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Heritage meets luxury at the Portswood Hotel
22 Aug 2016
Harnessing a history true to the Cape, a stay at the Portswood Hotel is truly something special. After arriving at the hotel in the V&A Waterfront vicinity, the first thing we noticed as we walked into the reception hall was the well situated in the centre. It turns out that the restaurant and lobby of the hotel are built around the original well and holding cells for prisoners en route to Robben Island 300 years ago! The well has been beautifully preserved and now acts as a very unique and interesting focal point in the entrance.
Checking in and checking things out
Check in was a swift and professional, completely on par with Portswood’s reputation for a personal approach to service. Up to the fourth floor we went, to the Executive Deck, where our very comfy and cozy room waited for us at the end of a sailboat adorned carpet along a nautically themed hallway.
Our room was just what the doctor ordered on a rainy winter’s day in the Cape – with the aircon unit turned to heater mode, the blue, white and grey décor enveloped my senses and lulled me into a completely serene state of mind. Overlooking the courtyard and with a view of the Wheel of Excellence at the Waterfront (stunningly lit up at night), this room was completely ideal. In addition to the décor and the view, the beds were cushiony and ultra-comfy, and the bathroom boasted a massive shower.
Amenities include wireless internet connectivity, swimming pool, meeting and function facilities, and the use of the spa and gym facilities at the Portswood Hotel's sister Hotel, the Commodore Hotel.
Historic atmosphere and fragrant dishes
For dinner, we made our way to the Quarterdeck restaurant, where we admired the historical beauty of the architecture and atmosphere of the room, the exposed areas of original wall and the original prison windows – not something you see every day. Although it was too cold at the time of our stay, I’d imagine the romance of dining in the adjacent courtyard would be quite magical on a warm summer evening under the stars.
The restaurant is well-known for their Cape Malay food, so our meal consisted of the Chicken Rendang (a spicy chicken curry cooked with lemon grass and coconut milk) and Pienang Curry (diced lamb leg infused with leaf masala and tamarind). Both curries were served with rice, roti, and poppadum, and were equally delicious and fragrant. Dessert was the chocolate brownie, because what’s dinner without a little bit of chocolate for dessert, right?
After a belly-warming meal, we decided to retire to the comfort of our room – and enjoyed some chocolate compliments of the friendly housekeeping lady who knocked on the door to check if we needed anything for the remainder of the evening.
Smiley mornings and choice omlettes
Waking up after a pleasant night’s sleep, it was time to check out, but not before having some breakfast. Reception very kindly kept our bags safe while we enjoyed our breakfast, consisting of yummy omelette and an extensive, impressive breakfast buffet. The omelettes are made with your choice of fillings (we asked for everything!) to which we added some freshly cooked bacon and warm, crispy toast. Fueled for the day ahead, we left Portswood with warm memories and hopes to return again soon!
Contact the Portswood Hotel:
Contact number+ 27 (0) 21 418 3281
Email address: moc.sletohycagel@doowstrop
Physical address: PortsWood Rd, Portwood Square, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
