Radisson Red Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
"Step back a little bit, and tell us about this place.A stone’s throw from the Zeitz MOCAA, the Radisson effectively enjoys the same prime location as the Silo Hotel within the Silo Design Precinct that has sprung up around the museum. But that’s where similarities between the two end. The Radisson is like the cheeky upstart to the Silo’s glamorous older sister. Radisson Red’s signature red modern facade, with rounded corners, looks a bit like a giant piece of Lego that fell out of the sky into the Waterfront. Initially it’s difficult to find the entrance (there are, in fact, two) but once in, it’s child’s play. The playful theme continues with squishy sofas, a refreshment station (help yourself to complimentary caramel popcorn, coffee, and freshly squeezed OJ), and a row of computers. Who's staying here?A lot of hip, young families, designer kids in tow; trendy young couples, and girl gangs spending the weekend in the city. Onto the good stuff: Tell us about your room.One of 252 studios, the room is a minimalist, utilitarian, color-coded box with big windows, which can’t be opened (hate that). It has everything you need, nothing more, nothing less. The queen-sized bed is dressed in crisp white linen, the only softness in the room, and framed by abstract tribal wallpaper in monochromatic red. There’s also a dining table in a bay window with mixed seating (chairs and a Cape-influenced riempie bench) for in-room picnics or work space. Convenient plugs next to the bed. Ample cupboards with funky wooden antler-shaped handles. You can stream your devices to the smart TV, which means you can finish the Netflix movie you started last night. You can also screen mirror your iPhone to it, and watch videos. In the small bathroom, red and white subway tiles become a feature in the walk-in shower and an illuminated round mirror shines down brightly from above the basin, good for checking makeup. There’s a special water-saving flusher on the loo, which makes sense as Cape Town is a water-wise city. How about the little things, like the mini bar, or shower goodies? Anything that made your stay a little more comfortable?Wi-Fi was super fast, and free. Caramel popcorn on the dining table as a welcome snack. How about food offerings? Should we grab a bite here, or head off campus?Breakfast is not included but you can have it downstairs in OUIBar + KTCHN (for real) where the menu highlights Cape Town’s obsession with craft food and drink. Fresh pastries and coffees give way to crowd-pleasers like salads, burgers, pizza, serious sandwiches - served all day, and all sustainably sourced. The hotel’s rooftop has a food truck for a bar, serving good cocktails (try the artisanal G&Ts). There’s a live DJ, funky geometric shaped chairs, and red throws for chilly nights. Pool loungers line the length of the raised, red mosaic-bordered lap pool. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Absolutely—it’s the most affordable, trendy hotel room in the Waterfront. The rooftop bar and pool with wraparound views is the deal clincher, of course." - Jane Broughton
