HYATT REGENCY CAPE TOWN
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 8/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $150
The Hyatt Regency Cape Town is one of Cape Town’s many five star hotels but the only one in the city itself that is part of the Hyatt collection. While the hotel has recently renovated many of its rooms, the large property doesn’t really offer a luxury experience, though it was a comfortable place to stay for part of our time in a city that is frequently ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
LOCATION
8/10
Situated in the De Waterkant district, the hotel sits on the edge of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, renowned for its historical significance and lively ambiance. Established in the 18th century as a residential area for slaves brought to the Cape by the Dutch, this locale has evolved into a diverse community, with residences owned by some of the city’s Cape Malay Muslims. Bo-Kaap is famous for its vividly painted houses lining cobblestone streets which have views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, creating a visually stunning and picturesque setting. In contrast to the waterfront, where many western hotel chains and tourist infrastructure are concentrated, the Hyatt Regency hotel offers a unique location with easy access to nearby restaurants and Table Mountain. The vibrant atmosphere of Bo-Kaap, characterized by its rich cultural heritage and distinctive architecture, adds to the appeal of the hotel's surroundings but being relatively far from the beaches, the waterfront area, and some of the nicer areas of the city may force you to take a good number of cabs or Ubers. The Hyatt Regency is about a 20 minute drive from Cape Town’s airport.
AMENITIES
7/10
GYM 7/10
The gym at the Hyatt Regency Cape Town needs major improvement. It is small and contains limited, old equipment that is not well maintained. In terms of cardio equipment, there is a single treadmill, two stationary bikes, and one elliptical machine. For strength training, there is one of the worst “all-in-one” or multi-exercise machines on earth, which is not comfortable, not very functional, and not adjustable for individual height. Free weights and a bench are also provided as are towels and a water cooler.
SPA
There is no spa at this property.
POOL 7.5/10
The pool at the hotel is relatively small considering the size of the property. It is situated outdoors and is not heated. The pool deck is furnished with lounge chairs, providing a space for guests to relax and soak up the sun, though the fake grass that lines the floors really cheapens the look of the pool environment, which isn’t helped by the unpleasant views of the surrounding area. There is a lounge and bar next to the pool, which frequently blasts music, where you can order food and drinks Towels and some pool floats are available as well.
OTHER
Next to the lounge by the pool is the Hyatt Regency Club which is for use by Hyatt Globalist members and those who book a Club Room or Suite. Unfortunately, the Club is the saddest facility I’ve ever seen, fitting about three people comfortably and offering nothing during the day except for bottled water. In addition to the breakfast dining area, the hotel has its Urchin restaurant that focuses on sustainable seafood options. The WiFi at the hotel is quite good and there is a concierge team on duty for most of the day. The Hyatt Regency Cape Town is not pet-friendly and does not have its own parking facilities.
ROOM
9/10
My initial reservation was for a standard king room but I used a Hyatt Suite Upgrade Award to upgrade into a Regency Suite. The recently renovated contemporary suite had a separate living area and bedroom among its impressive 750 square feet of space. The room had modern light wood furniture complementing the white and grey walls. The bedroom was well-appointed with a very comfortable king-size bed, a reading chair, and an expansive walk-in closet. To my delight, the bathroom was generously sized and thoughtfully designed, featuring a standalone soaking tub, double sinks, and a large walk-in shower. The living room had a large office desk in addition to a 6-seater couch, a coffee table, and a six person dining table as well as a countertop with a sink, a Nespresso machine, a Smeg Kettle for tea. There was also a balcony off of the living room but it unfortunately had the same view as the bedroom, a view mostly of the hotel exterior walls with a partial view of the (not so cute) pool. The room also had a very large flat-screen TV, central air and heating, blackout curtains , a minibar, an iron and ironing board, and an in-room safe. Other than the view and the proximity to the loud pool bar music, the room was excellent and huge and was definitely the best part of our stay.
BREAKFAST
8/10
The breakfast is presented in a buffet style, offering a diverse range of choices and a lot to choose from including typical hot breakfast dishes, smoked salmon, cold meats, a cereal bar and a fresh fruit section. In addition to the buffet spread, eggs were made to order. Some specialty coffee drinks could be ordered as well though giving the wait staff a Starbucks-style order didn’t work out well most of the time. While the overall food quality was just average, the buffet provided something that everyone could eat and priced at about 13 dollars per person, it was a solid value.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Iron Steak and Bar (3 minute walking) - A menu that features a host of different cuts of steak that is conveniently located just a short walk away.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
The Black Sheep (7 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 (10 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 Hyatt Regency Cape Town and beyond:
Walk Around Bo-Kaap: (2 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 (6 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.
Table Mountain (15 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.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (16 minute drive) - Wander through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, known for its diverse plant life, sculptures, and walking trails.
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 Hyatt Regency Cape Town really shines when it comes to its newly renovated rooms which allowed us to really enjoy the personal space we had. The location of the hotel didn’t offer a ton of things to do in walking distance outside of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood but it was central enough that we could get anywhere with long walk or short Uber ride. Overall, if the hotel improved its amenities and breakfast it would go a long way to making this a higher rated Cape Town property.