Inside, is yet another world, Italian Classicism with moody dark marble tones and polished furnishings. This design mishmash helps create a fantasy world where you can be anything, or anyone, you'd like to be. In fact, they encourage it with Lord Berkman written on my guest card. What I really enjoy is that this hotel, and its friendly staff, doesn't take itself too seriously. There is none of the pompousness that sometimes accompanies Grand Hotels where your (okay, my) inelegant appearance and lack of tipping, are judged at every turn. The team of staff here are all smiles and genuine warmth and I especially appreciated that the housekeeping staff came to the door, a short while after we checked in to the room, to introduce themselves and to enquire if everything was to our satisfaction.
I was also very pleased to see a familiar face there in the form of ace concierge Girschen Clingen of Africanect who will probably be able to get you a ticket to anywhere and a table at the most sought-after restaurants. I knew him when he was at The Taj Cape Town and can vouch for his five-star credentials, although I don't have to: While some think the hospitality industry has gone gaga over stellar reaching, not satisfied to call itself six star, this hotel has, as recently as June this year, been awarded Signum Virtutis, the Seal of Excellence, from the 2014 Seven Star Global Luxury Awards. Of course, these awards and commendations are not only an indication of luxury standards but also an important marketing differentiator.
If I handled the marketing for The Cape Royale, I'd make their differentiator the warmth of their management team - right from the top where owner Paschal Phelan and his family engage with guests and start spreading the infectious Irish lilt that continues with GM Terri Jabaar and many line managers, many hailing from Blarney. While we were checking in, regular guests from France had returned and everyone in the reception area cocooned around them, as if welcoming a much loved, and missed, family member. I used to notice that at The Mount Nelson Hotel too when their older staff members like Sydney and Margaret welcomed their regular blue-rinse clientele. It was one of the things I loved most about that hotel.
We were in suite 701, a spacious three-bedroomed suite with master bedroom and bathroom, including a feature bath in the centre of the upstairs room, overlooking the view of the stadium and sea and harbour beyond.
Suites are individually decorated and two have recently been upgraded: Villa Louise, an exclusive 153m² two-bedroom suite, and Villa Marie the 155m² three-bedroom suite, both situated on the ninth floor. These double-volume accommodations include a private pool and terrace. A personal butler, driver and chef are included in the package.
The Equinox Spa, on the mezzanine level next to the fitness and business centres, is a real gem. Interiors are elegant and restful and my African-inspired treatment that includes being massaged with wooden dumbbells ranks as one of the best spa treatments I've had.
For reservations contact Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Spa on az.oc.elayorepac@snoitavreser or at +27 (0) 21 430 0500. Keep up to date with the team by liking their Facebook page: Facebook.com/caperoyale or follow them on Twitter: @Cape_Royale. www.CapeRoyale.co.za
