BACKGROUND
The hotel originally opened in 1998, later becoming a Radisson Blu in 2002. The property underwent a refurbishment earlier this year. The Radisson Blu Le Vendome is opening in Cape Town’s Platinum Mile area in mid 2015.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The Radisson Blu is a smart, modern business hotel with lots of natural light thanks to a glass roof at the top of its five-floor atrium. Reception staff greet you on arrival, with Tobago’s restaurant directly ahead, the meeting rooms and spa to the right, and the west atrium to the left, which has various boutiques.
There are stunning views of the Atlantic from the back of the hotel through floor-to-ceiling windows – I am told that sometimes you can spot dolphins and sharks.
A glass lift takes guests up to the room floors, which are arranged along open-sided atrium corridors that look down on the lobby. The property doesn’t have much in the way of character or personality, being a new-build, but it's fine for a short work trip and has decent facilities.
WHERE IS IT?
On the seafront, near the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront retail complex (a free shuttle service runs back and forth). It is 20km to Cape Town International airport.
ROOM FACILITIES
Standard rooms are spacious at 36 sqm and are well-equipped with free wifi, minibars, tea and coffee-making facilities, plasma TVs, air conditioning, robes and slippers, as well as bathrooms with separate showers and tubs, and double sinks. The interiors combine fresh whites with navy blue, slate grey and light wood.
If you want a sea view, you need to book a Superior room or above. These also come with more space (45 sqm) and include breakfast.
I was staying in a huge 75 sqm Business Class room, which had a private balcony so close to the water that you could taste the sea spray. It also came with a free daily paper and breakfast, plus a Nespresso machine, wet bar and open-plan living room with a sofabed, coffee table and workdesk. The bed was in a cosy recess that could be sectioned off with folding slatted doors. It was all very comfortable and there was evening turndown.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
All-day restaurant Tobago’s serves a plentiful buffet breakfast with cold and hot options (including an egg station) from 6.30am-10.30am, as well as buffet and à la carte options for lunch and dinner (12pm-3pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm).
Windows face the ocean and there is also an expansive terrace for drinks and summer barbecues. I had a quick coffee and some fruit in the mornings but preferred to eat out in the evenings.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
When I visited the hotel, the meeting spaces were undergoing renovations so I couldn’t look at them but they are all located on the ground floor. There are two conference spaces (Granger One and Two) for up to 75 delegates standing in each.
Alternatively, these can be opened up and combined with the Harbour View room to create a 300-capacity venue. The Captain’s Lounge is a boardroom for 16 people. There is also a 24-hour business centre and free wifi throughout.
LEISURE FACILITIES
There is a spa on the ground floor with eight treatment rooms and a gym with Power Plates (appointment only), Kinesis machines, Technogym equipment and views on to the water.
There is also a vitality pool area but when I visited, the tent-like roof meant the wind was whistling in and making the whole place freezing cold. An outdoor pool is open during the warmer months.
VERDICT
The Radisson Blu has benefited from its recent facelift, and its Business Class rooms are standout. Although positioned a little way out from the city centre, the sea views are a plus. Staff were friendly. If you don’t need glossy luxury, this a good bet for any corporate traveller.
FACT FILE:
- HOW MANY ROOMS? 177 rooms and suites across four categories (Standard, Superior, Business Class and Two-Bedroom suite).
- HIGHLIGHTS The sea views, free wifi and my Business Class room with large living area.
- PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in January started from R4,966 (£275) for a Standard room.
- CONTACT Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town; tel +27 21 441 3000; radissonblu.com/hotel-capetown
Jenny Southan
