I stayed in the Radisson in December 2011 for 2.5 weeks and in two different rooms, so I have a pretty good feel for this hotel. I was on business, but because I was there at the weekends, I can also rate it from the leisure perspective.
What is good: the staff are very friendly; the location is excellent. It is a safe walking distance from the V&A Waterfront, and there is a lovely walk (or run if you are into jogging) going along to Mouille Point, the lighthouse, and so on. This is highly recommended.
I at first stayed in a room that overlooked the entrance (back to the sea). This was a reasonable size but the decor was dated. It looks like it needs a revamp. The room is suitable for 2 adults, but definitely not enough room for children. The major plus side (ironically) of overlooking the entrance is that you get the sun. But on this side my room did not have a balcony.
I changed rooms to a 'business' room on the other side overlooking the ocean. These rooms are spacious, with lovely wooden flooring and are a completely different world from the standard rooms. There would be no issue to have kids stay in this (I mention kids as I have 2, so can imagine easily if the room works or not). The parents section can be closed off with collapsible doors. The view of the ocean is tremendous. But, as noted above, this side faces North, so actually you don't get much sun (if any!) on the balcony. For reference, my room was above the pool, so not some room to the side. The pool is a thin strip which is ok, but again, not really much good for small kids.
The beach here is big giant concrete barrier blocks; actually quite ugly, so don't expect any walk on the beach.
The main reason I marked this hotel down was for their poor restaurant service. On no less than 3 occasions I ordered food and nothing arrived after a good hour. I even complained to the Manager, and there was no apology, or any attempt to make up for it. When you are staying for 20 days, you'd think they would make an effort. And that was something else: even after so much time, no one could call me by my name; I have seen many other hotels even after 1 night they remember who you are. The evening restaurant is often only partially full or rather mostly empty, which doesn't bode well.
The gym is fine and very useable. The indoor pool is tiny and frankly useless.
As I had a hire car, I used to park my car in the garage (but you have to pay to park - which is a bit off considering how many days I was staying).
So who would this hotel best suit? Basically businessmen and couples who will spend most of their time enjoying the wonderful restaurants and sites in cape town. There is absolutely no reason to stay and eat in this hotel, and I don't recommend it. It is, however, a perfect location to explore everything, and I would recommend having a car as taxis become expensive. If you are a family with young children, forget it. There is nothing for the children to do, or to run around. I rate the rooms as poor to average: standard - outdated, often no balcony, but with sun. Business rooms: balcony, view of the sea (great), no sun (or just for a few hours in the morning).
- Radisson Cape Town
- Cape Town Radisson
