Hyatt Regency Cape Town Is a Little Gem

In November, I decided to visit the mother city for the 4th time – it has a certain pull on me that I can’t seem to shake off !

This Hyatt Regency Cape Town is located in Bo-Kaap, a hillside neighbourhood with cobble stoned streets lined with colourful houses – an area formerly known as the Malay Quarter – it has a rich cultured history. With just 137 guestrooms, this isn’t an especially large property – something I feel is a plus.

This also happens to be the only Hyatt property of this entire region of South Africa ! So when Hyatt had an extra points promotion, I did not really have too much choice ! This was a great thing, because I saved a lot of time and thoroughly enjoyed my stay here!

Location & Amenities

Bo-Kaap is mostly a residential neighbourhood but is only about 15 minutes walk to CBD and within easy reach ( 5 min Uber ride ) of the V&A Waterfront and Clifton and Camps Bay beaches within 10 minutes or so.

It takes around 25-30 minutes to get here from Cape Town International Airport.

Check-In

I arrived at the hotel around 1.30pm and though check-in was not till 3..

I was warmly received at the reception and given a room straight away – there were only 19 rooms in the category I booked.

The reception lobby area has several seating/living spaces where you can hang out if you happen to arrive too early..

There are showers here which you can also use if you just want to freshen up before you head out – rather than waiting for your room.

As far as hotel lobbies go, this is not grand or fancy by any scale of the imagination but it was very comfortable and more than sufficient given the hotel size.

Elite Benefits

As an Explorist I was earning a +20% extra points for my stay as well as 2pm late checkout.

Whilst you would generally be eligible for upgrades Hyatt’s policy excludes Suites or Club Access rooms, which would be only possible upgrade from the room I’d already booked in this specific hotel.

Thus the staff allocated me the highest floor available..

The reception offered for someone to bring up my bag – but I was travelling light  there was really no need for it !

King Room with Views

These King rooms measure around 41 square meters which are a reasonable size which features a sofa with plenty of cushions, a desk and mini-bar and the king bed.

It helps that it gets in so much light..

The decor is rather simple as most Hyatt’s tend to be but perfectly elegant..

The bed/bedding was super comfy but really its the views that make this room – they are simply spectacular !

Even though the sofa faces the other way being able to enjoy that stunning view when you just needed some time to unwind never got old..

Full Room Amenities:

• 55” flat-screen TV
• Cable channels
• Air conditioning
• Blackout curtains
• Desk
• Minibar fridge
• Kettle with tea and coffee station
• Iron and ironing board
• Hair dryer
• In-room safe

Bathroom

The sliding door bathroom is specious with a single sink..

It included soft accented lighting throughout so you did not have to deal with any harsh lighting if you happen to get up in the middle of the night..

The bathroom was stocked with all the essential amenities you could possibly need..

And there were several items available on request. It was nice to have a separate large shower cubicle though this was not particularly luxurious.

A rainshower would have made it better but I had no complaints with the water pressure..

Hotel Facilities

The hotel features a Gym and a small pool, though I did not use it as they only time I went up there were a few people there and I did not want to feel.

What I also really appreciated is the hotel has a sort of living area on every floor which also have the amazing views..

This is a perfect space for couples and young families if you need a little quiet time away from each other !

Food + Drinks

Alongside 24 hour room service, there are also a few inhouse café/restaurant here.

On the ground floor you will find the Urcin Resturant, serving local seafood as well as steaks with a decent offering of set 3 course meals priced R750 – great value!

On this floor, you will also find the 126 Cape Kitchen & Café – this serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with buffet and a la carte options.

The Market which was more for light bites and snacky things you can grab to go as well as Starbucks.

There is also another formal eating option – Signal Hill Terrace near the pool which is open till 11pm but I was mostly eating out by the waterfront or CBD

For those with Club Level rooms there is also the Club Lounge here that serves refreshments and canapes every evening.

Events + Meetings

The hotel offers over 800 square meter of event space.

There are 7 fully equipped Meeting and conference facilities with two boardrooms. Fully integrated, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment is available at an
additional cost

Overall Thoughts

This was a lovely place with wonderful staff from housekeeping to reception and everyone in-between who seem eager to help you in any way they can to make your vacation as comfortable as possible.

All the staff I interacted here were wonderful and two of the staff watching the door even knew my name as I came and went – when they tend to open the door for you. I like that the hotel feels well integrated in the neighbourhood rather than just being another soulless specifically designed corporate building.

And with that I’d add the other thing that may be on your mind – because I keep seeing this mentioned as if it is a point of concern – the area generally is safe!

Whilst some may recommend you do not walk alone at night etc, I did so and never felt unsafe or threatened. As with anything and anywhere, as long as you are sensible and don’t look/behave like an easy target, you’d be fine.

Further down the hill you may see some homeless people on the streets but they are harmless.