Even ol’ blue eyes would croon

Cape Town – The Pepperclub Hotel & Spa: It’s a case of New York, New… er, Cape Town. Frank Sinatra was a class act – smart, snappy and dapper – and so is the Pepperclub, which pays homage to the famous crooner and his world.

This swish five-star hotel on the corner of Loop and Pepper streets could easily be transplanted to Las Vegas or New York, with its jazz club scene influence and style.

On entering, you are faced with a gleaming baby grand piano under a crystal chandelier, while 1960s design cues are everywhere in the clean lines, the gleaming black, red and dark wood, with white and beige, that are repeated throughout – peppery indeed.

Round the corner from reception is the Paparazzi Bar, where New York meets Africa. It’s a buzzy mingling area and great before a meal at Sinatra’s Restaurant, where “ol’ blue eyes” watches diners from a wall of fame highlighting his career.

Sinatra’s – with an outside covered terrace for fine weather – is open for scrumptious breakfasts, light lunches or hearty dinners. The semi-freddo is a perennial favourite and is always available although the menu, along with the interesting wine list, regularly evolves.

Many assume the Pepperclub to be a boutique hotel as it has a small footprint, but there are 210 suites. Mine was grand, on the 17th floor, bigger than some homes, with stunning views.

You can explore the mother city from your balcony, with hip and happening Loop Street on one side and St George’s Cathedral and other historic buildings beyond, views to the colourful Bo Kaap below Signal Hill on the other, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain.

Accommodation includes a kitchenette, extra length, king size beds (twin beds available on request), a dressing table, high definition TV with satellite, easy chairs, a coffee table and must-have writing desk, with complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel. Accommodation is divided between two towers – North and South – and it must be said that if you aren’t enjoying the night life, the North tower, away from Long Street, is a quieter option.

One of the hotel’s main attractions is the opulent Penthouse Suite which takes up two floors – I snuck a peak. Wow!

The 8th floor is taken up by the outside pool deck, a glass walled gym with a view of the mountain and Cayenne Spa, a tranquil sanctuary from whence I emerged relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated after a Tonga stick massage from Taryn-Lee Kooperman. One of the best I’ve had.

The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle down to the V&A Waterfront. Here I dined at two lovely restaurants during my stay. At an outside table at The Greek Fisherman, overlooking a bustling wharf, I had a marvellous mezze platter, choosing from a wide selection. Mussels are not my favourite but these, with quality feta cheese and tomato, were outstanding, as was the balance of flavours in the taramasalata and tzatziki – something to savour.

Upstairs from the Greek Fisherman, Meloncino has lovely Italian fare in a sophisticated setting. I recommend coffee and biscotti, but especially its beautifully presented decadent desserts. The Semifreddo Di Nutella and Panna Cotta al Limoncello (names abbreviated) are some of the best my sweet tooth has enjoyed.

The shuttle service extends to Camps Bay, with a beach club offering towels, lockers, a shower and toilet where you can safely leave your goodies. Clever!

If you’re settling in at the hotel, enjoy movies the way they were meant to be experienced in the 29-seater Odeon theatre adjacent to the conference facilities. Popcorn and snacks are available along with the Pepperclub’s exceptional, peppy service.

* Call 021 812 8888 or visit www.pepperclub.co.za

Sunday Tribune