Hotel residences are becoming increasingly popular among corporate and leisure travellers alike. The new Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence is located in the centre of Cape Town’s law and financial district.
Previously known as Safmarine House, on the corner of of Riebeeck and Long streets, it is now a five-star hotel with 215 rooms, all with spectacular views of the harbour, mountain or city and 166 sectional title apartments and penthouses.
I arrived at the hotel late afternoon on a weekday and found it to be an oasis of calmness from the bustle of the CBD outside.
I began my evening with a cocktail in The Sea Street Bar and Lounge, which is located on the ground floor. There was only one other guest in the lounge, who was furiously typing away on his laptop, so essentially I had the lounge to myself.
The Pool Terrace at Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence. Photo: Supplied
After a busy day at work I enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of the space while watching passers-by through the large street-facing windows.
Although I did not eat at the Sea Street Bar and Lounge, the pub-style menu is perfect for a quick coffee or light lunch. The Sea Street Bar and Lounge is a perfect after-work drinks spot for those commuters wanting to miss the late afternoon city traffic.
The Stratus Room is the hotel's main dining area and offers an international menu which includes chef specialities and seasonal options for lunch and dinner.
The decor is that of a contemporary café with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the street side of the building, giving diners sweeping views across the city and the pool terrace.
I opted for a seared tuna steak coated in sesame seeds, served with greens and wasabi mash. The tuna was more pan fried and slightly overcooked (definitely not seared) - however, the portion was extremely generous and I am sure that many a hungry guest would appreciate the larger serving size.
I ended my evening at The Ghibli Bar and Pool Terrace - which is definitely a competitor for the hottest new spot in the city.
The hotel is currently the highest residential building in the city and has won several awards for its architectural design.
I stayed in a standard room with views across the city and mountain and found it to be spacious and comfortable. Facilities include a gym, executive club lounge and the outdoor rooftop swimming pool.
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence is definitely a cool, hip place to stay if you are looking for a city break or visiting Cape Town on business and want to be located in the centre of the CBD, within walking distance of most of the main attractions.
Sarene was a guest of the Radisson Blu hotel