Cape View Clifton is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and idyllic places to stay in all of South Africa. Overlooking the Cape Town cliff side, the hotel focuses on offering guests a place to stay where home comforts are key. Once a private residence, the Cape View Clifton opened its doors in the year 2012. The hotel scenery is high on romance, taking into consideration it's walking distance from a plethora of beaches, and offers a front row seat to sunset.
Clifton Beach in Cape Town, near Cape View Clifton.
The Essence of Cape View Clifton
The home-away-from-home vibe is what the Cape View Clifton is striving for. What you can see from the entrance does not prepare you for what is tucked neatly into five storys below street level. From the entrance you walk into a sitting room with 180-degree Atlantic Ocean views. Down a flight of stairs you come across a library, shop and small glass-fronted gym with stupendous views of Clifton’s four famous beaches - first beach is directly below the house, with fourth beach furthest away. Another flight of stairs takes you into the main living area and dining room with an open kitchen, leading onto an large deck and infinity lap pool suspended over the edge of the cliff.
The infinity pool at Cape View Clifton offers breathtaking views.
Accommodation and Ambiance
“The hotel comprises two junior suites, three deluxe suites, a 2-bedroom apartment, and a 3-bedroom apartment complete with jacuzzi,” Cape View Clifton’s General Manager says. The guest rooms all have balconies and sea views. Each room has its own configuration and unique character. Interiors are a clever curation of beach house chic: bleached wood, oversized sofas and armchairs in pale linen and cotton, cowrie shell treasure boxes and African beads and tribal sculptures.
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My deluxe room is more like a suite with a lounge area. It’s luxurious, large and extremely comfortable, decorated in harmony with the sky and ocean in natural fabrics in shades of white, cream and grey with vintage pieces and striking black and white photography and simple line illustrations adding interest to the walls. A king bed dressed in immaculate white linen and a sparkling clean white bathroom with subway tiles up the ante. All rooms have AC but flinging open the doors onto the balcony and allowing the salty air to waft inside is preferable. Plus, who doesn’t love the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below?
Hovering on a cliff and looking over the unspoiled beaches of Clifton the recent 2012 hotel is a fantastic mixture of contemporary furnishing with a zest of African style. Cape View has 5 suites each with private terrace and astonishing views of the Atlantic. These stylish suites are individually decorated with attention and immaculate taste! Perfectly located, above Clifton immaculate beaches, close to Camps Bay and Cape Town being at 15-20 minutes away by taxi ride this hotel is perfect for a pleasurable vacation. Located in the southern area of the city-the calm neighborhood of “embassy...
Design and Inspiration
Following work experience, I studied interiors when I left school as it was always a passion. I had done some time with different interior designers and I knew I always wanted to do it, but through that I learnt my passion lay in styling. I therefore went on to study Fashion Styling and Photography at the London College of Fashion, where I merged interior design with the styling and photography elements. I was always surprised by how much wasted space there was in South African property, especially in older buildings like mansion blocks - there was always a lot of passageways that weren’t being used, and to me it was very important to sort out the space and make sure the kitchens and bathrooms were well thought out, and that the practicality of the property worked. It’s been the case for me over the last 12 years that I’ve been living between London and South Africa, and I’ve always enjoyed mixing the styles.
The main influence for Cape View was to ensure there was comfort and luxury in your ability to enjoy the view, and to never let the location and the backdrop of the 12 Apostles be forgotten. For me it was for neutral colour palettes, and also for creating a space that was gender neutral and enjoyable for all age ranges, specifically those who could enjoy the attention to detail and the functionality of the space, all without it being too ultra-modern and slick. A lot of the gardens in Durban, where I grew up, were quite English but then the art inside would be African, and the wallpaper would be Ikat, and they were always mixed in there in a sedate manner alongside these beautiful old antiques.
Inside One of the Best Architectural Homes in South Africa
Personalized Touches and Services
“We work in a team of 18 - between housekeeping, concierge, security, and kitchen,” Ms. Pond shares. Breakfast is served as a visual feast, buffet style, with dozens of fresh, cold options and hot dishes to order. There is no restaurant per se, but you can order a home-cooked meal in advance if you don’t want to go out. You can also relax on the deck with take-outs, delivered to the door. Crack open a bottle of Cape wine, and you’ll feel like you’re at one of the best restaurants in the world. The bar is operated as a honesty bar, with a lovely selection of boutique labels, craft beers and spirits.
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I loved the beach bag stuffed with beach towels, ready for trips down to the sea. There’s a minibar to stock with your own drinks, and in-room tea- and coffee-making kit.
The ‘honesty’ pantry, stocked with delicious treats and snacks, and self-serve drinks, from wine and beer to soft drinks. Experienced and knowledgeable managers are quick to give their recommendations on what to do and where to go in a city with overwhelming choice.
The Team and Their Dedication
The chefs who rustle up breakfast in the open kitchen-chatty and informative, all while flipping omelettes or timing a soft-boiled egg to perfection.
Breakfast at Cape View Clifton.
The Clientele
Young, trendy couples, especially honeymooners, who don’t need a full-service five-star hotel but love the proximity to Clifton’s beaches and Camps Bay’s nightlife.
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“We get a lot of American tourists and many Europeans. Currently the Asian market is picking up - particularly our number of guests from the Middle East is increasing, followed by Hong Kong and Japan. Then there’s a fair number of Australian visitors and South Americans are also picking up.
Final Thoughts
This feels a bit like having your Champagne tastes met on a beer budget-if you can secure a room, don’t hesitate. It’s Clifton, after all.
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The entire property is available for rent as an exclusive-use villa.
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