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Dock House, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Text Michelle Snaddon
Photography Alain Proust, Michelle Snaddon
Published 21st April 08

It’s true… Cape Town’s most exclusive boutique hotel, Dock House, is now officially open. The sensitive restoration of this site began ten months ago, but today this heritage hotel (one, we think, that is the most desirable place to stay in the V&A Waterfront) is now wowing even the most discerning guests as they experience its serenely gracious charm.

One glamorous suite and five luxurious rooms, each individually decorated by local interior designer Francois du Plessis and adorned with original art, fabulously tactile fabrics, crystal chandeliers and the softest carpeting underfoot, are generously proportioned and lead into en-suite bathrooms so spacious you could host a party.

The atmosphere is hushed but relaxed, friendly but discreet. It’s contemporary classic in style but oozes country grandeur in its proportions and decorative detailing, which is hardly surprising, since it was the harbour engineer’s grand residence in the mid-1800s. The views of the V&A Waterfront harbour and Table Mountain are spectacular from the garden, an urban oasis above the hub of the harbour development below.

The property was restored by the V&A Hotel together with Gabriel Fagan Architects and adjoins the new ONEWellness day spa. Literally twenty steps away and billed as a ‘boutique’ spa with its three massage rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness gym and Tylarium (steam sauna), it couldn’t be more convenient for guests and business travellers.

The historical Timeball Tower is it’s guiding landmark. We hear that guests will soon be able to winch the red ball upwards and once again restore the tradition of marking the time at noon.

Read our full review in Hidden Gems