Derwent House is a colourful, friendly and light-filled boutique hotel, which consciously embraces the spirit of the new South Africa. The hotel’s muted pale-grey facade looks conventionally Cape-Victorian, but to the rear a spectacular double-heighted loggia, a wooden-decked pool and 2 garden wings of rooms bring Derwent House straight into modern mode. Since our visit, a contemporary self-catering apartment has been added for those looking for a little more independence.
Back at Derwent House, high, south-facing windows pour light into the open-plan lounge/diner, where angular leather sofas, kudu-covered chairs, huge Xhosa paintings and signed prints of Mandela’s Robben Island sketches, are juxtaposed with subdued white-and-grey walls and floors of buff sandstone. The brightness of the decoration is matched by the vibrant neighbourhood. Kloof Street is just around the corner, abuzz with cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, making this a fabulous base from which to fall for this fabulous city.
Highs
- This is a great part of town: a stone’s throw from the bars and restaurants of Kloof Street
- Some rooms grab a view up to Table Mountain and its cable car
- The garden, with its shaded loggia and decked pool, is a great place to chill out, and the lounge/diner has an instant feel-good factor
- We loved the homely touches like the honesty bar and complimentary sherry and cake at teatime
Lows
- There's been a change of ownership since our last visit, so we're yet to experience the hotel's latest incarnation first-hand
- You occasionally hear the comings and goings of other guests from the rooms in the main house
- Some of the rooms are a little on the small side
- The continual piped music in the dining area might not be to everyone’s taste
- No children under 12 are permitted
Best time to go
With its mostly mild climate and so much happening in the city, you’re guaranteed a great stay at any time of year. The busiest months are those of the South African late spring and summer (November-March). Come earlier if you’re keen to whale-watch and at any time from March-November if you don’t mind the occasional spot of rain or wind, though the temperature will be much lower. Expect the sea to be cold on the Atlantic-facing beaches throughout the year: by simply hopping over the hill to the False Bay beaches you’ll be rewarded with a much warmer sea.
Our top tips
Before you have your wake-up shower, run the hot water tap in the sink first. This will help speed up the process of heating the water from the solar panels. Or have a dip in the pool first - it gets the morning sun and is nicest before noon.
Location
Derwent House is in the Tamboerskloof suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. It is almost at the foot of Table Mountain and near Table Mountain National Park.
By Air
Fly into Cape Town International (20km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The airport is approximately 20 minutes away by taxi, but allow plenty of time for traffic delays if you have a plane to catch. Most guests hire a car (see below).
By Car
Hiring a car is a popular choice and particularly useful if you want to explore the surrounding area - see our car rental recommendations. Derwent House has free off-street parking.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to South Africa and getting around.
Airports:
- Cape Town International 20.0 km CPT
Other:
- Beach 3.0 km
- Shops 0.3 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We had a wonderful stay at Derwent House. Fantastic team - Tash, Precious, manager Luca, Anahid on emails - everyone was lovely and incredibly helpful. Tash's welcome and orientation on our arrival was one of the most impressive 'check ins' I've ever had. The hotel is beautifully designed and everything possible was considered to make our stay comfortable. Really impressive. Fabulous breakfast too. Close by on foot are loads of great restaurants on Kloof Street. Thanks i-escape for showing us this brilliant Cape Town option
A real gem in the heart of Cape Town. A wonderful landing pad for our introduction to South Africa. Derwent House is full of African style and character. Every little detail is considered, down to the refillable water by your bed at night. I loved the daily home made cakes for afternoon tea, the gin bar and all the little welcoming touches. The breakfast was excellent. The staff went above and beyond but in a very sincere, relaxed and welcoming style. I would wholly recommend this hotel and would absolutely select it for my next trip to Cape Town.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape