The Commodore

We’ve just checked out of the Commodore Hotel in Cape Town after a stay that lasted just over three weeks, and I can honestly say it has been one of the most memorable hotel experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived until the moment we departed, we felt looked after, cared for, and welcomed in a way that went far beyond what you would expect from a city hotel. Cape Town itself is a remarkable place – stunning, vibrant, and full of life – but what made our stay so special was the Commodore and, more importantly, the people who make the hotel what it is. This is not just a review of a hotel stay; it’s a reflection of three weeks that left us feeling genuinely connected, rested, and certain that we will be returning. Location – Everything on Your Doorstep First and foremost, the Commodore’s location is unbeatable. If you’re visiting Cape Town for leisure, business, or a bit of both, you’ll find that everything you need is within easy reach. The hotel sits right by the V&A Waterfront, which means you’re just a short stroll away from shops, restaurants, bars, the aquarium, boat trips, and a whole host of other attractions. During our time here, it became clear that the location itself makes a huge difference. Some days we wanted to explore further afield – whether that was a drive to the Cape of Good Hope, a wine-tasting trip in Stellenbosch, or exploring Table Mountain – and the Commodore proved to be the perfect base. Other days we just wanted to wander locally, grab a coffee, enjoy some casual dining, or people-watch at the waterfront, and again, the Commodore made this effortless. There’s something very reassuring about knowing that, no matter what sort of day you’ve had exploring Cape Town and its surroundings, you’re only minutes away from returning to a comfortable, welcoming hotel that feels like home. Rooms – Comfortable, Relaxing, and Ideal for a Longer Stay Having stayed just over three weeks, we really got to appreciate the rooms in a way that a short stay doesn’t always allow. The rooms are nicely sized, well-maintained, and designed with comfort in mind. Ours became more than just a hotel room – it became a place to relax, unwind, and settle into a bit of a routine while still feeling we were on holiday. The beds are extremely comfortable, and after long days exploring Cape Town, this makes all the difference. Storage is ample enough to unpack properly (which is essential for a stay of three weeks) and still feel organised. The bathrooms are modern, well-kept, and provided everything we needed. Housekeeping was excellent – our room was always fresh and spotless without ever feeling intrusive. When you’re staying somewhere for more than a couple of nights, it’s the small details that matter: the reliability of the hot water, the quality of the bedding, the consistency of housekeeping, and the general upkeep of the room. On all these counts, the Commodore delivered. It meant that we didn’t just feel like guests passing through; we felt settled. Breakfast – The Perfect Start to the Day Breakfast at the Commodore deserves its own mention. It became a highlight of each morning, setting us up perfectly for the day ahead. The buffet selection is extensive, with something to suit every preference – from fresh fruit and pastries to hot dishes, eggs cooked to order, and plenty of healthy options. What stood out most, though, was the consistency. Every day, no matter how busy the breakfast service was, the quality remained the same. The staff were attentive without being overbearing, always checking if we needed anything and ensuring we had a good start to our day. When you’re staying somewhere for three weeks, routine becomes important, and breakfast at the Commodore became part of ours. It never disappointed. Service – The Heart of the Commodore Now, this is where the Commodore truly shines. A hotel can have a great location, nice rooms, and a lovely breakfast, but what makes it memorable – what makes you want to return – is the people. And in this respect, the Commodore goes above and beyond. From the front desk to housekeeping, from the bar and restaurant to the doormen, every member of staff we encountered was not just polite and professional but genuinely warm. There was a real sense that the staff care about their guests, and it shows in the small touches: remembering your preferences, asking about your day, or simply greeting you with a smile that feels sincere. Special Mentions Kwezi – We cannot thank Kwezi enough for the way he looked after us. Over the course of three weeks, we had countless interactions with him, and every single one was a pleasure. He embodies professionalism, but more than that, he has an easy-going warmth that makes you feel at home. Whether it was helping with queries, offering recommendations, or just chatting, he went out of his way to make us feel valued. Elisabeth – Another shining star at the Commodore. Elisabeth was attentive, kind, and consistently made our experience better. She has that rare ability to make guests feel both special and at ease, and her genuine hospitality really stood out. People like Elisabeth are the reason you remember a hotel fondly long after you’ve left. The Doorman (whose name I regretfully didn’t note) – I wish I had remembered his name because he deserves recognition. This weekend, it was his child’s birthday, and despite this personal milestone, he was still working with the same enthusiasm and pride he showed every day. That’s the sort of dedication that doesn’t go unnoticed. Each time we saw him, he greeted us warmly, often with a few words that brightened our day. Doormen can sometimes be overlooked in hotel reviews, but in this case, he was a true ambassador for the Commodore. And of course, while these three stood out for the extra touches they brought to our stay, it would be unfair not to mention that every member of staff we encountered was excellent. Over three weeks, you really do get a feel for the consistency of service across the board, and I can say with certainty that the Commodore team is one of the most genuinely warm and professional teams we’ve experienced anywhere. Atmosphere – Welcoming, Comfortable, and Relaxed The Commodore manages to strike a balance that many city hotels struggle with: it’s professional without being stiff, comfortable without being casual to the point of sloppy, and welcoming without ever feeling forced. The lobby, bar, and communal areas have a pleasant, relaxed feel. You never feel rushed, and you always feel comfortable spending time there. Whether we were coming back from a long day out, having a quiet drink in the bar, or simply passing through, there was always an easy, welcoming atmosphere. Long Stays – Feeling at Home Spending over three weeks in a hotel is very different from a quick stopover or a short holiday. It gives you a real chance to see the consistency of service, the reliability of facilities, and the atmosphere over time. And it also allows you to see if a hotel is somewhere you can genuinely feel at home. The Commodore passed this test with flying colours. By the end of our stay, it didn’t feel like we were leaving a hotel – it felt like we were leaving a place we had genuinely grown attached to. That’s a rare thing. Cape Town – A City Enhanced by the Commodore Of course, Cape Town itself is a destination that needs no introduction. It’s a city of incredible natural beauty, vibrant culture, and endless things to see and do. But staying at the Commodore made our time here even more enjoyable. The convenience of the location, the comfort of the rooms, and the warmth of the staff meant we could truly make the most of every day. Knowing we had a comfortable base to return to each night made it easier to relax and immerse ourselves in everything Cape Town has to offer. Final Thoughts – We Will Be Back In summary, our stay at the Commodore Hotel in Cape Town was everything we hoped for and more. Great location, comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast, and – most importantly – outstanding staff. Kwezi, Elisabeth, and the doorman (whose name I wish I’d remembered) deserve special thanks, but truly, the entire team made our stay what it was. Three weeks is a long time to spend in any hotel, and it speaks volumes that we never once felt like we wanted to be anywhere else. Instead, we left feeling grateful, refreshed, and already planning our return. If you’re considering staying at the Commodore – whether for a night, a week, or (like us) a few weeks – don’t hesitate. You’ll be in the best possible hands. We will most definitely be back. Read less

We have stayed at this hotel before and had no hesitation in booking again. It is reasonably priced, has friendly and efficient staff and has a superb position. It lies a few hundred yards from the V & A complex and has always felt safe to walk to, even at night. Having stayed at other Cape Town hotels I can see no reason for not staying here on any visit. Read less