By Prashirwin Naidu
It’s that time of year when the body feels tired, the mind worn out, and the heart heavy. You dream of escaping to an exotic destination to relax, recharge, and lift your spirits. A short break can work wonders amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, and travel truly refreshes the mind, body, and soul. When I received the invite to the launch of the new Nissan Magnite, I was thrilled to dust off my travel boots and head to OR Tambo International Airport, ready for a quick getaway to Cape Town.
We arrived on a beautiful Cape Town afternoon and made our way to the Garden Court Hotel on Nelson Mandela Boulevard. Located near Woodstock, the hotel offers stunning views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, or Cape Town Harbour.
Food
Upon arrival, I was starving and went straight to the restaurant hoping for a hearty meal. I ordered a soy-based vegan burger with a vegetable patty and fries. Unfortunately, it came covered in cheese – a problem for a vegan like me, especially as dairy triggers my skin issues. Pressed for time, I ended up scraping off the cheese to salvage the meal. It wasn’t ideal—it looked like a mess—but I managed. At around R100, it hardly felt worth the hassle.
Accommodation
The room was perfectly suitable for a solo traveller on a one-night stay, with plenty of space and two double beds. While it felt a bit lonely for one person, the highlight was the stunning balcony view of Table Mountain, which instantly lifted my spirits.
The room was functional but dated, with the bathroom particularly in need of an update. The worn shower-tub combo added to the hotel’s overall feeling of faded glory.
My sleep was less than ideal—I woke up feeling stiff—which wasn’t surprising given the ageing furnishings. Morning arrived, and so did breakfast. Vegan options were surprisingly limited for a hotel in a tourist hotspot like Cape Town. I managed with baked beans, mixed vegetables, a simple salad, and potatoes—enough to curb my hunger but far from ideal. Overall, the restaurant’s limited and uninspired menu left much to be desired.
Activities
After breakfast, my colleagues and I xplored the city with the Nissan team. We stopped at a charming coffee shop to try painting, though it wasn’t my thing. Instead, I enjoyed mingling with old and new friends. Next, we visited an electric scooter pop-up store and took EV scooters for a spin, taking in Cape Town’s sights. It felt like a dream—especially on a Tuesday morning!
Our final stop was the ultra-cool Tiger’s Milk, a restaurant chain known for its laid-back vibe, no-fuss food, and trendy hangouts. It’s even better when surrounded by Cape Town’s iconic views. Unfortunately, we only had time for refreshments and a quick bite before heading back to Cape Town International Airport—no chance to soak it all in or enjoy another stunning Cape Town sunset.
My stay at Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard wasn’t spectacular, but it covered all the basics. The hotel’s interiors felt outdated, but the views of Cape Town were a definite highlight. Would I return? Undeniably yes because Cape Town itself is stunning and one can never get enough of it. Despite the hotel’s flaws, the city’s charm and beauty make every visit unforgettable.
