The historic, colourful district of Bo-Kaap has always fascinated me. It’s the one place in Cape Town that I must visit every time I go there. Originally established in 1760 under darker conditions, it is now one of South Africa’s most colourful neighbourhoods as well as one of the most photographed areas in Cape Town. I did a walking tour there on my visit to Cape Town earlier this year, and on my most recent visit, I stayed there for the weekend!
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
The only Hyatt hotel in the Mother City, the Hyatt Regency Cape Town opened in December 2020 during the pandemic – while other hotels were closing down – yet it has been a success, judging by how busy the hotel was during our stay. It is ideally located at the beginning of the Bo-Kaap district, close enough for one to immerse oneself in the culture and colour of the neighbourhood but not enough to encroach on its ambience.
Our Bedroom
There are 137 rooms and suites at the hotel, which often get fully booked out. My husband and I shared a comfortable en-suite room with our son. Fresh fruit, dried fruit and biltong awaited us on arrival. The room had super-comfortable beds, an expansive writing desk, a reading chair and a huge flat-screen TV. Bay windows looked out onto the Bo-Kaap against the backdrop of Table Mountain and Lions Head. I loved sitting at our room window, overlooking the colourful houses and watching the locals go about their daily chores.
View from our room
The elegant, contemporary communal areas feature earthy tones with homely touches like attractive coffee table books, scatter cushions and local artwork. There is fast, complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel.
Swimming Pool
The Signal Hill Terrace is a great place to unwind. Here, you will find the swimming pool and deck, the al fresco sheesha lounge and the fitness centre which includes a steam room and sauna. Meeting and conference rooms as well as prayer facilities are available too. There is currently no spa although in-room spa treatments can be provided.
Signal Hill Terrace
126 Cape Kitchen, the hotel’s in-house restaurant is halaal-certified. The ground floor section where breakfast is served resembles a homely kitchen with cooking utensils and recipe books adorning the shelves. The buffet breakfasts consisted of delicious sausages, macon, smoked chicken and salmon, pastries, juices, and cereals with eggs made to order.
Dining area
Lunch and dinner were a la carte with a fine dining menu which will impress the fussiest palates. We enjoyed Patagonian calamari, Norwegian salmon and creamy mussels for starters; and grilled prawns, beef fillet, butter chicken and kingklip for mains. There were tempting vegetarian options too. The mouth-watering desserts included New York baked cheesecake, Cape Malay Milk Tart, chocolate cake and a cheese board.
Delicious dinners
There’s also a 24-hour Starbucks with grab-and-go food options, which is convenient for caffeine cravings and in-between snacking.
In-house Starbucks
Service at the hotel is friendly and efficient. Many of the staff members hail from the local community and are happy to share information and tips. One evening, a friendly staff member told us to look out for the Cape Town Minstrels, who would be doing their weekly parade through the streets. We heard the band long before we saw them, and we joined the rest of the Bo Kaap community to watch them as they played and danced. The atmosphere was electric!
Bo-Kaap Art
Cape Town is consistently listed amongst the best and most beautiful cities in the world, boasting abundant natural beauty and unique things to do. The Hyatt Regency is well-located to explore the Mother City and is just a short drive away from other attractions like Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and the beaches. If you don’t want to drive, I recommend the City Sightseeing Bus . The travel desk will assist you in booking your tickets or planning day trips.
For more information, visit Hyatt Regency Cape Town or book here.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 49 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Looks like a lovely stay!
Undoubtedly, the Signal Hill Terrace is a wonderful spot to relax and unwind.
And the food looks delectable.
Sara, I also found the Hyatt Regency Cape Town a wonderful place to stay. My only grumble of discontent was not being able to get bacon for breakfast... macon just doesn't do it!
Hi Odette. As the hotel's restaurant is halaal-certified, you won't find bacon there. I really enjoyed the sausages and other meat there though.