RADISSON BLU HOTEL WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN

We stayed here recently and were very pleased. Although technically a business hotel, it represents a great value. It is an easy 0.6 mile walk to the V&A waterfront (most of it along a pretty ocean walk) or you can take the free shuttle. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. We stayed in one of the business class rooms overlooking the water and had a balcony with lounge chairs, glass walls etc--lovely. The architecture of the hotel incorporates a nautical theme that fits well with the location. By far the star of the hotel is the dining area--a large outside veranda-like area with tables (and Heaters) with great views. They do have an infinity pool however it does seem to be more of a personal swimming pool for huge flocks of seagulls. The spa was currently undergoing renovations and was temporarily relocated to a suite so we didn't check it out. The breakfast buffet is great and highly recommended but the dinner menu is a little "trendy". Pros: spacious quiet room with great views and balcony Great outdoor dining area wonderful buffet breakfast great location Excellent value Cons: Technically a business hotel so a large number of conventions limited "trendy" dinner menu Pool overtaken by sea birds Spa undergoing renovations

We chose to stay in Cape Town for a weekend and this was a great choice. The hotel is situatef close to the V&A waterfront with access to all main routes. Front vetand setbes great afternoon drinks and dinner is great.

Even though the Blu is still a short drive/walk from the waterfront attractions (which they conveniently had a regular shuttle to/from), it blows other area hotels away when it comes to the view and the price. We were pleasantly surprised by the well appointed 1 bedroom suite with an incredible view of the bay, and I have to say the concierge desk (Mujahid in particular) was more helpful than almost any I've ever experienced- they instantly knew our names, went out of their way to help with dinner recommendations and reservations, and made sure we knew where and when to be for our tours. We were disappointed that they kept closing the pool by early afternoon but I guess that's winter time for you. We would definitely stay here again.

When somewhere I genuinely love to stay alters, it is usually not for the better. I always look forward to my first glass of wine on the terrace overlooking the sea arriving at this hotel, generally having a late lunch soothed by the sun glinting on swaying kelp, dolphins playing as I eat my first South African steak of the trip. This is a wonderful hotel, with genuinely warm, welcoming staff, and I look forward to staying again. Disturbing then to find changes, however small, but surprising nonetheless. The normally magnificent breakfast buffet has been ‘dumbed-down’, with fewer choices, especially of fruit. I know it’s silly, but I look forward to fresh pawpaw, more than anything. I was told that it was ‘not in season’ which, was patently not the case as even the most cursory google check would confirm. This was just a poor attempt at fobbing me off. Come on, you can do better than that. Is this a cost-cutting exercise' It looks like it. There are also large gaps in consistency in delivery, and attention to detail. Some mornings would see butter provided on the tables, with nothing the next. Sometimes I was directed to the branded margarine to be found by the bread in a big glass jar, having then to explain that this is not butter. Equally, housekeeping would provide shampoo one day, and not the next, removing opened bottles and not replacing them. The same could be said for soap. I had to ask for both on separate occasions. Incidentally, the products have also changed, and not for the better. Combined shampoos and conditioners are usually dreadful, and this one is no exception. I know, I know, truly First World problems, especially in context, but avoidable and unnecessary. I must have stayed more than twelve times at this hotel, and feel so very much at home. So why have they taken their eye off the ball' Generally it is a reflection of changes in management, and poor leadership. It may also be a reflection of trying to cut costs and improve gross margins. Any thoughts'

I must warn readers that I love this hotel and its amenities and they just keep improving it all the time. The rooms are fantastic, and the views are a knock out. The hotel's location is so exquisite as well. Its near all the action but stuepndously quite with gentle wave crashing in the back ground if you sit outside and enjoy a drink or a meal or work as I am currently doing. The staff are wonderfully accommodating and super friendly - well done guys, please keep it up.