“I’m in the sky! I’m in the sky!” The dark, luminous water shines bright red under the cover of night. Swirling around my feet, I see pedestrians passing by, ten stories below. The twinkly lights of Sea Point shimmer against the black silhouette of Signal Hill as traffic cruises by. Formally known as VIB Cape Town, the ANEW Hotel Cape Town‘s rooftop pool has already made a splash this lockdown summer, as Cape Town’s Gen Z lounge under the bright sun for the Maya rooftop events. Tonight, it’s our turn at the rooftop pool.
Fridays at VIB Cape Town (Now known as ANEW Hotel Greenpoint)
Several hours earlier, we spent a bit of time lounging around in the fading, summer sunlight. A Friday afternoon dip and tapas from their small plates menu are welcome at the end of our working week.
Goats Cheese, candied ginger poppers with miso caramel (R45), Tsumi Glazed Beef Sosatie and sambal balado (R60) and Grilled Chorizo with peanut and miso dressing (R45) are the perfect accompaniment to Moulie Point lighthouse, tankers floating by and Green Point Stadium views.
ANEW Hotel Cape Town Rooms
The ANEW Hotel in Greenpoint offers 76 rooms over 6 floors. Modelled very similarly to Hub by Premier Inn (UK), it was fun to visit a local compact hotel room. We stayed in a city facing room with views across the suburb of Green Point.
The snug room includes LED lights, USB plug points, discrete lamp switches, blue shower lights and graphic wall art, giving the room a fresh and modern look. Air conditioning and blackout blinds suit anyone looking for a guaranteed restful sleep, however, the bed was very small (double) and would best suit a solo traveller (although the website says they also have queen-sized beds).
TIP: Queen or twin beds available, enquire when booking.
The shower was large for a compact room and the extra length study desk was convenient for our laptops and photography equipment. Rooms are not self-catering but do include a safe, Nespresso machine and complimentary bottled water. Extra storage was available under the bed in pull out drawers.
Unfortunately, we could not get the internet to work so we weren’t able to connect our devices and work online in the evening. AJ had hoped to do a live stream, but there was no luck! So we settled in to watch Dr Phil on SABC 3 for the night! (TVs are not smart.)
City Breakfasts
In the morning we enjoyed breakfast on the hotel’s front porch (street level). The kitchen kindly switched my toast for roasties for me (gluten-free) and the eggs benedict was delicious – and really filling! The day manager and head chef are really accommodating, professional and personable.
Final Impression
ANEW Hotel Cape Town is an excellent location for a solo traveller or a couple looking for a short term stay. While the rooms are clean and well-appointed, they are small so it’s best for short trips. Rooms are not self-catering,
The pool is loads of fun and offers beautiful nature and city views across the Atlantic Seaboard. The pool is private for hotel guests only, unless otherwise stated. The neighbourhood is very convenient with the Promenade or Giovanni’s being just a short walk down the road in either direction.
Early check-ins can be arranged ahead of time, alternatively, check-in is from 2pm.
Guests are also able to park underground in secure parking for a small fee of around R50. There is also an airport shuttle available on request for R350 per trip. The hotel has a bar and the restaurant also offers corkage. Guests are able to bring drinks into their rooms for private consumption.
The ANEW Hotel Cape Town offers excellent value for money for guests wanting to visit the Mother City in a safe and central location.
