The Queen Victoria Hotel is one of those quiet places that you wouldn’t know was there unless someone told you. It’s located at the V&A Waterfront but not along the harbour front like most, but rather is set back on the hill that overlooks the same area. Its unassuming nature and location is part of its charm as it shies away from the hustle of the harbour and rather views it from above, probably a bit like the monarch that it is named after.

The Manor House suites are the latest addition to the hotel and are even more demure in their existence and again, this is where their real charm lies.

The 4-roomed annexe is situated right next to the hotel and is the last word in privacy and personal attention, with butlers available to attend to every need around the clock.

Our suite at the Manor House was beautifully decorated with attention paid to luxurious finishes such as Egyptian cotton sheets, a silk finished headboard and velvet cushions. Thoughtful touches such as complimentary MCC on arrival, along with a handwritten note from our butler on duty, Alex, made us feel very welcome.

The bathroom of our Manor House suite was very spacious with a great power shower and free standing bath. The toiletries provided are from famed London brand, Molton Brown, and their fragrance is simply unmistakable. Were it not for stringent water restrictions, I would have definitely taken the time to luxuriate in a long bubbly soak.

Dinner is served at the main hotel restaurant, Dash, and is an à la carte menu. The menu is seasonal and the hotel also offers winter set menu specials (booking is recommended). The wine list is extensive and showcases some of the best local wines on offer, wine lovers will have plenty to choose from. We opted for the line fish main (salmon) and the lamb loin served with pearl barley, beetroot purée and a jus. Both meals were elegantly plated and delicious. We followed that with a decadent molten chocolate fondant with orange ice cream and the last few sips of our delicious Cabernet Franc from Rainbow’s End.

The V&A Waterfront is a mere few steps from the hotel and so it is a great place to be based if you are visiting the area. For those visiting the city on business, the hotel is centrally located with easy access into town. Before you head out to discover all that Cape Town has to offer though, you need to have a good breakfast and this is also served at Dash in the morning.

If you are staying at the Manor House suites you can opt to have breakfast served to you in the privacy of your room or even just start the day with coffee brought to you by the butler on duty. If weather permits it can be set up on the balcony overlooking Table Mountain, or if it’s chilly, or you prefer something indoors you can have breakfast set up for you in the intimate private dining area right outside your suite door. The dining area seats four and can also be set up for lunch or dinner.

If you are a visitor to the Mother City, then the butler service is a real plus, the friendly team really will endeavour to help you in any way possible, from having your boots polished to unpacking your luggage, arranging a car to take you to a gallery or even just suggest tourist hot spots that you shouldn’t miss. No task is too small. The Manor House offers guests a truly personalised, friendly and unobtrusive service. If you are a newcomer to the area and are after privacy and a base from which to explore the city that removes you from the touristy hustle, this is definitely it.

The Manor House offers guests a truly personalised, friendly and unobtrusive service. If you are a newcomer to the area and are after privacy and a base from which to explore the city that removes you from the touristy hustle, this is definitely it.

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