By Aurelia Mbokazi- Kashe
It’s rare to have a bad holiday in Cape Town. Accommodation, food, and tour operators in the city have perfected hospitality, ensuring every guest has such a great experience that they can’t wait to return. With years of experience and expertise, Cape Town has become one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. Last week, I joined Team OMODA for the launch of their flagship car, the C9, in Cape Town. After a leisurely drive that took us past some of the city’s most beautiful and iconic spots, we entered the city from the Camps Bay side. Following several turns, we arrived at Hotel Sky, just steps away from the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). From the location alone, it’s clear they mean business.
First Impressions
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an extravagant gold décor that borders on garish. Past the check-in desks, at the end of the opulent lobby, there’s a cosy coffee shop where you can relax and people-watch as guests come and go.
Since we were a large group, we had a dedicated check-in desk with our room keys already laid out. All we had to do was sign next to our name and head off to find our rooms. Despite its prime location, Hotel Sky is no-frills. Don’t let the golden jungle and the reception team’s sweet smiles fool you into expecting a bellhop to carry your bags. Fortunately, I was only staying one night, so I had no problem pulling my suitcase to my room on the 13th floor. After navigating the long corridors and getting a bit lost, I finally found it.
Rooms
The rooms are small and narrow, but the space is cleverly used. Upon entering, the enclosed toilet and shower are on your left, and the basin with a towel rack is on your right. Then, there’s a mini lounge area with a couch, TV, desk, and chair. The bed is elevated, requiring a few steps to reach it. Due to the limited space, the double bed is set against the wall, with built-in lights and storage above. There’s no wardrobe, so I initially struggled to hang my clothes until I noticed the smart hanging space between the desk and bed. While the room has two cups and
sachets, there’s no kettle. Instead, there’s a coffee station outside where you can make your drink and bring it back to the room—a bit inconvenient, but manageable.
Dining
The hotel features two restaurants on the 25th and 26th floors, offering stunning views of the city. Lunch was served on the 25th floor, which is also where breakfast is served. The meal was a hearty buffet of green salad, rice, vegetables, chicken, fish, beef, and malva pudding with homestyle custard and tartlets. The views of the ocean and ships on the horizon added to the dining experience. With the afternoon free, we lingered, enjoying conversations with colleagues.
Activities
One thing Hotel Sky excels at is showcasing local activities. As you enter the room, the TV displays options with prices, contact details, and departure times, ensuring you have all the information and can compare prices. While I didn’t need to choose any activities this time, as we had something planned for the evening, it’s useful for future visits to Cape Town. Given its convenient location, reasonable pricing, and good service, I would definitely consider Hotel Sky for future visits.
For more info visit www.hotelsky.co.za