One&Only Cape Town — Hotel in Foreshore

Immaculate:

This review has been a long time coming, but I wanted to make it a good one. My wife and I had the pleasure of staying here last month, and we could not have been treated better. From the moment I arrived in South Africa with my wife, excellence was the standard at every turn. The pickup from the airport was easy and luxurious. Then, we entered the stunning resort, the one and only. And let me tell you, I was taken aback! Every inch of this place pays close attention to detail. We were greeted immediately by our host, Ebrahim, and he couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming. The moment you walk into this place, you can tell there's something different, something that strives to make every aspect of your stay excellent. We arrived at the resort a little early, and Ebrahim informed us that it would be just a little while before our room would be ready, so he encouraged us to have breakfast, which we did. Again, the breakfast was a 10 out of 10. Excellence is noticeable in every inch of the dining room. We had some omelets, some fresh salmon, and some beautiful pastries. We were greeted by our waitress, Sam, and she couldn't have been more welcoming. It was truly a pleasure to talk to her, and our food was perfect.

After breakfast, we walked out of the dining room, and Ebrahim was already waiting for us. We didn't have to wait even one second. We didn't have to look for him; he was already expecting us. That is attention to detail and hospitality. He then walked us to our room, showed us where everything was, gave us a tour of our room, and pointed out the location of everything we might need.

I had let the hotel know that it was my wife's and my anniversary, and to our surprise, there was a big heart made with rose petals and a bottle of champagne waiting for us. Again, attention to detail. We also received a very nice letter from the general manager, Anne Scott, which we very much appreciated and made us feel welcome.

After a much-needed shower, we continued to explore the resort, and let me tell you that every single person was so kind and very friendly. This is where I ran into our security guard, Ndindwa. We chatted for a bit, and it really added to the experience. It was a pleasure getting to know him and telling him a little bit about myself. We went to have a drink at the bar, and that bar has to have the most stunning view that I have ever seen. The drinks were amazing, exactly what you're looking for after a long flight.

That evening, I met the amazing bar manager, and she introduced me to the general manager, Anne Scott. I let her know that I really appreciated the card and that I was so happy to be in South Africa and in great company with the people at the One & Only. She was very friendly and kind, and I appreciated our conversation.

We also took a tour of the spa, which was beautiful. I think it's going to look even better with the improvements they are planning.

On the last day, as we were checking out, our wonderful host, Ebrahim, found us and helped us. We let him know that our flight was not leaving until later that evening, and he welcomed us to stay for their amazing wine celebration. I had told him that I didn't know what I should do with my bags since technically we weren't guests of the resort anymore, and he said, "That was nonsense; you are a guest here still." Anne Scott got us taken care of, and we joined the party!

The party was nothing short of spectacular! It truly was one of the best parties I've ever been to, and I think I want to come back next year. The music was amazing, and the oysters and wine were flowing. They did such a good job pairing wine with different types of food. Some were meat bites, some were seafood, and some were desserts. It was simply stunning, the perfect way to end the perfect vacation I've ever had.

Many thanks to the entire team. My wife and I will never forget this vacation, and cheers to many more visits...

I visited for a lunch during peak holiday season, close to New Years, and the hotel lounge and bar was packed with people mostly attending for high tea. Visiting on my own, I walked into the lounge area and somehow did not manage to catch any waiter's eye. I had to walk up to a waiter doing an order entry, and announce myself to ask for a table. I was told that if I could find any spots without a reserved sign I could have it. I walked around and could not find any unreserved table, so I had to wave down a waitress to ask her if she could help me. She said that I could try outside. As I was about to walk outside I passed the order entry kiosk again and mentioned to the waiter there that I would be sitting outside (since it seemed possible no one would notice me and I might not be served). He told me that they had made a decision not to seat anyone outside since it might rain. I was told the only seating was at the bar. About 5 minutes later I heard a waiter show a couple to a table outside, which struck me as odd.

The bartender was lovely and handed me the menu and drinks menu as soon as I sat down. I brought a book along and I was almost 20 pages in before I had to flag a waiter for myself, since no one had checked in to take my food and drink order.

The food was good and came at a reasonable time. However, no one checked on me the entire time I ate (my book was mostly closed at this point).

I had hoped to find a couch seat, as reading in a bar seat was not comfortable, and I noticed some tables had emptied. I waved down a waitress to ask her whether I could move to a spot previously occupied by a couple and she told me that it might not really be empty, and that she would check of they had left for good. Up until the time I left, I did not hear back from her and the table remained empty, as more tables became available and were also curiously unreserved.

After eating, I wanted to ask for a dessert menu but somehow none of the serving staff seemed to notice me trying to catch their eye. It was a bit humiliating having to wave emphatically to get a server to notice me, and even 5 minutes after I had asked him for the dessert menu he had not reappeared. I had to ask the bartender for it and got it immediately from him. He was the only responsive server I encountered throughout my lunch.

Dessert was delicious, and I took what I could not finish in a doggy bag, which the bartender kindly packaged for me immediately after I requested it. I also had no problem asking him for the bill. I filled out the amount immediately and moved the open bill in front of me, hoping someone would notice but for a good amount of time no one did. I decided to get back to my book since it was embarrassing having to constantly try and flag down a waiter. I felt that other people in the bar area were able to witness every failed attempt at paying my bill but somehow no servers came to help me. After more time with my book, I was still sitting with my bill in front of me. A server came to ask a woman next to me for her order and I used the opportunity to try and wave him down to help me with my bill. He saw my bill in front of me and told me to wait and he would serve me. He was the same waiter as before who had failed to find a dessert menu. I pointed to my bill and told him that I already had it and all I needed was a card machine. He got one and held it in front of me as I got my card out, without meeting my eyes or saying a final goodbye or thank you despite me thanking him. I left the restaurant without any servers noticing.

The serving staff here do not match the caliber of equivalent 5 star establishments' servers. The attitude I was met with was degrading, despite my attempts at friendliness. I recommend that your staff undergo...

I had the privilege of staying at the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, and it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in luxury, hospitality, and breathtaking views that left an indelible impression.

The first thing that struck me was the hotel's location. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and overlooking the picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the views were simply mesmerizing. Waking up to the sight of the iconic Table Mountain from my room was a daily highlight, and the proximity to the vibrant waterfront area made exploring Cape Town's treasures incredibly convenient.

The One & Only's commitment to impeccable service was evident from the moment I checked in. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my stay was flawless. Their warmth, attentiveness, and genuine desire to make my stay unforgettable were truly remarkable. Whether I needed assistance with restaurant reservations, tour recommendations, or simply a friendly conversation, the staff was always there to help with a smile.

The accommodations at the One & Only Hotel are nothing short of opulent. My room was elegantly appointed with modern amenities and a design that exuded both comfort and sophistication. The attention to detail, from the plush bedding to the high-quality toiletries, was exceptional. I felt pampered and relaxed throughout my stay.

Dining at the hotel was an absolute delight. The One & Only offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from the sumptuous breakfast at Reuben's to the exquisite flavors at Nobu. Each meal was a gastronomic journey, and the attentive service in these dining establishments only enhanced the overall experience.

The One & Only Hotel also boasts an impressive spa, which I took full advantage of during my stay. The serene ambiance, skilled therapists, and a variety of treatments allowed me to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploring Cape Town's attractions.

One of the highlights of my stay was the hotel's stunning infinity pool, which seemed to merge seamlessly with the waters of the harbor. It was the perfect spot to soak in the sun, enjoy a refreshing cocktail, and savor the picturesque surroundings.

In addition to all these luxuries, the hotel's commitment to sustainability and its involvement in local community initiatives left me with a sense of pride in choosing the One & Only. They truly aim to make a positive impact in the region.

In summary, my stay at the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town was a truly memorable experience. The combination of unparalleled luxury, exceptional service, breathtaking views, and a commitment to responsible tourism made it a stay I will cherish forever. If you're looking for an unforgettable and indulgent experience in Cape Town, the One & Only is unquestionably the place to be. It's a true gem in the heart of one of the world's most...