Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town occupies two restored heritage buildings at the corner of Wale Street and St George's Mall, in the old heart of the city centre: the former South African Reserve Bank building and Temple Chambers, also known as the Board of Executors building, which dates from 1890. A modern tower rises behind them, and the result combines grand historic interiors with contemporary rooms and views of Table Mountain.

The hotel has 176 rooms, made up of 134 rooms and 42 suites. Rooms in the tower have balconies with views over the city or towards the mountain, which is worth requesting when booking. The public spaces keep much of the original character of the old buildings, with restored marble columns and original light fittings in the lobby lounge, and event rooms set in the bank's former main entrance and in an old bank vault.

Dining reflects the Taj group's Indian heritage. Bombay Brasserie serves Indian cuisine in an elegant setting, and Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill offers a broader menu. The Taj Lobby Bar and Lounge and The Whisky Lounge are good places for a drink, and the hotel's location means there are also many restaurants within a short walk.

Taj Cape Town suits business travellers, couples and sightseers who want to be in the middle of the city centre. It is especially convenient for walking: the Company's Garden, Parliament, the Slave Lodge, Greenmarket Square, the Bo-Kaap and Long Street are all within a few minutes on foot. Check-in and check-out times are listed on the website, and airport transfers can be arranged with the hotel.

St George's Mall, the pedestrianised street at the hotel's door, has cafés and street traders by day, and the MyCiTi Civic Centre terminus and Cape Town station are a short walk or ride away. The V&A Waterfront is about 10 minutes by taxi. Use taxis or ride-hailing services at night rather than walking long distances in the city centre.

Staying in the city centre puts many of Cape Town's historic sights on your doorstep, and the hotel makes a convenient base for walking tours, most of which start nearby. The free walking tours run by City Sightseeing, for example, leave from Long Street, a few minutes away.