When I was asked to review Winchester Mansions in Beach Road, Sea Point, I was admittedly sceptical. After all, the hotel’s been around for as long as I can remember. What could possibly be new or different?
Imagine my surprise …
The four star rating is well deserved as there is an air of understated luxury coupled with a wonderful staff complement. The staff are friendly and its part of the hotel’s charm that they know the names of all their guests and are at pains to make you feel both welcome and appreciated.
Soft lighting and bronze fixtures preserve the feeling of stepping back into a grander era. There’s an air of some sort of mystery waiting to be revealed. And I was not disappointed.
As luck would have it I was booked into the one-of-a-kind Balcony Suite which faces the Sea Point promenade. With it’s loft-like sloped ceilings and deep carpets, it has all the comforts of a top trendy, yet homely apartment.
Stepping out on to the balcony, I was rewarded with a view of the ocean on one side and Table Mountain in all its splendour on the other. This is a fabulous spot to catch the sunset as you sip your glass of bubbly.
The bathroom is fitted with a full bath and separate shower, but there’s still more than enough space to do a jig. A large tilt window lets in light and adds character. Even the towelled bath robes are of the finest quality and make you long to wrap yourself in one.
The courtyard and terraces are the perfect place for dinner in summer. The terraces overlook the promenade and are usually jam-packed. A fountain in the courtyard makes the space both enchanting and soothing. Bougainvillea and other climbing plants add texture and depth to the walls. They also serve to enhance the feeling of being transported back in time.
Each floor has designated smoking areas which are stylish yet comfortable, ensuring that smokers don’t feel as if they’re an inconvenience. The lifts are a masterpiece of bronzed mirrors and modern efficiency, adding to the charm of the hotel.
The pool and deck are functional, but comfortable and are a favourite place to relax with a good book or catch a tan. Thick, fluffy towels and cold drinks make this a perfect spots for the kids to take a splash.
The Harvey’s Bar is a popular watering hole for trendy locals and has been beautifully redone. Here again, bronzed mirrors and bespoke furniture fuse the old and new perfectly to create a warm friendly atmosphere.
Harvey’s restaurant serves dishes which are a fusion of European and South African cuisine. The menu is varied and the food both well prepared and beautifully presented. There is a selection of game on the menu and they are extremely amenable to preparing specially requested dishes which are not on the menu. The décor is elegant but simple and creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can dine at your leisure. A walk along the beach was a perfect end to a lovely evening.
I decided to have a late night coffee while enjoying the book I had brought along but after settling into the window seat in my room I got lost in experiencing the unique sights smells and sounds of the beachfront.
After a very comfortable night, I was awoken by the waves crashing against the rocks. Coffee on the balcony, listening to the sound of traffic and people on the promenade, soon had me ready for the day ahead.
The Sunday Jazz Brunch has become a tradition and it is evident that there are a large number of people who regularly attend. In fact, on that particular Sunday morning there where a large group of Belgian tourists who make an annual pilgrimage to the city and are a fixture at these Sunday gatherings for the duration of their stay.
Jazz lovers will delight in the music which is superb while managing not to overwhelm conversation. This was definitely the highlight of my week. Maurice Gawronsky, one of Cape Town’s best known drummers, leads the band which features a different singer every week.
Executive Chef Jochen Rodel and his team have put together a fantastic menu that is well worth sampling as it includes everything from sushi to pastries and so much more.
There are a number of other lifestyle offerings such as the monthly Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery evenings, and the Ginkgo Wellness Spa which I am determined to try at a later date.
What started off as a rather sceptical outing turned into an extremely pleasant weekend in a hotel which offers not just accommodation but a whole different experience.
If you’re visiting Cape Town or just looking for a place to have a meal or a drink, the Winchester Mansions have everything you could possibly want. - IOL