Cape Heritage Hotel

Tastefully-restored hotel on the edge of Cape Town's historic Bo-Kaap area, well-placed for trendy restaurants and shops.

Cape Heritage Hotel opened in 1998 as part of an ambitious project to restore a collection of decaying historical buildings in downtown Cape Town. The result is Heritage Square, a beautiful little enclave of trendy shops, restaurants, hotel and art gallery. The hotel overlooks the heart of the complex - a pretty 18th century courtyard filled in summer with alfresco diners and providing a delightful retreat from the bustle of the city centre.

Stylish Georgian, Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture has been combined with elegant interiors featuring original teak beamed ceilings and polished yellowwood floors. Accommodation is in 17 tastefully decorated rooms, all designed along a different theme, among them African, Malay and Japanese. Service is personal yet professional, and there are cosy lounges for reading and an outdoor courtyard for breakfast. A major refurb in 2008 brought upgraded bathrooms and a rooftop plunge pool with sun deck. All in all, it's a great option for business- and independent travellers seeking a central location and relaxed atmosphere.

Highs

• Its location in the heart of historic Cape Town offers easy access to the city's trendiest venues
• Authentic finds from the original buildings (dating back to 1771), including murals and artefacts, have been carefully preserved and now form an integral part of the decor
• The small but atmospheric courtyard makes a lovely haven from the bustling city outside
• Manager Sam (Semwano) spreads a can-do attitude among her friendly team of young staff

Lows

• As with many city centre hotels, there is no garden, and only a tiny rooftop pool
• Some of the rooms can be slightly noisy (you might hear traffic in the street-facing ones or the chatter of late night diners in those overlooking the courtyard)
• The hotel has no restaurant or bar of its own, but there's plenty on offer in adjacent Heritage Square
• Care should be taken walking around this central district at night