Kensington Place is a luxurious boutique hotel set beneath Table Mountain in one of Cape Town's prime residential areas. Its 8 individually-designed bedrooms are havens of calm, draped in light from big windows. Each has a private terrace with wonderful views of the city, harbour or mountains. It's a serene setting, and the silence will soothe you. Sleep in until noon if you wish - leisurely breakfasts extend until 3pm, so you won't miss out.
The central location makes it an ideal base for forays to historical sites, vineyards, nature reserves and beaches. After a day out, return for a dip in the refreshing plunge pool, then contemplate your dinner venue - trendy Kloof Street is just a stroll away. Exceptionally well run, the service at Kensington Place is professional and personal. Staff will happily arrange day trips or dinner reservations at hard-to-book restaurants, and they'll even rustle you up a sandwich as a midnight snack. You'll leave feeling extremely well looked after.
Highs
- Waking up in a supremely comfortable bed to watch the sunrise over Table Bay
- The stylish interiors and the friendly, young staff
- The location is handy for some of Cape Town's hippest bars and restaurants
- Breakfast is served until mid afternoon and there's room service so you can work to your own schedule
- The hotel generates back-up power from solar panels, so isn't affected by power cuts
Lows
- Apart from soft background music, you'll hear little noise – a high for some, but others may find it too quiet and laid-back
- You will need to book early - with only 8 rooms, it's small and very popular with business travellers
- Only children aged 12 years and over are accepted
Best time to go
Any time! High summer is from late September through to February, and March is delightful. April to September is referred to as the 'Green' season in the Cape - it sounds better than the rainy season - but days can be as hot as British summertime, without the fierce sunshine.
Our top tips
There are lots of thoughtful extras in the rooms. Look in the drawer beside your bed and you’ll find a small box of paracetemol, throat lozenges and a little emergency aid for honeymooners! Over in the wardrobe is a hidden yoga mat and weights.
- Boutique Hotel
- 8 rooms
- Breakfast plus light lunch/dinner service
- Over 12s welcome
- Open all year
- Plunge Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
There are just 8 luxurious guest rooms, all large and with balconies offering wonderful views across the city. No expense has been spared in the furnishings - think feature walls with bold patterns, luxe linens and smart armchairs.
All the rooms have a different feel. Room 6 is the only Standard Room - it has a soothing grey palette and a shower bathroom. The Superior Suites each have different colour schemes, but many come with striking feature walls - one with butterflies, others with blown up photographs of flowers. Suite 2, where we stayed, has a long terrace with views over the city harbour - watching Cape Town’s lights gradually twinkle on in the twilight was a delight.
All rooms are extremely well-equipped: satellite TV, DVD players, electronic safes, air-conditioning, minibars/fridges and Marshall speakers. Little noise filters from one room to another - you may not know you have fellow guests until they drift in to breakfast.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Bluetooth sound system
- DVD player
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Slippers
- Terrace/balcony
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served from 7.30am to 3pm so don't worry about setting an alarm - we didn’t test whether it was any better in mid-afternoon but we certainly enjoyed it at 11am. If you've got a super-early flight, an earlier breakfast can be requested. The menu is a la carte with options including healthy pressed juices, smashed avocado and the Full Kensington (eggs to order, honey cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, bacon and toast). It's all served on the airy terrace - or on your private balcony if you’re feeling extra lazy.
For other meals, the hotel offers lunch or light dinner options until late, which can be served in the dining area, by the pool or via room service. The menu changes seasonally but the dishes are always prepared with fresh, local ingredients. We opted for their lunch selection to fuel up before ascending Table Mountain, tucking into a garlic prawn and roasted grape salad followed by a mushroom ravioli in a burnt sage sauce – needless to say, it went down a treat!
Alternatively, with such an incredible selection of world-renowned restaurants on your doorstep, we highly recommend asking the knowledgeable staff at Kensington Place to make a reservation for you elsewhere, so you can make the most of Cape Town’s exciting food scene.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Visit Robben Island - the former prison where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27 years of imprisonment, situated 7km off the coast
- Take the cable car up Table Mountain - a must for sunset on a clear evening
- No stay in the Mother City is complete without at least one afternoon spent exploring the V&A Waterfront’s shops, markets, eateries, and bars
- Check out some of Cape Town's trendy beaches - but watch out as the winds can be strong and the water very cold
- Plant lovers should not miss the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens, where you can wander through the unique flora of the region - take a picnic
- There are plenty of opportunities for hiking. There's a nature reserve nearby or you can walk up Lions' Head for some great coastal views
- Spend a day in the Winelands (30 minutes' drive away) most vineyards are open to the public for tasting
- Drive down the scenic Cape Pensinsula to Cape Point, stopping off en route to see penguins at Boulder's Bay, and Simon's Town or Fish Hoek for a little culture
- A 15-minute drive from the city, Hout Bay is great for people- and parasurfer-watching
- Make use of the hotel’s complimentary gym passes to a club nearby, or work out in the privacy of your own room using the yoga mats and weights provided. Local golf and squash can also be arranged
- Back at the hotel, take a dip in the plunge pool or sunbathe on the deck. Beauty treatments can also be arranged in-room by the hotel
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Swimming
Kids
No children under the age of 12 are accepted - this hotel is designed to be a peaceful haven.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Kensington Place is in Cape Town's Garden neighbourhood, on the slopes of Table Mountain. It's roughly a 25-minute drive from the city's Airport.
By Air:
Cape Town International (22km) is close by.
From the Airport
Transfers can be arranged with the hotel, and there are plenty of taxis in and around town. Many guests choose to hire a car (see below).
By Car
If you want to explore beyond Cape Town it's probably worth hiring a car - see our car rental recommendations.
By Public Transport
Public transport in Cape Town is rather slow and occasionally risky, so best to avoid it unless you know the ropes.
Detailed directions to find the hotel will be provided when booking is confirmed.
Airports:
- Cape Town International 22.0 km CPT
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape