This is part six of a ten part trip report from my travels to South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and covers my stay at the Westin Cape Town (yes, we are going a little out of order).
- Delta ATL-JNB BusinessElite B777-200LR
- Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Kapama River Lodge – Kruger National Park, South Africa – Hotel Review
- Kapama River Lodge – Kruger National Park, South Africa – Safari – Game Drives – Bush Walk Review
- South African Airways Johannesburg (JNB) – Cape Town (CPT) – Johannesburg (JNB)
- Westin Cape Town, South Africa
- British Airways – JNB-LVI (Livingstone, Zambia) B737-400 and crossing the border into Zimbabwe from Zambia
- Microlight / Microflight over Victoria Falls with Batoka Sky – Zambia
- Bungee Jump over the Zambezi River off Victoria Falls Bridge – Border between Zimbabwe & Zambia
- Elephant Hills Resort – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Booking – We were excited to try out the Westin Cape Town and for the dates of our trip the options were $150 USD per night or 10,000 SPG points. We decided on one night using points and one night at the $150 rate.
After approaching the check-in desk, we were directed to proceed up to the executive lounge. The first thing you’ll notice from the lounge is the incredible view of Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and Table Bay.
The views are astounding and as a first time visitor, you’ll sort of just stand there and stare at Table Mountain. Luckily, I was informed that I had been upgraded due to my Platinum status from a Deluxe Room King to a Junior Suite on the Executive Floor. Better yet, I’d have similar views all throughout my room!
The suite was interesting, it’s a large room divided in half by a two sided TV wall. On one side is your bed and TV, on the other side is a couch, desk, two lounge chairs, and another TV. Panoramic windows line the entire far wall of the suite.
The bathroom was modern with a full shower, separate bath, and double sinks.
…and then there’s the view!!!
(rainbows were present everyday of our stay and the lounge staff mentioned they appear quite often)
I couldn’t pull any weight to get my co-workers an upgrade (lowly preferred status), but their double rooms were nice as well and also had great views of Table Mountain. They did have to switch rooms as the first room they were given was clearly smoked in.
The lounge itself was nice. It’s one of the upper floors of the hotel and I’d say the 360 degree views from inside are the top perk. The lounge serves breakfast, coffee/tea/snacks midday, and appetizers and drinks in the evening. Our first night we headed upstairs to catch some drinks around 930pm and were surprised when we were seated by a waitress. She took our drink order, brought over some snacks, and prepared table settings. I was thinking this was some of the best service I’ve ever experienced in a Westin lounge. Little did I know that the lounge has a restaurant and serves a full dinner…that’s not included in your lounge access! We explained our mistake and were graciously allowed to keep our drinks and sparkling water. Now you know not to make the same mistake…
In terms of breakfast, head downstairs instead of the lounge. The restaurant serves a gigantic breakfast far superior with at least 10 stations. It’s reminiscent of a hotel in Asia. We’re talking juice bar, omelet station, local chicken and meat dishes, sushi, pastries, yogurts, traditional local dishes, etc.
The hotel is really nice, the beds comfortable, the furnishings modern…but get out and explore Cape Town, it’s awesome! There’s a Europcar right in the hotel where you can rent a vehicle (make sure to sign-up for their rewards program), they were running a 500 AA mile per day promotion while we were there. We packed a lot into our weekend – climbing / cable car to the top of table mountain, Simon’s Town, Boulders (penguin colony), Cape of Good Hope, False Bay, and Stellenbosch & Franschhoek (wine country…our favorite vineyard was Ernie Els). We had fantastic food everywhere we ate in Franschhoek, though Café des Arts was our favorite.
Feel free to email me with any Cape Town questions. Having trouble finding award flights to South Africa? Consider Juicy Miles for award booking help!
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10 comments
You mention your co-worker’s status, what status do you have?
@loiaire- SPG Platinum, thanks updated post
Nice trip report! I was just in Cape Town over the holidays this year, and also stayed at the Westin (and also got upgraded to a Jr Suite as a Platinum). Sounds like the touristy part of your trip was very similar to mine – such a great city!
Great pics of Cape Town! I’d say it’s the most naturally beautiful city I’ve been to.
@Edward – Thanks, the natural beauty definitely was spectacular!
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