In a huge 32-story tower with glass elevators affording great views beyond the surrounding commercial district, this is Cape Town's jumbo hotel, rising high above the others in the area. As it has changed hands multiple times from an InterContinental to Holiday Inn and now to the Southern Sun brand, guests may have a hard time gauging their expectations at this business-oriented property.
The vast, well-maintained marble lobby, which comes alive as piano music wafts in from the lounge in the evening, is the largest in town by a factor of at least three. Faux-stone columns rising up through the atrium make it look even bigger, especially with the buzz of diminutive patrons milling about the lobby bar.
In keeping with the sheer acreage, the hotel incorporates a spacious buffet room in Cape Dutch style, a palm court for light meals and tea, and a French restaurant with an extensive wine list.
A small, enclosed
rooftop gym complements the heated plunge pool and pair of whirlpools, and a rooftop sundeck offers one of the highest vantage points in the city. Salon services range from manicures to mud baths, although the facilities are rather limited.
The modest business center has fax machines, modems and a boardroom. Conference space (the most elaborate in the city) for nearly 1,000 people seated theater-style is the mainstay here, with elaborate themed entertainment offered on stage and corporate banners unfurled here and at the airport. Covered parking is available for a fee, but guests traveling sans vehicle love the shuttle that transports them to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
Guest rooms are both smart and comfortable with their dark woods, soothing earth-toned fabrics, new crisp white duvets, windows that open, "Do Not Disturb" switches, TVs, radios, safes, coffeemakers, bedside controls and hair dryers wired into desks. Cushioned headboards back firm mattresses layered in fine linens and dreamy blankets. Wired Internet access 
is standard, with Wi-Fi in public areas (for a fee), but minibars are only in executive rooms and suites. Even-numbered rooms face the water, and odds scan the mountain. The most spectacular views are higher up the tower, particularly from the refurbished 31st-floor premium rooms. Four presidential suites provide the most luxury, with CD players, flat-screen TVs, fax machines (provided in other rooms on request), banker's lamps, and marble baths with bidets and three carpeted steps up to the tubs. One room is set aside for handicapped guests, and most are smoke-free. Families should request the subset of rooms that have sleeper sofas.
Pets are permitted only after receiving permission from the hotel in advance. Room service hardly has time for a breather on its nonstop schedule. Groups and convention business keep the hotel humming eight months of the year, with large leisure groups vying for space. For business honchos who want to be in the heart of the city (and who balk at competitors' sky-high rates), this is the choice.
