Victoria And Alfred Hotel - Cape Town, South Africa 

We were delighted with our stay at the V & A Hotel in Capetown. We had had two overnight flights, and were jetlagged so were thrilled that our room was available before lunch when we arrived. We were greeted by the manager who told us he had a "surprise" for us. Being tired, we were a bit leary - we just wanted a place to rest for a few hours, and were worried that the surprise might mean the reserved room was unavailable!! However, this was not the case whatsoever. The surprise was that we were upgraded to the Dock House, which is a new addition to the hotel, located across the street. We were given a fabulous, luxurious suite of rooms in this addition. There was a separate living room with a large flat screen TV, a fully stocked mini bar, fruit, chocolates, etc, an huge bathroom with a large tub, separate huge shower, double sinks, etc, and a living room with an attached patio and fountain. It could not have been any nicer. The staff were attentive, friendly, and helpful. The service we received was quite personalized. For example, we had ordered a picnic lunch to be packed for our tour day, and when we returned, not only did staff ask us about our tour, but even remembered that we had taken a lunch with us and asked if we'd enjoyed it. There was an intercom button, located in the rooms, that allowed us to contact staff 24 hours per day (not that we did!!), We also had high speed internet services available for no additional fee, which was appreciated. Breakfast was included with our package and it was delicious. At the Dock House, we were able to order from a fairly large menu, and food was delicious, and presented nicely. We did go across the street to the V & A Hotel for breakfast one morning, and that was delicious, as well. This started with a buffet of meats, cheeses, pastries, cereal, and a wide variety of juices, and ended with ordering hot items off a menu. Our table was situated near a window overlooking the harbour, and we thoroughly enjoyed this. The picnic we had packed up for us was delicious - not expensive at all and included sandwiches, crackers and cheese, pastries, fruit, juices, and water, etc. Prior to arrival, hotel staff answered all correspondence promptly and in a professional manner. Everything that they had agreed to arrange for us was done - ie driver to and from airport, 8 hour private car tour with a driver/guide (which was wonderful), early check in, picnic lunch, etc. We felt very safe staying at this hotel. The waterfront area is patrolled by security 24 hours per day. Other than for the tour of the Cape, we stayed around the waterfront area. There was a large craft shop next door where we bought some nice gifts (unfortunately, we mailed these home and they have never arrived - despite having a post office tracking number, we are having very little success dealing with the South African post office, so we'd recommend trying to carry any purchases home and not mailing them to save luggage space!!) There are many restaurants nearby, and we especially enjoyed the Den Anker. By Canadian standards meals out were not very expensive. Even at the Cape of Good Hope, where we expected to be "gouged" at the only restaurant, we were shocked - we both had fish and chips, salad, and something to drink, and even with a tip, the total cost was only $22 (about 15 euros) We would not hesitate to stay at this hotel again. We have no idea why we were picked to be upgraded to a suite of rooms, but we are very thankful. The experience was incredible!! R and D Timpson Pembroke, Ontario, Canada