What you can expect from the HIE is exactly those things that you need, especially if you’re on a business trip. The ladies at reception will expressly set you up with the key card to your room, indicate all the ‘must knows’ of the premises (including the lounge and vending machines) and provide you options on tourist activities and trips including helicopter rides and shark diving. The highlight of HIE is definitely the staff – they are comfortable, friendly, efficient and available. They will leave you with the impression that there is little that they cannot arrange or work out for you.
The rooms are neat and comfortable and you’ll find everything you need. If you did forget something, you can call down to reception and they will procure it for you. You won’t be spending much time in your room, though. If you’re in Cape Town on business, HIE has much to offer you. Branching off from the Great Room you’ll find a self-service satellite business centre which can function as a temporary office and two meeting rooms where you can meet with your clients.
The Great Room is low-key and relaxed, but stylish. The bar will be able to set you up with a drink to unwind with after your travels. I suggest, weather permitting, taking a seat on one of the balconies that look down on tree-lined cobbled walkways, city folk, boutique shops and restaurants. You can enjoy the express start breakfast in the Great Room, but no lunch and dinner are served.
Not to worry, though, HIE has arrangements with various restaurants in close proximity and the tab can be billed back to the hotel if necessary. Just across the cobbled road you’ll find Doppio Zero that screams European café culture with some delicious and fresh food. They have the best Malva pudding in town, I’ll bet on it.
HIE has an enviable location and functions as a gateway to the rest of the city. You’ll find it at the end of the vibey St. George’s Mall with Greenmarket Square right around the corner. It places you at the doorstep of the rest of Cape Town with too much to do and see close by to stay indoors.
Long Street with its many shops, pubs and restaurants. We made a stop at Beerhouse for some pub and grub and a good rugby game. Further up you’ll find foodie hub, Bree Street. From there you can take a stroll up to Bo-Kaap with its multi-coloured houses and Cape Malay culture. If you’ve had lunch, pop in at Biesmiellah for a Cape Malay style “koeksister”.
Various museums including the District Six Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and various Iziko Museums. A stone’s throw away you’ll find the Company's Garden where you can lounge on the grass or grab a bite to eat at the Company's Garden Restaurant. If you’re already full, be kind and grab a bag of peanuts from one of the local vendors and feed the pigeons and squirrels.
Right around the corner from HIE, you’ll find a Red City Tour office where you can book a Blue Mini Peninsula Tour or Purple Wine tour – you can, of course, hop on and hop off along these routes. You can also book a harbour cruise or a free walking tour.
The V&A and all it has to offer including some high-end shopping, harbour cruises and a range of dining options. Pay a visit to the scratch patch and play some mini-golf while you’re there.
You can take a township tour and visit historic places like Brenda Fassie’s house at Makana Square and stop by Mzoli’s Place for some “braaivleis” and a beer from the local shebeen.
You can take a tour, self-drive or with a tour company, of the Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope which offers stunning views and pristine beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay. Along this route, you’ll find characterful coastal towns like Hout Bay and Muizenberg, all of them offering interesting shops and fantastic little restaurants where you can indulge in some fresh seafood. You can also find the fantastical Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on this route, where you can lounge away under magnificent trees or take a walk along the treetops on the “Boomslang”.
Not too far from Cape Town, you’ll find the beautiful Winelands. Walk the streets of historic towns such Stellenbosch and Paarl, pay visit to Franschhoek and enjoy endless options for tasting the best wine our country has to offer and indulge in great food to keep you going.
These are just a few options that the ladies at Holiday Inn Express reception will hand you upon arrival to make the most of your stay at the Holiday Inn Express.
