I chose The Rockefeller by Newmark in Cape Town for my girl’s trip to celebrate my 40th birthday, and overall, it was a wonderful experience with a few hiccups along the way.
Leading up to my stay, I was nearly spammed for payment (likely linked to the Booking.com data breach). Thankfully, when I called the hotel directly, they reassured me that they would never request payment ahead of schedule or threaten to cancel a booking. That gave me peace of mind.
I worked with the concierge and their partner company, Brandies, to arrange an in-room birthday set-up. They delivered beautifully 😊 balloons, roses, and sweet treats that made the occasion feel extra special.
Upon arrival close to midnight, check-in was slow and I was disappointed to learn that my friend and I had been placed on different floors despite prior conversations with the hotel. As a Senior TripAdvisor member, I had also enquired about a possible upgrade for my milestone birthday. Initially, things felt disorganized, but I must commend Zaid at the front desk—he handled the situation with professionalism and warmth, quickly resolving the issue, ensuring our rooms were reset with the special décor, and arranging an upgrade. The thoughtful touches, including a lovely note, truly made the stay memorable.
The hotel itself is modern, stylish, and centrally located, perfect for exploring Cape Town. Uber rides to and from attractions were seamless. Breakfast offered a good spread, though I’d suggest more variety and improvements to the hot drinks service (I struggled to get a decent cappuccino, and my friend had trouble getting black tea).
My upgraded room was spacious, with a well-laid-out bathroom and complimentary toiletries. The indoor rooftop pool and spa are standout features. We indulged in spa treatments and felt thoroughly pampered. Throughout our stay, staff were attentive, checking in on us and ensuring we had everything we needed.
Despite the rocky start, The Rockefeller team turned things around and made my milestone celebration truly special. I would recommend this hotel and would happily stay again on a future trip to Cape Town.
Thank you to the Rockefeller Team for an amazing and memorable stay!
