Would love a to share the whole story but the system does not allow for that. To keep things concise we booked a table for eight people in advance for lunch. We paid a deposit of R1200 which became particularly irritating when we observed that the place was not fully booked at all. Our table was not set for us when we arrived and we had to wait while it was assembled and set. Our starters (which were generally quite good) took way too long to arrive. The same can be said for the main courses. The bigger issue was the fish offered as a main course. As it was oddly described in the menu we asked one of the waitresses what kind of fish it was. She was clueless and stared at the menu as if some wisdom would pop out of it. We suggested she go to the kitchen to find out. The chef arrived and informed us that it was Cape Bream and that they acquire the fish at a premium from an organisation which carefully selects the fish which they supply to ensure that they are all harvested in sympathy with the environment et cetera. Wasn't clear to us at the time why we were being told of this but perhaps it was an alert for what was to follow. When the fish dishes arrived the fish portion was tiny. In the order of 3 cm x 5 cm. And for this we were required to pay over R300. When we complained the chef came out to show us a whole fish as if this would in some way justify the portion size. Nevertheless he offered us free deserts which was a nice gesture. The fiasco continued right until we asked for the bill. When the bill arrived it was not ours. This seemed to flummox the waitresses who disappeared into the kitchen and after 15 minutes had not come back. We looked through a glass window into the kitchen and saw that a group meeting was occurring. There had obviously been some disaster with the billing system. I had to go into the kitchen to warn them that we were leaving before we received the finally corrected bill. It seems that as a further appeasement the cost of the fish was reduced by 50%. Again this was a nice gesture but by then the damage had been done and was irreversible. This place is not a real restaurant. It is obviously the dining venue for residents of the hotel and should not stray from that purpose. We...
Read moreFrom the time of our arrival to the time departure, the reception and service was exceptional. The hotel, is situated in the middle of a quiet upmarket suburb of Cape Town unlike other hotels, which are located in the dense tourist areas. The facilities like jacuzzi, sauna and pool are a great addition to the service. Our couples' massage was an outstanding way to start our stay. The massage parlour and the masseuses were distinctly different from anything we have experienced in the twenty years we have been going for massages, locally and abroad. The ladies were highly professional, soft and gentle on the body with warm oils. The massage room was tastefully decorated, lighting perfect and the music just right. The room was extremely spacious, well equipped and had an excellent view. It was an amazing experience to sleep in a room that was built 100 years ago but had all the present day amenities. It was a great way to go back in time. We loved sitting in the beautiful lounge with high ceilings and soothing music to fill the Room, whilst we sipped on our drink, admiring the murals and pictures that took us to a time when the Brittish ruled in South Africa. Breakfast was outstanding. Just the right amount and presented in a delightful way, with a variety of options. We settled for the old style nutritious English breakfast.
For tourists from abroad, that are looking for something authically South African but don't want to miss the trappings of modern hotels and want a taste of living amongst the local people, I would highly recommend the Palm hotel. Their dinner and lunch offerings are exquisite and unique
The staff went out of the way to make our stay an extremely pleasant one. For locals, that live in Cape Town and who are looking for a place to get out of Cape Town, staying in Palm will transpose you into another world, without travelling a great distance. My wife and I had a most delightful and enchanting experience A big thank you to the staff for making our stay so...
Read moreAn unforgettable stay at Palm House – a little slice of paradise in Cape Town
What a joy it was to discover Palm House! A place of rare elegance, where every detail exudes class and refinement. Excellence here is no accident – it’s a true way of life.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with a radiant smile by Christine at the front desk, setting the tone right away: here, you feel at home… only better!
The service is simply impeccable. Every member of the team deserves praise for their professionalism and kindness. Dane – what charisma and elegance! Hanna, whose good mood is contagious, served me breakfast each morning with such warmth and care, it truly touched my heart. Lucke was always attentive by the pool, making sure everything was just perfect. Fátima and Richard, the amazing waitstaff, brought joy to every meal. Blessing – the hotel’s Swiss Army knife – embodied extraordinary politeness and efficiency.
And what can I say about Nathan, a true poet of the plate, elevating every dish just through his descriptions! Thando gave me the best massage of my life – and believe me, I’ve had many! Such outstanding professionalism.
Finally, a huge thank you to Ilze, whose thoughtful care and little touches made me feel so special, pampered, and truly spoiled.
This place is such a hidden gem that one hesitates to share it… afraid it’ll become too popular. But it absolutely deserves to be celebrated. Palm House is so much more than a hotel – it’s an experience, a...
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