The Portswood V&A Waterfront

Location. Opened in 1994 on the site of the former Breakwater convict station, The Portswood is a charming modern hotel located opposite the V&A Waterfront and 22 kilometres from Cape Town International Airport.
Hotel Features. A nine-metre well which was the source of water for the Breakwater prison complex in 1860 is now a national monument and the central focus of the hotel's lobby. The lobby opens out onto a terrace and bar area with marble-topped tables and large wicker chairs. Surrounding a sparkling blue swimming pool with a running water feature is a terracotta tiled courtyard where guests bask in the sunshine and order light meals. Housed in the historic stone walls, the hotel's restaurant also offers a range of traditional Cape Malay cooking.

Guestrooms. The Portswood Hotel has 103 guestrooms spread over four floors. Rooms are decorated in neutral colours with cream and navy blue bedlinen and cherry wood furniture. Minibars, tea and coffee making facilities, desks, televisions, hair dryers and direct-dial telephones. Tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

Expert Tip. Within five kilometres of the hotel lies Signal hill which separates the suburbs of Green Point from the city bowl. A car park and picnic spot at the top offers spectacular views of the city and Table Mountain and is the ideal spot to watch the sunset over the Atlantic.