On(c)e & Only Hotel, Cape Town

Located in the heart of Cape Town's VA Waterfront, the One and Only hotel is the latest addition to Sol Kerzner's elite portfolio of resort style hotels. And it most certainly is the epitome of glamour and style - without the air of pretentiousness. The hotel atmosphere is a heady mix of Hollywood glitz coupled with an elite resort atmosphere. In essence, a fine combination of humble Africa partnered with first world Capetonian city living.


If you have the funds, the One and Only is well worth a stay (you're looking at roughly R5100 for a standard room per night). I was fortunate enough to wrangle a complementary stay for one night. For the occasion, I donned my ( fake) Gucci handbag, brushed my hair and put on my Guess jeans to emanate the look of a high profile guest.

I was actually pleasantly surprised at how relaxed and welcoming the One and Only hotel was - my faux name brand outfit could have easily been traded for my trustworthy boardshorts. A big thumbs up to the One an Only for making their guests feel comfortable. Nothing better than being welcomed with warm smiles that I consider to be synonymous with South African culture to create that sense of belonging.

Gold dangly tubes above cocktail bar

The design of the hotel is such that it blends in with Table mountain, creating a picture perfect backdrop, ideal for an oil painting. The great architecture is not to be outdone by the interior decor of the One and Only; which in itself is a delight to behold.

Upon arrival you'll notice the open plan bar area enclosed by large windows letting in a generous amount of light. This creates a light and breezy atmosphere, great for relaxing and absorbing the magnificent views. There is a moat surrounding an island oasis connected to the main hotel via a wooden bridge walkway. The island is where the poolside restaurant, rim flow swimming pool, the spa treatment rooms and the exclusive island suites are located. The calming effect of the water contributes to the overall serenity of the One and Only and gives it that relaxed luxury resort feel.One thing is for certain, the One and Only hotel has mastered the art of space.

The decor of the cocktail bar area and lounge has a dazzling casino opulance about it; probably down to the gold dangly tubes suspended from the ceiling. They're meant to be in the shape of Africa, but I think you need to have more than one chocolate Pinotage cocktail to see that shape. Either way, it adds a touch of sparkle and glamour to the bar area.

Located on the right of the cocktail bar is the ever fabulous Japanese restaurant, Nobu. Designed with minimalism in mind, this restaurant is one of the top sushi jaunts in town. There are worse places to be seen! The restaurant boasts exceptional reviews and of course, world class sushi. If you're not staying at the One and Only, then I recommend you have a sunset cocktail and stylish evening of sushi at Nobu! I've yet to dine there. I'm waiting for my engraved invitation from the One and Only hotel.

The moat and view of the Island suites & spa area

Moving up from the ground floor you'll discover 6 levels of rooms. Take the lift. Walking the stairs to the 6th floor is not ideal, not even if you've been watching Jane Fonda aerobics re-runs would render you fit enough to conquer "said" stairs.


I stayed in one of the entry level rooms - room 417. The panoramic views from the balcony were mind blowing and breathtaking. The last time I felt this close to Table Mountain, I was inside a cable car. I felt I could literally touch the top of the mountain with the stem of my wine glass! Decor was an infusion of reds, burnt oranges and oddly enough, a few cheap looking African artworks. The architecture of room 417 definitely had a slight 70's feel with a strong emphasis on geometric lines. 

Strong geometric lines with 70's style

The balcony of room 417 overlooks the swimming pool, moat, island suites and spa area. I never got the chance to stay in the island suites, but I'm hoping I'll be offered a comp stay for the islands suites. A girl can dream, can't she? I guess they stood out because of their island location and the fact that they're very modern and contemporary with that "far from the maddening crowd" essence about the rooms.

In terms of facilities, the hotel is well equipped with almost every amenity one can think of; and there seem to be a jam packed itinerary of poolside parties and functions during the Summer months.

While we're on the subject of facilities, there is one area that needs to be mentioned. And that is the spa treatment area. I've never been so overwhelmed with such  sense of peace and bliss ! One of my favourite places for spa treatments in Cape Town, is the Twelve Apostles hotel - until I met the One and Only's spa treatment area. Now I'm torn betwixt these two spa marvels. Go and check it out for yourself!

The scenery, the crisp air and the entire One and Only experience made me feel all tingly inside, just like the batch of Mexican amphetamines I illegally smuggled across the border last year. Well worth a stay - if you're not in debt.

HOWEVER, despite being blanketed by opulant luxuries and humbled by the magnificent views, I decided there were still a few things that needed improving, let's touch on these (admittadly these may have been teething problems that may well be resolved to date):

1. There were 2 people staying my room, yet the turn down comprised only one set of slippers and chocolates.

2. The rates are pretty high, which led me to thinking that a nice little welcome basket (or anything) would have put a smile on my face. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the Kruger Park supplied beautiful welcome packs.

3. There's something special about those kind of finishing touches. The glass sink in room 417 is placed too close to the spout of the tap. Water went everywhere and onto the wall plugs. Maintenance needs to fix this. In terms of bathroom amenities there could have been more.

4. A huge, beautiful bath but no bath salts or bubble bath?

5. The wine on top of the bar fridge is not complementary, although it was located adjacent the the complementary items. And the very sweet guy showing us the room told us it was "on the house". Apart from those minor details, I was suitably impressed with everything else. The One and Only hotel often has accommodation specials and other exciting events.