This Recently Renovated Landmark Is Now Among Cape Town’s Most Desirable Hotels

The Dinogo Perspective

Opened in 1996, just two years after South Africa embraced democracy, Cape Grace quickly became a favored escape for affluent global travelers. Locals like me would frequent the hotel’s stylish Bascule Bar whenever we sought an excuse to dress up for a night out. However, by the latter part of the 2010s, the hotel's charm had begun to wane. Now, following a significant revitalization under Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, this cherished harbor retreat has been rejuvenated, and it’s safe to say that this grand dame of the city is back in the spotlight.

The hotel’s refreshed appearance is the work of design studio 1508 London, known for projects like the Carlton Tower Jumeirah and the OWO Residences by Raffles in London, as well as the Grand InterContinental Seoul. In redesigning Cape Grace, Hamish Brown, partner at 1508 London, stated, “Our goal was to cultivate a timeless and elegant atmosphere that pays homage to the hotel’s glamorous history.”

In the common areas, this is reflected in contemporary Chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs that create inviting corners, while geometric chandeliers in the restaurant and bars infuse an art deco flair.

The public spaces have been designed to maximize natural light and showcase stunning views of the mountains and marina. The decor is inspired by the city’s history as a trading hub and its evolving role as a center for culture and creativity in Africa. This is particularly highlighted in the cozy Library Lounge, which overlooks a private yacht marina. Here, surrounded by shelves of natural history objets, you can unwind with a glass of chenin blanc—currently South Africa’s signature varietal—and a book about the unique fynbos vegetation exclusive to the Western Cape. The artwork in the lobby and common areas features pieces from Cape Town’s thriving gallery scene, while exciting new concepts are being developed for the restaurants and bars.

Who’s it for?

Travelers eager to explore all that the Mother City has to offer will find Cape Grace an excellent home base, thanks to its prime location on the V&A Waterfront. Head chef Gregory Czarnecki injects fresh energy into the hotel’s culinary offerings, while the new design celebrates Cape Town’s art scene with a remarkable in-house collection that includes works by Lulama Wolf and Sylvester Mqeku. The hotel has become a popular choice for multigenerational families, featuring numerous connecting rooms and suites accommodating up to three bedrooms.

The location

Nestled at the end of its own private quay on the picturesque V&A Waterfront, Cape Grace feels wonderfully secluded from the city, despite being only a short walk or drive from many of Cape Town’s major attractions. (It's advisable to use Uber or a metered taxi after dark for safety.)

Cross the Bascule Bridge and you’ll find yourself at the new Time Out Market (the first in Africa, showcasing a delightful array of the city’s top chefs). A little further on, you'll encounter some of the finest dining options (including the stunning oceanside Pier) and boutiques (check out Aafricaa for unique African design and fashion).

Beyond the waterfront, both the city center and the Bo-Kaap district—the historic Malay quarter famed for its vibrant, colorful houses—are just a short walk from the hotel. A quick 10-minute drive takes you to either the Table Mountain Cableway for breathtaking city views or to the stunning beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard.

The rooms

The “new” Cape Grace boasts 112 rooms and suites across 12 distinct categories. Some accommodations feature cozy balconies, while others offer spacious terraces, ranging from 484 square feet to an expansive 3,000 square feet. Guests can enjoy views of either the idyllic yacht marina and mountain or the charming harbor, though the latter may lack the same “wow” factor.

The fresh, airy decor that modernizes the common areas extends to the guest rooms and suites, showcasing contemporary furnishings, bold geometric rugs, and sleek white leather headboards. A soft color scheme of chalk and gray promotes a sense of serenity, and while the bathrooms maintain their original layout, they have been subtly updated to align with the hotel’s new aesthetic.

I adored my top-floor Rooftop Room, which offered stunning views of Table Mountain and doors that opened onto a small balcony overlooking the marina. The larger Rooftop Terrace Suites, part of three new room categories, provide even more outdoor space.

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites are perfect for multigenerational families. While the hotel has an adult ambiance (note that there’s no kids’ club), it is very family-friendly. Young guests receive a welcome pack filled with toys and games, along with a plush Cape Grace lion to take home. The hotel offers special bedding for children, and parents can request various in-room amenities, including microwave bottle sterilizers and bubble bath for kids.

For a luxurious experience, the new Cape Grace Suite (starting at $10,000/night) boasts breathtaking city and Table Mountain views from the hotel’s top floor. This two-bedroom suite includes a spacious lounge and dining area that opens to a private terrace, along with a separate butler’s kitchen and bar area for an exceptionally comfortable in-room dining experience.

Culinary Offerings

Renowned head chef Gregory Czarnecki, formerly of the Restaurant at Waterkloof in the Somerset West Winelands, has joined Cape Grace to position it as one of the premier dining spots in the city. At his new restaurant, Heirloom, Czarnecki presents an à la carte menu alongside a multicourse degustation that marries local ingredients and culinary traditions with classical haute cuisine. A highlight was the hake quenelles served in a silky sauce made from local Cap Classique sparkling wine, complemented by his creative interpretation of celeriac with white anchovy and hazelnut.

“Heirloom is all about passing down culinary heritage and the classical techniques that often get overlooked,” explains Czarnecki. “We aim to provide dishes that deliver comfort while maintaining elegance. It’s the essence of fine dining combined with the warmth of home cooking.”

Breakfast at the hotel features a generous à la carte selection, while the Library offers a menu of lighter, Mediterranean-inspired dishes available all day.

Staff and Service

A reassuring constant at the newly renovated Cape Grace is the outstanding service, which combines heartfelt hospitality with seamless efficiency. Need help planning your day to capture the city’s highlights? The team is more than happy to create a tailored itinerary for you. The cheerful doormen are a particular joy.

Accessibility

The hotel's public spaces are designed to be accessible for guests with limited mobility, with elevators providing access to all floors. Three Deluxe Mountain View rooms cater to mobility needs, featuring roll-in showers, separate tubs with grab bars, bathroom rail support, and ramp access to the balconies.

What’s Coming Next

Bascule Bar, previously one of the city's hottest cocktail spots known for its extensive whiskey collection, will reopen in June 2024. The revamped bar will swap its former gentlemen’s club vibe for a vibrant design inspired by South Africa’s shebeen culture. Guests can look forward to signature cocktails, a stellar whiskey selection, and globally influenced small plates curated by Czarnecki.

Additionally, a new Fairmont Spa and Fairmont Fit gym are scheduled to launch in June 2024, located near the hotel’s heated outdoor pool. The spa will feature three treatment rooms, a Salt Room, and sauna and steam facilities. Guests who book treatments will enjoy complimentary access to these amenities. Starting from $1,050