With Cape Town voted as the best city in the world by Telegraph readers for the seventh year in a row, it’s safe to say that this stylish destination offers everything and a bit more.
From its shimmering beaches and bright lights, to its table-shaped mountain and mouth-watering cuisine, there’s no better place to celebrate your December holidays. And whether you’re a local or a visitor from further afield, a new venue to add to your list is The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel.
After undergoing steady refurbishment since 2017, this Atlantic Seaboard landmark run by Dream Hotels & Resorts has, as if by magic, transformed into a centre-point of pure entertainment and pleasure.
“The Peninsula recently celebrated its 30-year milestone, but it’s not a place to expect beige and bland,” says Chris Godenir, The Peninsula’s general manager. “We’ve been hard at work creating a space where every detail has been carefully chosen to capture the feel of Cape Town, complete with a whole lot of creativity and excitement.”
“The main food and beverage areas, including the pool, have been thoughtfully redesigned, not just for hotel guests, but for casual, drop-in visitors seeking something fresh and new. The result is a dynamic hub brimming with all sorts of hidden nooks and vibey spots to do what we Capetonians do best: chill-out and celebrate all the good things in life,” he adds.
Located on the lower level, the Sunset Restaurant and Terrace is very much the crown jewel in The Peninsula’s eclectic crown. With a facelift of its own, it now flaunts brand-new interiors with soothing teal and navy hues with touches of gold, grey and chartreuse, closely resembling the ocean.
“Breezy and romantic, this is a space that strikes the right balance for bespoke events – from champagne breakfasts and alfresco dining to those signature Cape Town cocktail evenings,” explains Godenir.
“The outdoor seating area reaches out onto the terrace, aptly called the Sunset Terrace, a sophisticated look-out spot offering wooden banquettes for larger groups and comfy ottomans for casual perchers.”
This area is perfect for a pre-dinner cider or glass of bubbly. It overlooks the pool, which has been carefully redesigned with a “body-dip” space on either end and stepping stones for those brave enough to hop across for a perfect Insta-snap.
And when the southeasterly picks up a notch, there’s no need to tame flyaways and clutch onto summer dresses – the Sunset Restaurant and Terrace remains well-protected and completely wind free.
The Faces Bar and Lounge located off the foyer, where visitors can rally a few friends for an after-work catch up, or even set up a casual business meeting. The menu consists of various tapas-style snack options, including pitas, wraps and platters.
“This section of The Peninsula Hotel doubles up as a meeting place for morning coffee and contemplation, and an evening of glitz and glamour,” explains Godenir. “It hits the sweet spot for those wanting to kick back and embrace the ambience of the city, with bartenders who will recall you by name, and weekly events on the agenda.”
The Faces Bar and Lounge concept represents all that is good in Cape Town, with a bounty of locally-sourced craft beers and Cape brandies on offer. The stand-out offering is the collection of Woodstock Gin Company craft gins, which hotel guests and visitors can personally select from the gin trolley.
“The team has worked hard to ensure that local products take preference at all our restaurants and bars,” says Godenir. “Supporting the local economy is the only way to ensure a sustainable future and The Peninsula couldn’t be prouder to be part of making the changes necessary to achieve it.”
If you thought the value-adds at The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel ended there, you’re in for one more treat with Strolla Bar and Restaurant.
“Located adjacent to the hotel, this establishment has long been a fond favourite for Capetonians and out-of-town visitors to the Mother City,” explains Godenir.
“Anyone who walks through the doors of the hotel is more than welcome to pop down to Strolla, be it for a quick Bootlegger coffee to go, or a last-minute lunch with friends or and family. There are even kids’ play facilities available to keep the little ones enthralled while the grown-ups work their way through the menu.”
This venue maintains a separate brand and identity from The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel, offering a dedicated Sushi Bar and the Tanqueray Gin Bar – just the place to fill a glass before sitting down to a simple, yet sophisticated meal in elegant and comfortable seaside surrounds.
This December, catch Strolla’s Sunset Sessions on Fridays with DJ Funky G from 6pm to 9pm and their Tanqueray Gin and Sushi Sundays with DJ Dakin Auret from 4pm to 7pm.
On Saturday, 4 January 2020, the Hunters Dry Summer Set Pool Party kicks off at 3pm with tickets available for R100 per person on Howler.
