Winchester Mansions Hotel is ideally located close to Sea Point promenade for an easy stroll and some sea air. I’d recommend it to all travellers (new and seasoned) to Cape Town.

Each room has air conditioning, a stocked mini-bar fridge, TV and a spacious bathroom. It’s great for families too! Facilities for the kids include a baby-sitting service and a child-friendly swimming pool. The friendly receptionists will have recommendations on where to take your children for the day, and you’re only a stone’s throw away from some of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches.

Once you’ve settled in, take a dip in the hotel pool if the weather allows, or go to the hotel’s restaurant (Harveys) for a drink, or try a treatment at the Gingko Health and Wellness Spa (I had a heavenly back massage).

To Eat
We dined at Harveys, and I found the portions large (always a good thing), so be careful not to fill up on starters. The chef puts together delicious options, like the Taste of Chocolate dessert. Although the menu is pricey you won’t leave disappointed. Our waitress’ wine recommendations suited our meals perfectly.

In good weather, have a cocktail outside Harveys on the terrace for a great view of the sunset. If it’s cold, the wonderfully cosy bar area is just as great. The bar menu offers interesting local basket choices, my favourite being the South African Cheese Platter with pecan nuts, fig preserve and biscuits on the side. There’s also the smaller Stokkies Draai basket: biltong and breadsticks. Local wines rate tops, so chat to your bartender about what they stock.

To Do
If you’re going to have lunch there it should be for the Sunday Jazz Brunch. Even if you’re not a fan, the atmosphere will convert you. We received a glass of complimentary bubbly and a Sunday newspaper on arrival, and each Sunday there’s a new local or international performance.

It’s perfect for birthdays or special occasions, and before you think R250 per person is far too much, did I mention the all-you-can-eat buffet with everything from sushi to curry and of course, scrumptious desserts? Rocking up on the day expecting a table will leave you disappointed, so book well in advance. 

There’s also a complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront, which has some of Cape Town’s best shops, restaurants and attractions, including boats to Robben Island and the Cape Wheel.

Just walking around Sea Point is also great fun, but if you want to sight-see, I suggest a MyCiTi bus or a taxi.

Words: Kelli Clifton
Images: Supplied, Winchester Mansions