Presidential even without our national flower

Following a thorough overhaul (and sale of some of the the six acres for luxury apartments) it relaunched in the 90's when Madiba officially opened it. The relationship with Protea Hotels, now at an end, was a long one but, as the hotel says in a press handout, it is marketing itself independently until it forms a new association with an international brand.

What this means for guests is very little as most of the staff who have been at the hotel for years remain with the main change at the top management and marketing level.

From the security at the gatehouse who enthusiastically pumped my hand in welcome, to reception desk staff and the F&B teams, the feeling I got was that GM Jeremy Clayton had given the team a recent enthusiasm pep talk and that everyone was on their best behaviour. Here's hoping this will continue. Given his experience at luxury resorts such as Singita, North Island in Seychelles and most recently with More Hotels that own, among others, the outstanding Lion Sands in Sabi Sands, I see no reason why it won't.

The big advantage of rooms at The President is the useful kitchenette includes cutlery, crockery, a kettle, toaster and microwave as well as seating for when you want to pick up something from Woolworths Foods or The Spar, both within easy walking distance or, indeed, the hip Kleinsky's Deli. What impressed me immensely was that 24-hour room service comes without the usually prohibitive tray charge so if you choose not to make your own morning coffee you can get a cappuccino delivered to your room for the same price you'd pay in the restaurant.

There is an a la carte menu available at Island's Restaurant, situated on the infinity pool level, but I recommend you try the buffet which is themed. Friday's seafood offering was excellent value at R240 and very delicious - especially the baked bluefish with salmon sauce and prawns, grilled a la minute with a dousing of peri-peri or garlic butter sauce.

The refurbished rooms are upscale, contemporary in design and light with big windows. Laminate flooring, wall-mounted big screen tv's and beds available as twin three-quarter or Queen size are standard.

The sea-facing one bedroomed apartment had a sliding door onto a narrow balcony. Views are always spectacular either over the Palm-tree lined pool towards the ocean or of Bantry Bay's expensive real estate onwards to Lion's Head mountain.

While they offer in-room spa treatments they have also dedicated one of the suites for spa treatments which means you have the pleasure of leaving your room and entering a candle-lit, essential-oil scented sanctorum if you'd like to. We really enjoyed our 30-minute neck, back and shoulder treatment - a great way to relax. If you're feeling jet legged, getting a massage or using the 24-hour fitness room for a workout always helps.

What's brilliant about the location is that you are very near to a City Sightseeing bus stop and a few paces away from the MyCiti Bus station while the beach and Sea Point promenade is just three-minutes away.