I can’t hear the call to prayer. Have I missed it? The light of the embedded mirror clock illuminates the translucent bathroom door in a blue hue, but it seems light enough to be morning. Maybe I’ve overslept? Can one oversleep on holiday?
My foggy mind comes around and I realise – there is no call to prayer. There is no gathering at the mosque. While living in Tamboerskloof and working on graveyard radio, I became accustomed to the soothing music around sunrise. I had anticipated hearing the prayers again during our stay at the Hyatt Regency Cape Town; located on the corner of town and the historical BoKaap, but these are COVID times which means the hymns of Bokaap no longer ring out across the neighbourhood – how sad.
Having arrived just after lunchtime, we managed to do a hotel tour, pop out for lunch in Bree street and put our feet up to chillax and test the WiFi.
There’s satellite TV in the room, a desk, large bath and shower, but I came prepared by downloading a number of programs from Netflix – an unnecessary preparation as the hotels’ wifi works perfectly. Our hotel lockdown experience involves nothing, but eating good food, lounging around in fine linen and indulging in weekend TV – heaven.
Executive Lounge & Dinner at Cafe
Having taken a stroll into the city for a quick lunch, before relaxing at the hotel pool for a chilled Starbucks (the only one in the actual city bowl), we get ready for dinner and head into the executive lounge.
Filled with private corners, luxury sofas, beautiful coffee table books and art, it’s the perfect lounge to hide away and enjoy a few private conversions for business or otherwise. Snacks are served, which are delicious, particularly on a warm day like today.
For dinner, we head to Cafe 126 in the lobby of the hotel. With a mix of western dishes and classic Cape Malay dishes, it’s the perfect place to try some local cuisine before venturing out and exploring the immediate area. With AJ being a fussy eater, he had a beautiful fillet steak and chips.
I tried my hand at a lamb curry. Full disclosure: I’m not usually a big curry fan, but this was the best one I’d ever had! Facts. The cooling yoghurt on top of the hot (but not too hot) food, was delicious. The apricot couli on top was also a great change to the usual chopped fruit. They were also kind enough to provide gluten-free bread for me.
Night Night from BoKaap
The aircon whirls softly, enough to block out any potential sounds floating up from the city. We’re on the seventh floor and the city bowl doesn’t appear to have a 9pm curfew! Police vehicles, Ubers, emergency vehicles, private cars slip through under the golden street light globes.
I know this because the chez lounge against the large windows was too inviting to ignore. Tucking ourselves behind the curtains we rest our chins on elbows and watched the city lights sparkling across Cape Town and vehicles glide past below.
Breakfast in Bed-room
The following morning we make the most of our suite and the beautiful views by ordering breakfast in bed. Ginger, cayenne and fresh orange juice clears the morning throat while smoked Turkey, mushrooms and hollandaise kick start my day. This kitchen is halal, but the food doesn’t taste heartless like so many specific hotel menus can do. I’m satisfied.
Final Thoughts
After a quick time-lapse of the 5-star views from the corner lounge (that’s perched on every floor of the Hyatt), it’s time to pack up and go. (Our car is safely locked away in the underground parking.) We were really impressed with this hotel as it was very clean, perfectly located, the rooms felt private and well-appointed and the food was delicious.
If you’re looking to visit Cape Town and stay in a hotel in the centre of the city without being in “the thick of things” (read Long street), the Hyatt is the perfect location. 100 meters down to the much-loved restaurants and bars of Bree street, off-street parking, 24-7 security and services sensitive to the Islamic faith (including prayer rooms), makes the Hyatt perfect for local and international guest alike. There are also discounts for government employees, AAA, etc. Simply ask on request.
