CAPE TOWN MARRIOTT HOTEL CRYSTAL TOWERS
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 7.5/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $160
The Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers is one of thirteen Marriott properties located in the Cape Town area, though ten of the thirteen are Protea Hotels. The other two, the Westin and the AC Hotel, are both located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, an area that I personally consider to be Cape Town’s Times Square. The Cape Town Marriott was actually the first Marriott branded property in South Africa and was converted to the Marriott brand in 2017, though the hotel was built in 2009. We stayed at this hotel for a long weekend mainly because of the price (we paid about $130 per night) and there were certainly things to celebrate and things to complain about.
Offering a great retreat from urban distractions, it provides an ideal environment to focus on work tasks. Opt for this hotel if you seek quality amenities at a slightly more affordable rate. However, if you prefer the vibrant heart of the city, this might not be your ideal choice.
LOCATION
7/10
Situated in the suburban landscape of Century City in Cape Town, the Marriott Crystal Towers is surrounded by South African offices of various international companies including Porsche, Chevron, and BMW. Beyond its role as a modern business hub, Century City also encompasses residential areas and is known as a shopping destination for area residents who venture to Century Mall which is just a couple of minutes by foot from the Marriott. The area around the hotel is quite sterile though - there isn’t much to walk to and although you have great views of the iconic Table Mountain, you are at least 15 minutes by car from Cape Town and about a 35 minute drive from the mountain itself. If you are coming to Cape Town to enjoy the beaches or immerse yourself in South African culture and history, you will absolutely have to drive decent distances to your destinations and will not get any of that nearby the hotel. The property is located 20 kilometers away from Cape Town International Airport.
AMENITIES
7/10
GYM 4/10
The gym at the Marriott Crystal Towers is desperately in need of an overhaul. The allocated space is ridiculously small, giving off an impression of being an afterthought. The equipment available is extremely limited, outdated, and poorly maintained, featuring a single treadmill that was out of order, a sad-looking bike, one bench, and some neglected free weights. Fortunately, there is a Virgin Active gym within walking distance from the hotel and the hotel did provide us with free passes for two of the three days of our stay, but that is not something they offer to guests everyday. This is the lowest rating we’ve ever given to a hotel that actually has a gym.
SPA
While we did not partake in any of the spa treatments, the Life Day Spa, which is a South African company with multiple locations, does have a location within the property. They offer a range of treatments including massages, body treatments, nail services and waxing.
POOL 9/10
By far the best amenity of this hotel is it’s pool. The elevated outdoor swimming pool provides a panoramic view which includes some of Cape Town’s most recognizable landmarks, Lions Head and Table Mountain. While it may not be expansive or heated, the pool area is a very nicely done space and is great for relaxation, complete with a wooden deck and comfortable lounge chairs. Adjacent to the pool deck is the Acara Pool Bar & Terrace where you can grab a drink or a light meal.
OTHER
The hotel is home to the Towers Restaurant, an around-the-clock deli, and a bar. There is 24-hour room service, excellent internet, a business center, and paid parking facilities .
ROOM
9/10
We booked a standard Guest Room and were upgraded to what they actually call a Larger Guest Room (not kidding) upon arrival. Our location on the 6th floor afforded us a great view including views of the ocean in the distance, though we could only very partially see Table Mountain. Spacious enough for two people, the nearly 400 sq. ft. room featured a comfortable king-size bed, a dedicated workspace, and a really nicely done bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a nice modern bathtub. Waking up to the great natural light and the ocean view each morning was really nice and the room was generally very comfortable. One thing that I did find interesting was that the TV was not in front of the bed - we didn’t personally care because we didn’t ever turn it on, but if you like to watch fom bed, that would have been a challenge. Other notable features included climate control air-conditioning, a mini fridge, an espresso machine, robes and slippers, an iron and ironing board, and a safe.
BREAKFAST
8/10
Breakfast is served in a buffet style that includes fresh fruit, yogurts, pastries, cheeses, a dedicated Japanese section with sushi and sashimi (wouldn’t recommend), cold cuts, and a very fun waffle station where you could make and top your own waffles. In addition to the buffet offerings, made-to-order eggs were available. Although the overall food quality was average, there was enough of a variety to please most people and the waffle station was fun for both kids and adults.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
The Hussar Grill (in the hotel) - Steakhouse that is actually connected to the hotel.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Hemelhuijs (20 minute drive) - Super cute , modern spot serving excellent breakfast and lunch.
The Waterside (20 minute drive) - Exceptional fine dining with a tasting menu that is likely to leave you incredibly happy.
Club Kloof (22 minute drive) - Casual yet trendy spot with upscale pizzas and Italian-ish food.
ëlgr (22 minute drive) - Modern wine bar feel with delicious sharing plates and a number of vegetarian options.
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:
Shop at Canal Walk (10 minute walk) - It boasts more than 400 stores, from large chains to specialist boutiques, a host of restaurants and a state-of-the-art cinema multiplex.
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.
V&A Waterfront (20 minute drive) - Explore the touristy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for shopping, dining, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere with views of the harbor.
Walk Around Bo-Kaap (20 minute drive) - Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and admire the brightly colored houses and distinctive architecture of this historic area of the city.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (20 minute drive) - Wander through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, known for its diverse plant life, sculptures, and walking trails.
Table Mountain (35 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 (45 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 Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers is a good option for business travelers who need a comfortable space with great wifi at a reasonable price. However, if you’re visiting Cape Town for the first time, or if you are really coming to the city for the beach or the great food scene, the location just doesn’t really make sense, even when you factor in that this property might be a bit less expensive than other hotels that are more centrally located.
Corner Of Century Boulevard And, Rialto Rd, Century City, Cape Town, 7441