Blaire's Been: Cape Town & Franschhoek
Wow… I just realized I haven't blogged in MONTHS! Sorry yall! I’ve been super busy preparing many itineraries for clients who are traveling around the world + meeting some of my industry peers at various networking functions. It’s been lots of fun and of course very busy!
BUT in October, I traveled to South Africa and truthfully had the most amazing time. It was definitely my most favorite trip ever! I had the opportunity to visit Cape Town, Franschhoek and go on safari.
Cape Town
While in Cape Town, I not only toured the top hotels in the area (reviews can be found below) but also go to experience an amazing “Best of Cape Town Tour” hosted by one of my top Africa partners. During this tour, I saw the amazing sites of this gorgeous city. We traveled to the very Southern point of Africa to see the Cape of Good Hope, we visited the infamous beach with penguins and saw the most incredible vantage points along the way. I HIGHLY recommend this day tour for anyone who travels to South Africa because truthfully the varying landscape and amazing scenery was absolutely breathtaking!
On my other full day in Cape Town, I visited the top hotels in the area to get a good feel for what BPK Clients will experience when they travel to Cape Town. One thing’s for certain - each hotel has a completely different identity and is for the RIGHT CLIENT! At all of these hotels, I am able to pass along BPK Perks such as complimentary breakfast for 2, a resort or spa credit, potential upgrades, to name a few. Check out my reviews of the hotels below:
One & Only Cape Town
I had the pleasure of staying at the One & Only Cape Town for two nights while in Cape Town. There are two different categories of rooms - ones that face Table Mountain and ones that are a little more secluded and located on an island in the middle of the lake that O&O Cape Town sits on. My personal preference is the Table Mountain view rooms because the views are incredible!
The bar at O&O is definitely vibing. While there, I enjoyed live music with other patrons of the bar. From there you can choose to eat at Nobu or the other great dining options in the hotel or easily walk to the waterfront which will take no more than 5 minutes.
The rooms are a bit masculine with browns and reds. They’re cozy but not overly decadent. I know O&O is going to undergo a renovation in the coming years which I am excited for. The room product is good but can be better.
A big selling point for this property is the bar, location & service (which was great!).
Cape Grace
I stayed at Cape Grace for my last night in Cape Town, and it was just so cozy! It felt like you were “coming home” when you entered the doors of Cape Grace. The staff here was some of the most friendly people I encountered. Everyone was so sweet and inviting.
Cape Grace’s décor is definitely traditional with grays, yellows and blues. The décor is not for everyone - it’s not overly trendy or modern. BPK perks here are by far the BEST … you get a 50 minute massage in addition to much more!!
Cape Grace is a short walking distance to the waterfront. The best clients for this property are ones who want comfortable, well located accommodation with incredible staff.
The Silo Hotel
Probably one of the most photographed hotels lately is the Silo Hotel. It makes complete sense why it was awarded “Best Achievement in Design” at the Virtuoso annual conference in Vegas. If you’re looking for trendy and sexy, there may not be any better place in the world!
The Silo Hotel is located above a South African Modern Art Museum and in an old silo building they’ve converted to this amazing structure. The juxtaposition of the iron lined windows with the whimsy and colorful furniture was just so special.
This hotel is definitely the most expensive in Cape Town, almost by multiples. The Silo Hotel is sort of a “bragging rights” hotel so you can capture that Instagram that’s guaranteed to get LOTS of likes!
The best traveler for this property is the trendy traveler (who has the means to pay for its nightly rate!) and art lovers who will not only enjoy the museum below but also the original art scattered throughout the hotel.
Belmond Mount Nelson
Located in a more “local” area (opposed to the waterfront which is a bit more touristy) sits the Belmond Mount Nelson hotel. I loved this cozy, pink oasis! The breakfast/afternoon tea area is on a perfectly decorated terrace overlooking a garden. It’s an incredible escape from the hustle and bustle in Cape Town.
The rooms are scattered in various buildings around the property, so it’s important to work together to choose which accommodation is best for you. Some are better for families and some are better for couples, but all of the accommodations are well decorated in a crisp but modern feel.
The hotel is located amongst local hot spots and restaurants. This is a great spot for not only families but also travelers who want to get away from the chains or the obvious tourist attractions and immerse themselves in local culture.
Ellerman House
This small property located near Camp’s Bay (trendy area!!) is super exclusive and cool. Because it’s so small but has the most incredible views of Cape Town, you must stay at the hotel to get access.
Ellerman House has an awesome lawn area with sweeping views of the coast line. It’s the perfect place to relax while drinking a bottle of wine from its SUPER IMPRESSIVE wine cellar. Yall seriously, you have to check it out… it’s one of the most gorgeous, unique rooms I’ve ever seen. And if you aren’t in to wine, you can definitely check out the huge collection of original art on property as well as a small art gallery.
This property is perfect for art lovers, wine lovers and anyone wanting to feel exclusive!
12 Apostles
I ended my day at 12 Apostles for a tour of the property and a sundowner (aka a cocktail while watching the sunset!). From the second I walked on property, I was immediately greeted with warmth. The staff here were by far the most friendly and the ones who made you feel most comfortable.
The hotel is quirky with colorful striped carpet, bright artwork and uniquely decorated rooms. Each common space has its own identity, too… from a fine dining space that feels nautical to the bar that has leopard carpet, the entire property is just fun.
Being located the farthest from Cape Town, 12 Apostles sits at the base of a small mountain you can climb during the day and has unobstructed, insane views of the sunset with a patio that’s a perfect place to view it.
This property is definitely for someone who is not interested in being in the middle of the bustling city of Cape Town but rather one that wants a little more privacy and wants to feel like they’ve gotten away.
Franschhoek
I only had 1 day in Franschhoek which was definitely NOT enough!! From the second I drove to this charming wine town located just an hour away from Cape Town, I was in love!
While there, I had the opportunity to stay at La Residence (more about this property below!) and did a half day wine tour. I visited two wineries, each different from each other, and visited a cheetah rescue center where I got to pet a cheetah! Don't worry, guys - the cheetah was not sedated or harmed in any way!
The town of Franschhoek is super charming too. The main road is lined with amazing restaurants and shops. It’s a great place to explore for an afternoon or go out for a nice meal.
La Residence
Yall, this hotel may be my most favorite place I’ve ever stayed. From the second you walk in the lobby, you’re greeted with an incredible chandelier, black and white checkered floors and an eclectic mix of textures and colors. You exit the main lobby to find sweeping views of the hillside with a perfectly positioned pool. The entire grounds are so special and relaxing. It’s crazy that you are in such a secluded area but just 5 minutes from downtown Franschhoek.
The rooms are all uniquely decorated and HUGE. I was in the Tibetan Suite which was adorned in oranges and oriental artwork. The bathroom was so spacious, and the room was just extremely comfortable.
The service and the food at La Residence are top notch. From all aspects, this is a wow property that you would honestly have to be crazy to not enjoy!