Accolades, Reviews & Guest Comments
The Blue Train - Magazine Feature
The ultra-luxurious boutique Waterfront hotel, Dock House, has opened her
doors to sophisticated travellers, sporting an interior set to rival the finest in
the world.
View full Article (pdf)
REVIEWS
Brian Berkman’s Luxury World
I have recently completed my assignment for Fodor’s South Africa 5th edition, available for sale in December this year. I covered hotels in Cape Town and in Johannesburg and dining out in Cape Town.
After visiting almost every five-star hotel in Cape Town and Johannesburg, I am now inclined towards boutique properties that have between six and 15 rooms rather than larger hotels, irrespective how luxurious they may be. The real luxury today is having privacy and private dining which is why properties like Ellerman House, La Residence in Franschhoek and Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa are more sought after than the best suite in the best luxury hotel..
ACCOLADES
DOCK HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA RECEIVES CONDE NAST TRAVELER 2009 HOT LIST ACCOLADE
South Africa, Cape Town, April 2009;
THE prestigious Conde Nast Traveler annual ‘Hot List’ has voted South Africa’s new and uber luxurious Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa for inclusion in the 2009 guide to the hottest destinations around the globe.
Now in its 13th year, the highly coveted ‘Hot List’ awards are the definitive guide for the well-heeled and experienced globetrotter. Other Africa and Middle East destinations that made the list include the Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, and the Singita Pamushana Lodge in the Malilangwe Wilderness Reserve, Zimbabwe.
A member of Newmark Hotels (PTY) Ltd, Dock House is a five star-graded intimate hotel of only six (6) en-suite rooms. Discreetly located within the world-famous V&A Waterfront and previously the grand residence of the Harbour Engineer in the mid-1800s, Dock House is a masterful fusion of old and new that offers sophisticated, contemporary living in Victorian architectural splendour. The property offers discreet 24-hour butler service, the Dock House ONEwellness boutique spa and a pool overlooking Cape Town’s famous harbour. The hotel is fast becoming the address of choice for visiting government dignitaries, celebrities and business personalities.
THE CONDE NAST TRAVELER - HOT LIST 2009
It’s location, location, location at this smart city inn overlooking the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options are all within strolling distance, yet the city’s famous natural beauty—Table Mountain and the Clifton beach scene—is equally accessible.
Local interior guru François du Plessis retained the Victorian architectural features of what was the harbor engineer’s residence in the mid-1800s, then added a cosseted, contemporary feel by using natural tones and sensuous fabrics.
There are five guest rooms—three with balconies overlooking Table Bay—and a suite that opens onto its own private garden; and all have complimentary minibars. There is an elegant morning room for breakfast and lunch, but if bacon-and-eggs in close proximity to fellow guests sounds too cozy, staff will arrange to serve breakfast in your room or next to the pool. Guests have access to Elements Wellness, a top-notch gym and spa facility next door.
ANDREW HARPER’S HIDEAWAY REPORT - DECEMBER 2008
Dock House, Cape Town
For those who prefer the intimacy and personal service of a small hotel, Cape Town now has an exceptionally charming new boutique property in a spectacular location overlooking the central Victoria & Alfred Waterfront(once the city’s inner harbour and now a lively area of marinas, shops and restaurants.) Built in 1894 as the private residence of the harbourmaster, this pretty sandstone house has been converted into an enchanting property of just five rooms and one suite. ( It opened in April this year after 10 months of meticulous restoration and refurbishment.) Of course, the harbourmaster needed to keep track of shipping in his port, so all rooms have sweeping views.
Dock House is also distinguished by a lovely garden with an expanse of trimmed lawn that creates a tranquil green oasis at the heart of the city. Here, guests will now find rattan sun loungers(from whichto gaze at the iconic view of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak), outside white umbrealls and a small, two-level swimming pool.
On our arrival one rainy Sunday afternoon, the young staff members were immediately welcoming and friendly. Our butler cheerfully showed us around, first to an attractive library that contained a computer as well as a good range of books, and then to the pretty dining room with crown mouldings and white, canvas-covered chairs. Finally, we toured the ONEwellness spa in an adjacent sandstone cottage, which offers a well-equipped gym, steam/sauna and two treatment rooms.
Our second-floor inspired love at first sight. Decorated in tones of dove gray and mushroom, it had a table for two on a wooden balcony reached through French doors framed by lush raw-silk drapes. A small crystal chandelier added a baroque note to the bedroom’s otherwise understated, contemporary feel. The large bed was made up with Egyptian cotton sheets, a plump duvet and mounds of pillows. Suspended lamps on dimmers proved ideal for reading in bed, while a small cut-velvet sofa was a perfect perch for watching television. The high-ceilinged bath had intriguing leather-grained taupe tiles, a large tub, a stall shower, double vanities and a crocodile-skin side chair.
Though we ventured out for most meals, the hotel’s excellent light menu was a delicious surprise, and we enjoyed a memorable goat cheese, green pea and bacon omelet for breakfast, as well as excellent yakitori chicken with hoisin sauce when we decided to stay in on a rainy night. What we liked most about Dock House, however, was its wonderful location and the warm atmosphere created by the charming and obliging staff. In fact, we really settled in here in a way one rarely does in a hotel and always looked forward to returing to our newfound home at the end of a tiring day. Dock House proved a delightful discovery and a true hideaway.
TRIP ADVISOR GUEST COMMENT - SEPTEMBER 2008
Dock House, Cape Town
I want to thank the management of the Victoria and Alfred Hotel for upgrading me to the Dock House upon arrival to Cape Town last August 31, 2008. My luggage had been lost and management placed me at the Dock House, which was more than kind. I am still discussing my wonderful experience there with family, friends and travel agents so I decided that I must prepare a written review of the hotel in Trip Advisor
Kind Regards,
Dr. Sheryl A. Green Houston, TX USA
