot be opened and that window size is limited to the historic façade whereas Tower block rooms offer floor to ceiling vistas.
Interiors are by Singapore designers James Park & Assoc. They are extremely comfortable in a homely sort of way. Unlike many other Cape Town five-star properties where the interior demands your attention - I'm thinking of Cape Grace, 15 on Orange, One&Only etc - here they just provide a comfortable environment.
Without an outdoor swimming pool and gardens (although the Company Gardens is five steps away and there is a 15m lap pool in the gym) this property is best suited to business travellers.
Highlights for me were the most fabulous feather-topped bed, Frette linens, access to The Taj Club (for all guests in suites and staying on the Club floor), the Jiva Grande Spa with its Ayurvedic physician and treatment menu, all of which make this property special.
Service at The Taj has not been surpassed elsewhere in Cape Town and my view that the best service in Cape Town is at The Cape Grace has changed following our visit. Concerns were the close proximity of the toilet to the wall in our suite and the absence of bidets in the bathrooms.
A Taj Club room for this weekend (buy two get the third night free) is R5300 per night according to their website. Booking at the sensational Bombay Brasserie for dinner is essential.
For more information call +27 (0) 21 819 2000 or go to www.tajcapetown.co.za.
