De Noordhoek... where local is very lekker

The cosy lounge with an alien-wood burning fireplace is just the sport on those cold wet Cape winter evenings.

De Noordhoek claims to be the first hotel in Cape Town to employ solar heating for all their hot water and have designed the property to include low-energy lighting, water-saving showers, systems to separate waste for recycling and general design efficiency that reduces their carbon footprint.

With the exception of four lemon trees, their garden is indigenous and water wise. Dining tables are by a local entrepreneur that has used recycled timber (and in winter they only burn alien wood in the hearth).

Eat, drink and be merry

The water-wise gardens provide a bit of solitude when you might want it, while minimising any negative impact on the environment.

The best news from a guest's perspective is that two very fabulous restaurants are within the hotel's precinct which means that we can feel praiseworthy about caring for the environment and eat some of the very best food in Cape. In addition, to prove their belief in local is lekker, De Noordhoek Hotel staff comprises locals from within a 10km radius of the hotel.

Take a moment to visit their website to read their environmental policy. It should be the basis for all newly built hotels.

Thinking of those in wheelchairs

The best place to stay after a meal at The Food Barn.

It isn't, I suppose, that surprising that the hotel is also a leader in having facilities for people in wheelchairs. Not only are rooms designed for easy wheelchair access, but they also have beds that are lower, roll-in showers and grab bars in places not typically considered by able-bodied designers. There are four interleading rooms especially designed for people in wheelchairs where even the height of the desk and lap-top safe are considered for comfortable access.

The hotel's four-star grading and out-of-town location means that room rates are much more competitive than at luxury properties.

A night in The Barn

Free internet access and a library for guests is a bonus too often forgotten.

The truth is that other than not offering slippers and bath robes (and the complimentary coffee in the room is instant) one's comfort isn't at all compromised. For me, its location in the Noordhoek Farm Village (2km from the beach) is its most appealing selling point. Foodies will love the fact that Frank Dangereux's The Food Barn is right there and Café Roux's family-friendly set-up makes it justifiably popular. If you're travelling with a child or a very close friend, there are six rooms that have place for a third bed.

When you consider that it costs less to spend a night at De Noordhoek than one hour with an attorney to get you out of jail, it is nothing short of crazy to indulge in a food and wine pairing at The Food Barn and not stay the night. You can even charge the meal to your hotel account.

De Noordhoek Hotel, Noordhoek Farm Village. +27 (0) 21 789 2760. www.denoordhoek.co.za