GORGEOUS GEORGE
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 9/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $250
The Gorgeous George is a privately owned gem of a hotel in Cape Town's Central Business District, born from the restoration and fusion of two adjoining buildings that mixed Art Deco and Edwardian styles. As the first in Cape Town to become a part of the Design Hotels collection, it distinguishes itself as an original, design-centric, and intimate 32 room property that is very LGBTQ+ friendly. From its rooms to its trendy rooftop, the hotel gives off major hip urban luxury vibes and its focus on design, culture, and hospitality creates a fun atmosphere that we really enjoyed during our stay.
LOCATION
8.5/10
Situated within Cape Town's Central Business District (CBD), the hotel scores major points for being very centrally located, allowing you to get to most tourist attractions quite easily. However, the pedestrian only street that the property is located on, called St. George’s Mall, doesn’t really give off high-end vibes with some discount retail stores and chain hotels and restaurants located right nearby. But just a couple of blocks walk in most directions will lead you to some really great shops, cafes, and restaurants. In addition, the vibrant Bo-kaap neighborhood, known for its colorful houses, is just a long walk away, while the iconic Table Mountain is a convenient 15-minute drive from the hotel. The city's international airport is approximately 20 kilometers away.
AMENITIES
7/10
GYM
Unfortunately, the hotel does not have an on-site gym facility. However, it does provide guests with daily complimentary passes to the large and fully-equipped Ignite Fitness gym located just around the corner. While it is great to have the ability to use a full set of equipment for a workout, the gym does have limited hours, is closed on holidays, and we wouldn’t say that the equipment is on the nicer side. In addition, you will have to walk about two blocks to get to the gym and so if it is cold or raining, you’ll have to deal with that, too.
SPA
There is no spa at the hotel.
POOL 8/10
Perched on the rooftop and sectioned off from the restaurant by ropes is a small pool designed exclusively for guests to take refreshing dips. A portion of the pool extends beneath a shelter, adorned with artist David Britz's botanical murals. The other section features elevated glass sides, offering captivating city views. The rooftop pool area is really nicely done but it is quite small and there weren’t enough lounge chairs for all of the guests that were trying to enjoy the space. In addition, those using the pool will be right beside, and in plain view of guests dining at the restaurant (for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and that was definitely a strange experience for both the diners and loungers alike.
OTHER
Gorgeous George’s Gigi rooftop bar and restaurant is really beautifully designed and has become a popular hangout spots for creative Capetonians and visitors alike. Additionally, there's the Pink Room on the first floor—a living area with a fully equipped kitchen and bar, perfect for events and meetings. There is security in addition to a 24 hour front desk, and high speed internet.
ROOM
9.5/10
We booked a Studio Room, the hotel’s base room, and thought it was really wonderful. The mix of industrial tones with modern design elements was a lot of fun and the space definitely has a high-end aesthetic, contrasting raw concrete ceilings and exposed steelwork. Each room has custom-designed luxury finishes produced by local artists and some of its own unique features. Our studio room was spacious with high ceilings showcasing exposed industrial pipes. The warm color palette and accents, including hand-painted wall art by David Brits, created a welcoming atmosphere. The room had a king-size bed with a rich leather headboard, a velvet burgundy sofa, a round blue-and-white rug, a well-stocked bar cart, a minibar, a Marshall Bluetooth speaker, a Smeg kettle for tea, and Delft-style tiling by artist Lucie de Moyencourt. The room also has a rotary phone and a 43” smart TV. The bathroom was very nicely done as well with great black and white tiling on the floor and the walls, a marble top sink, and a large walk-in shower. The shower could have used a ledge to place items but otherwise the bathroom was really excellent.
BREAKFAST
9/10
Breakfast is offered at Gigi Restaurant, located on the beautifully adorned indoor/outdoor covered rooftop. The space features cozy sofas, outdoor tables surrounded by greenery, and carefully selected art. Breakfast was included in our stay and is offered from an a la carte menu which offered a delightful range of interesting options, from healthy oat bowls to pancakes, eggs, and a croque madame. The beverage selection included smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and hot drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes. We enjoyed custom-made egg white omelets, generously loaded with tomatoes, mushrooms, and avocado and loved them along with the smoothies and the great lattes.
RESTAURANTS NEAR BY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Ouzeri (6 minute walk) - Amazing contemporary Greek food in a casual setting.
Tomson (7 minute walk) - Small restaurant focused on the South Cantonese dishes and flavors.
Hemelhuijs (11 minute walk) - A really adorable breakfast and lunch spot.
Between Us (13 minute walk) - Modern trendy Italian spot.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Salon (7 minute drive) - A new Luke Dale Robert restaurant that’s absolutely worth a visit.
The Black Sheep (10 minute drive) - Seasonal ingredients and blackboard specials at this spot popular with locals and tourists alike that has a couple of tables with Table Mountain views.
ëlgr (11 minute drive) - Modern wine bar feel with delicious sharing plates and a number of vegetarian options.
The Waterside (15 minute drive) - Exceptional fine dining with a tasting menu that is likely to leave you incredibly happy.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from around the world, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it really offers quite a lot do to. Here are some things to do in the area surrounding the Gorgeous George and beyond:
Walk Around Bo-Kaap: (14 minute walk) - Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the brightly colored houses and distinctive architecture of this historic area of the city.
V&A Waterfront (10 minute drive) - Explore the touristy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for shopping, dining, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere with views of the harbor.
Zeitz MOCAA (10 minute drive) - Located right by the Waterfront, this architecturally & artistically impressive modern art museum features African art and is housed in a former grain silo.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (15 minute drive) - Wander through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, known for its diverse plant life, sculptures, and walking trails.
Table Mountain (20 minute drive) - Take a cable car or hike to the top of one of the most iconic mountains in the world for breathtaking views of the city, ocean, and surrounding landscapes.
Boulders Beach (50 minute drive) - Visit Boulders Beach to see the famous African penguin colony and enjoy a relaxing day on the sandy shores.
Wine Tasting (1 hour drive) - There are hundreds of wineries to choose from in Stellenbosch and Franschoek, two of South Africa’s most well-known wine regions.
VERDICT
The Gorgeous George was definitely one of our favorite hotels in South Africa. The design of the rooms and the common spaces excite you and bring you feelings of comfort and enjoyment - something that is rarely ever accomplished at most properties. We’d say that the hotel is better suited for couples and solo travelers rather than families because of the vibe and size of the common spaces, but families are certainly welcome.