The Queen Victoria Hotel is located in the heart of Cape Town and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the very essence of outstanding luxury. This distinguished hotel is one of several Newmark hotels located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area. Not only does the Queen Victoria Hotel provide the perfect base from which to explore the Mother City, but it also offers visitors a sanctuary to escape to when the bustle of South Africa’s favourite city gets to be too much.
Its lofty position in a calm, historic neighbourhood makes it the ideal getaway while still providing easy access to a wide range of world-class attractions. Royalty pervades every aspect of the hotel, from the three-story entrance with its majestic spiral staircase and glass elevator to the vast rooms and stunning suites.
The Queen Victoria Hotel is one of the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa thanks to its stunning architecture, five-star amenities, and friendly staff. This regal hotel lives up to its moniker, and it is definitely a royal retreat; even when travelling as a family.
Since becoming a mum and travelling with an infant, I’ve found that finding family-friendly luxury accommodation is tough, yet the Queen Victoria Hotel made the experience a dream. Between the attentive and caring staff members who went out of their way to accommodate my little family, the spacious and comfortable suites, and world-class facilities, this property is perfect for families with young children who still want to enjoy the finer things in life.
Hotel
On an elevated terrace overlooking Cape Town’s world-renowned V&A Waterfront, the Queen Victoria Hotel joins sister property Dock House in the historic Portswood Ridge neighbourhood. Far enough from the hubbub of downtown Cape Town, but close enough to some of the city’s best attractions.
Step inside the Queen Victoria Hotel and you find a sanctuary of tranquillity, elegance, and subtle refinement. White spiral staircases, glass elevators, and crystal chandeliers adorn the three-volume entryway. The combination of grey and taupe shades, marble-clad walls, and wood parquet flooring creates a peaceful and refined ambience. As a tribute to the historical character the hotel is named after, rich purple accents offer a dash of regal eccentricity.
The bar lounge and restaurant are all located on the ground floor for easy access. At night the soulful sound of piano music adds to the relaxing ambience. Plus, an open gas fireplace keeps things toasty on chilly evenings. Throw in polite and attentive bartenders and you have all the winning features for a luxe hotel dining establishment. Making it worthwhile to spend a few delightful hours enjoying drinks or meals with good company here.
Room
With 15 spacious deluxe rooms, 17 heavenly premium mountain-facing rooms, and three palatial luxury suites, the Queen Victoria Hotel has something for every kind of traveller. While some rooms face the iconic Table Mountain, the noise from the V&A Waterfront below can detract from the peace (although the rooms are soundproofed). If you’re here to relax and unwind and don’t need a view of Cape Town’s most famous site, select a rear-facing room on the Portwood side which are much quieter.
All the rooms are spacious and well-furnished but the luxury suites are slightly larger and have small balconies. You can expect the usual mod cons such as tea and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, minibars, televisions (with Netflix), daily turn down, and bathrooms that are as vast and opulent as the hotel itself.
With a colour scheme dominated by shades of grey accented by metallic and deep-red and purple hues, the hotel rooms exude style and comfort. Add in the original artworks and high-end furnishings such as Egyptian cotton sheets with 400 thread counts and you’ll never want to leave your room.
Our luxury Junior Mountain Suite had a private balcony overlooking the bustling waterfront and breath-taking views of Table Mountain. Our infant son relished in the buzz of activity happening below while my husband and I basked in the beauty of the mountain. This is truly a superb accommodation option for families who need a bit of extra space.
The king-sized bed was adorned with silky soft bedding and looked regal with a chandelier hanging above it. A luxe deep bath, heated towel rack, Charlotte Rhys toiletries, and a plush robe and slippers completed the luxurious open-plan bathroom. But the showstopper was definitely the mammoth waterfall shower with glass walls on both the bathroom side and also the entryway room on the other which offered a truly unique showering experience.
Food
Dash is the name of the hotel’s bar, lounge, and restaurant, but that’s the last thing you’ll want to do when you step into this elegant, cosy space with deep, comfortable seats to have a drink before dinner. It’s also a great place to eat, with a menu that includes six starters, six mains, and three desserts.
You may satiate your gastronomic desires at the Queen Victoria Hotel’s excellent dining establishment. However, guests also have the option of dining at GINJA which is located in sister property Victoria and Alfred Hotel across the road on the water’s edge. This alternate option is available for breakfast as well and if you’re staying for a while, it can be fun to change things up in terms of dining location and food variation.
Regardless, of where you choose to eat, the breakfast buffet has a wide variety of pastries, cured meats, fresh fruit, muffins, and cheeses, as well as visually pleasing luxury smoothies and other delights. A hot a la carte menu is also available. But all of your favourite breakfast foods are on offer, including an extensive range of cereals and yogurt; fresh fruit; cheese; cold cuts and fresh bread and pastries. You may eat inside the restaurant or outside on the patio; a terrific idea to enjoy a sunny day in Cape Town.
Spa
No luxury establishment is complete without a spa, and this royal retreat does not disappoint when it comes to pampering its guests. The Sanctuary Spa has a fascinating array of treatments available. With a combination of ancient practices with modern techniques, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the very best treatments from these skilled professionals.
Whether you’ve been meaning to go for a manicure, need a facial, or want to benefit from a detoxifying massage, this is the spot for you. Between advanced massage techniques and the utterly relaxing ambiance, you’ll leave feeling revitalised.
Although the spa is located on the same grounds as the hotel, it is open to the public; so booking is essential. Sanctuary Spa boasts a tylarium, which is a combination of a sauna and a steam room. This is perfect for re-balancing your body’s metabolism at an optimal temperature. So, make sure to schedule some extra time to enjoy the facilities after your treatment.
To do
There are an endless amount of activities and experiences to enjoy in Cape Town so you’ll never run out of things to do during your visit. Numerous family-friendly activities await you right on the doorstep of the Queen Victoria Hotel.
For example, you can explore all the activities of the V&A Waterfront. Take in the immense beauty of the city of Cape Town by taking a ride on the Cape Wheel. Or immerse yourself in the mysterious underwater world with a trip to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Other essential Cape Town experiences are a cable car ride to the top of Tabel Mountain, an exploration of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, a walk through the historic Bo Kaap neighbourhood, and a drive to Simons Town to see the penguins.
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Cape Town, so make sure to visit the Visitor Information Center across the street at the waterfront to get the full picture of everything that awaits you in Cape Town and beyond.
In a nutshell
The Queen Victoria Hotel is the ultimate choice for discerning families who want to experience everything Cape Town has to offer while still enjoying luxurious comfort. This five-star establishment not only has the best location but also has all the top-class amenities you need for an unforgettable escape from everyday life.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £240 per night based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.
Address: Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Western Cape, South Africa, 8001
Phone: +27 21 418 1466
Email: res@queenvictoriahotel.co.za
Website: newmarkhotels.com
