The Alphen Boutique Hotel

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

PRICING FROM

₤ 97 (Pps)

Overview
  • Alphen Hotel offers fabulous spacious ultra-modern interiors
  • Great mix with the Cape Dutch interior also seen in the restaurant & deli
  • Choice of dining experiences from relatively formal to casual cafe-bar
  • Set in its own landscaped gardens within leafy Constantia
  • Close to all the well-known Constantia estates and acclaimed restaurants
  • Yet only 25 minutes to the city centre and Waterfront by car

The five star Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia is one of the grand old ladies of Cape Town hospitality, however you wouldn't know that if you saw it. The Alphen Hotel has been transformed into a delightful mix of historic Cape Dutch homestead but with modern funky rooms set in expansive landscaped gardens. It offers a one whistle stop tour through 300 years of Cape history from the rich ornate décor of the public areas, swathed in history, to the rooms and relaxed outdoor spaces splashed with colour and bold design.

Alphen Hotel lies in the heart of the Constantia Valley only 25-30 minutes from Cape Town's city centre yet within 10 minutes drive of a number of top wine estates and restaurants. The Alphen is not your conventional five star hotel - a playful twist has been added to the contemporary decor whilst preserving its Cape Dutch heritage and style.

Accommodation

There are 19 avant-garde luxury suites ranging from Cool Suites to the Amazing Suites to Stunning Suites (..yes, I know...) All are very spacious with the Amazing and Stunning suites having either a separate sitting room, or his and hers bathrooms or terraces overlooking the gardens. All the well-appointed suites have 24 hour room service, opulent bathrooms with bath and separate rain shower, multi-media entertainment systems, complimentary wifi, expresso coffee machines, king size extra length beds and international plug points.

There's a choice of dining experiences on offer at the Alphen. The Five Rooms restaurant is in the old manor house in a series of convivial traditional rooms. With its dark rich colours, dramatic decor and antiques, Five Rooms offers a warm atmosphere for evening dining with cosmopolitan cuisine on the menu. The Rose Bar and terrace overlooks the swimming pool and 11 acres of gardens and is a perfect place for drinks or a light meal. La Belle Cafe is their deli and setting for their sumptuous breakfasts taken inside or outside on the terrace. Ideal for an easy relaxed lunch as well.

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Good Food & Wine
  • Wine Tasting
  • Garden
  • Swimming pool
  • Romantic
  • Beautiful Landscapes

The Alphen Boutique Hotel on the map

Rooms

Classic Suites

Situated in the Dower house, these spacious bedrooms with generous en-suite bathrooms come complete with bathtub and luxe rain shower, certain to leave you wanting for nothing. Enjoy luxury redefined with these spacious bedrooms, complete with seating areas and en-suite bathrooms which include both a rain shower, as well as a large bath.

Superior Suites

These spacious rooms are complete with seating areas or separate lounges and en-suite bathrooms with both rain showers & large baths. Selected suites boast separate ‘His & Her’ bathrooms.

Deluxe Suites

Deluxe rooms include patios with views and access to the surrounding gardens, or private terrace areas, and en-suite bathrooms with both a rain shower & large bath.

Relaxed holiday vibe at the Alphen

The Alphen's exterior - a lovely 17th century Cape Dutch homestead and National Monument - belies its up to date interior styling. This hotel stands out for me for the stark juxtaposition of the old and the new in both its public spaces and its rooms. “ A little eccentric, some what Bohemian, rather ecletic and casually elegant” is what the hotel says and I think that’s a good summation of the Alphen Hotel.

It lies in the beautiful Constantia valley of Cape Town,  by 11 acres of gardens with a pool, water features and centuries old oak trees. Overlooking the gardens is the Rose Bar, a vibey outdoor garden bar perfect for summer evening cocktails and drinks.

The Five Rooms restaurant is in the original Manor House at the Alphen Hotel . As you would imagine, the restaurant comprises a series of five rooms with dark rich colours, winter log fires, dramatic décor, antiques & paintings adorning the walls. However this traditional setting is nicely off set by the stylish modern bar and the terrace outside for summer dining. It was a bit too cold for evening dining when I was there in June.

The Alphen Hotel offers a range of rooms and suites ranging from Cool Suites, to Amazing Suites to Stunning Suites. All suites are very different in shape and décor but all share the same fresh, colourful décor of broadly white with splashes of blue, red or purple – no subdued soft neutral tones here if that’s what you are after!

All in all, a great new addition to the slightly sleepy Constantia valley which is being enthusiatically supported by the locals so that the restaurants and bars are always full of life even on a cold winter’s evening. Recommended!

Cedarberg : Kate Bergh