The Three Boutique Hotel

The Three Boutique Hotel is a charming mix of old and new in the leafy Orangezicht area of Cape Town. A beautiful old Cape homestead - a National Monument building - has been converted into a stylish and well-priced boutique hotel in the trendy City Bowl, within easy walking distance of several restaurants and only 5 mins drive to the city centre.

The Three fills the gap between a too-homely guest house and an impersonal hotel; it's exactly the right balance of stylish decor, 4-star facilities and friendly service. There are 15 modern rooms, which almost belie their period architecture, decorated in soft contemporary style in white and soft grey tones. Each spacious room is slightly different and has complimentary wifi, king-size beds, flatscreen satellite TV, telephone, air-conditioning/heating, tea/coffee facilities, robes and en suite bathrooms, mostly with walk-in showers, some with bath as well.

There's also a slightly larger studio suite which is ideal for a family with one or two children. Some of the luxury rooms can also take an extra bed for a child or third adult.

A columned terrace tiled in traditional black and white wraps around the house leading to the swimming pool and outdoor sitting area. The rooftop deck adds another dimension for sunbathing and sunset drinks, with unparalleled views of Cape Town's three iconic mountains; Table Mountain, Lions Head and Devil's Peak, (after which The Three is named.) Inside there's a sitting area/bar with an honesty system and breakfast room.

Owned and run by Justin & Natalia Pearson and their friends Alun & Julie Jones, the service is personal and friendly with the hotel driver available for transfers to the airport, Waterfront or local restaurants, as well as personalized touring. We loved the fact that you could also easily walk to several good local restaurants as well as to the charming Gardens shopping area, only 3 mins walk away.