Visitors to Dorp, nestling atop Signal Hill in Cape Town, agree on one thing – it is unlike anything they’ve seen. It has the service and grandeur of an upmarket city hotel, but the charm and vibe of a boutique operation. It is chic (designed by the late fashion designer Gail Behr) and offbeat and whimsical, brimming with humour. It isn’t even really a hotel, more a collection of Georgian-inspired buildings of various sizes and styles. Perhaps the word Dorp – Afrikaans for ‘village’ – is the best description.
At its heart is the Salon, where guests eat and mingle and which brings to mind a country club with its dusty-pink sofas, Persian rugs, bookshelves and fireplace. The rest is a glorious hodge-podge of influences and details that call to mind a movie set – around every corner there’s an Insta-ready backdrop of glittering pools, mirrored staircases, fairytale gardens, a sweeping roof terrace. The 27 rooms and suites continue the eclectic vibe: you could encounter florals, velvets, chaise longues, rag rugs, clawfoot tubs and artistic wallpaper. And then there are the spectacular natural backdrops with views up to Table Mountain, down to the City Bowl, and across to Table Bay and the craggy Twelve Apostles.
Highs
- The laidback vibe. The hotel even calls itself ‘an unofficial club for oddballs, romantics, seekers of beauty’
- It has wide appeal. The main Dorp hotel is great for couples and romantic weekends, while the new block of suites, called OnderDorp, are smaller and self-catering so ideal for families with teens and groups
- Great location – close enough to the city to get there in minutes but up and away from the bustle with glorious long views
- Bo Kaap itself: formerly the Malay Quarter, on the slopes of Signal Hill and renowned for its brightly coloured dwellings, it has the largest concentration of historic architecture in South Africa
Lows
- It’s situated in the Muslim community of Bo Kaap, and so doesn’t sell alcohol – although guests are more than welcome to bring their own
- No kids under 14
- Very limited parking
- There are four communal pools but they're more for dipping than swimming
- Lots of steps (and quite steep) so not suitable for those with mobility issues
Best time to go
December to March are the hottest months and they do get hot – an average of 30ºC is pretty common. It’s also when most of the music, arts and cultural festivals take place and the schools are on holiday, so you can also expect crowds and higher prices. If you’re not so bothered about sunbathing, March-May and September-November are considerably cheaper, less crowded and ideal for walking and wine touring.
Our top tips
Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, is well worth the short boat trip. Many of the guides here are former inmates who share their own stories as well as the history of the struggle against apartheid. Both insightful and moving.