The honest review of One&Only Cape Town

The property and location are excellent, but at this price the small promises need to actually be kept.

They told us at check-in they'd replenish our coffee and milk every day, and then just didn't follow through. It's a minor thing on paper, but at roughly 20,000 ZAR a night I expect that kind of detail to be automatic, not something I have to chase.

I asked to have my cup washed in a dishwasher and honestly expected an odd look, but they just handled it.

The rooms were lovely and the staff were kind and accommodating with what I know was a strange request. I couldn't clean the cup myself and they took care of it without hesitation. Small thing, but it made the whole stay feel warmer.

The construction noise made it hard to actually enjoy how nice everything else was.

The location, service and breakfast were all genuinely excellent. We were told construction would start at 10am, so we figured we could work around it, but it actually started at 7:30am right outside our room. Given how beautiful the property is, I'd hold off booking until any renovation work is fully finished.

Best hotel in Cape Town, hands down.

The rooms were spacious, spotless and elegant. Service was outstanding across the board, and dinner at Nobu was fantastic.

Having done both hotels in Cape Town, I'd say the other one had more soul but this one wins on location, hands down.

The suites here are perfectly designed and the service never missed a beat during my stay. Being right at the V&A Waterfront means everything is walkable and safe, which really matters in this city. It just leans more toward a resort experience than something that feels distinctly Cape Town.

I lived in Cape Town for years and think this is overpriced for what it actually is, even though the service is genuinely excellent.

That lobby bar view of Table Mountain really is spectacular, and the Waterfront location is convenient if you're a tourist. But you're paying international luxury prices when there are local options that give you more authentic Cape Town character for less.

We're already planning our return trip after this stay, and my kids still talk about the penguin backpacks.

We had a Table Mountain view and waking up to it every morning was genuinely unforgettable. The family touches were the real highlight, penguin backpacks for the kids that they were obsessed with, and staff who clearly wanted us to have a great time. Dinner at ROOI was quintessentially South African and excellent, and Nobu lived up to its name as the only one in the country. Breakfast was beautifully presented and became one of our favorite parts of each day.

This was our first three nights in South Africa and it set the tone perfectly for the whole trip.

The property is elegant, peaceful and clearly well maintained, and the staff were warm from the second we walked in after a long journey. Breakfast every morning was excellent with real variety. The location made walking to the V&A Waterfront easy and it all felt very safe. We'd happily return and would recommend it as a first stop for anyone landing in Cape Town.

I spent a week here for my 38th birthday and they made a real effort with the details.

The team was on it from booking through checkout, arranging decor and treats and smoothing over anything that came up. I had harbour views that were even better than I hoped. My only gripe was the room felt newly renovated with a hot water hiccup on day one and no real blankets at first, though they sent over throws quickly. None of it derailed the trip.

We wouldn't hesitate to return, from the warm welcome to the way a small booking mishap was handled.

Our room had top-quality bedding and a view over Table Mountain and the marina that was incredible, plus little gifts and treats left each evening. The gym was far better than most hotel gyms, and the pool area was beautiful. We had one small booking mishap but the team fixed it fast and even helped organize a seamless trip to Cape Point. Breakfast was outstanding every morning.

Menzi genuinely elevated our whole stay, anticipating things before we even asked.

From arrival he made us feel completely at home, and every interaction with him was professional and warm. He remembered our preferences without being asked twice and struck the right balance between attentive and giving us space. It's the kind of service that makes you want to come back specifically because of the people, not just the building.

The service is the first thing that hits you here: plentiful, courteous, eager.

Our rooms were modern, spacious and well designed, with Table Mountain views that were spectacular. The pool was beautiful with excellent poolside service, and breakfast had endless choice. I noticed the General Manager personally welcoming guests one morning, which said a lot about how the place is run. A minor check-in hiccup got corrected fast, which honestly told me more about the operation than if nothing had gone wrong at all.

Six nights in a Family Island Suite and it genuinely felt like a home away from home.

The suite was huge and luxurious, but what stood out was the dedicated WhatsApp group for requests, responses were immediate and nothing was too much trouble. The property felt safe and peaceful and the walk to the V&A Waterfront was easy. Service was exceptional the whole way through.

The spa was the real highlight of my trip, a genuine sanctuary from start to finish.

Check-in was seamless and the property is beautifully designed with breathtaking Table Mountain views. My spa treatment was expertly delivered by therapists who clearly knew what they were doing, and I left feeling completely rejuvenated. My room was spacious and elegantly furnished, and staff throughout were friendly and genuinely willing to help.