The Grand Daddy Hotel Cape Town

Long Street is the bustling centre of Cape Town’s city centre and is crammed with restaurants, coffee shops, African art shops, galleries and bars. Sitting exactly half way up this street is the fantastic Grand Daddy Hotel owned and managed by Jaci and Jan van Heteren who also own Jaci’s Lodges – our partner property in Madikwe.

Built in 1895 as the Hotel Metropole the hotel is spread over five floors which were quite an architectural feat in those days by all accounts. On the ground floor you will find the restaurant and reception which hosts a “meet the team” drinks event every day in the late afternoon where guests and staff meet and mingle. The restaurant does great food throughout the day and the rooftop bar is a fun place to end the day – up and away from the sounds below.

The hotel has different rooms ranging from standard rooms up to luxury suites but the really unique accommodation is right at the top – the Airstream Trailer Rooftop Park. A few years ago several well preserved silver Airstream trailers were hoisted onto the roof and decorated internally by renowned Cape Town artists. They are rather cosy, to say the least, but an amazing and unique experience. All of the rooms overlooking Long Street below have excellent soundproofing so you can enjoy a good nights sleep while the city carries on below you.

The location of the Grand Daddy is the real draw card. The city centre is great to explore on foot and there are at least a dozen excellent restaurants within minutes. Right across the road is the “Hop on Hop off” bus service that is a super way to see the city in one go. All off the properties owned and managed by Jaci and Jan have a common feel of familial inclusivity and here it’s the same. The staff are great, the design bold and fun and the rooms comfortable and relaxed … and not out to break the budget!