Recently on business in Cape Town, South Africa and so being a SPG Platinum member decided on staying at the Sheraton Arabella. What a terrific property! It is located only about 10 minutes walk from the downtown area and another 10 minutes walk from the property to the waterfront. There are lots of restaurants and stores within a few minutes walk as well.

At check-in, I was upgraded to a corner suite. Once the 5-minute check-in process was completed (I didn't have to push the Suite upgrade at all -- definitely use the Towers concierge if you have SPG elite stats), the concierge escorted me to my room. Waiting for me was a beautiful welcome gift with some fruit, wine and a keychain. I've only had this done at Asian properties before. It definitely made me feel special. The hotel's design is modern and chic, with wood accents and artistic lighting, from the televisions in the hotel to the frosted glass doors on the Preferred floors. My room had a TV and DVD player. The amenities in the bathroom were Molton Brown, and even the floor was heated (I gotta get this at home!). My room had views overlooking the city and Table Mountain.

The perks at the hotel are outstanding, including free internet if you get a voucher frmo the front desk, complimentary access to the hotel BMW and driver (within a 5-6 km radius of the property), and limo transfer to the airport. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the waterfront a couple times per hour, and the concierge seemed very knowledgable about tours in the area. Since I'm planning to come back here with my wife in a few months, she gave me lots of advice on what to see and what tours to book.

The executive "Towers Lounge" had a great buffet spread at breakfast and included food from a little bit all over, like cold cuts, fresh fruit, cereals and juices, and hot items (I was not able to see it during other times, like for drinks and hors d'oeuvres in the evenings) and fantastic views. You also have the option to order off of a menu, something I haven't seen at other Starwood lounges. But I went for the buffet options every day. There was usually just me and a couple other people in the lounge at any given time. The property did not seem overrun with people during my stay. Likewise, the fitness center on the 19th floor was usually empty but no less equipped. There is a whole host of amenities there including a sauna, pool and steam room. I did not get any treatments at the spa.

I cannot say enough about the high quality of the staff. From the bellmen to the concierge to the even the housekeeping staff, everyone went above and beyond. The managers went out of their way to introduce themselves to me and make sure that I was taken care of at every chance.

This is one of the best Starwood properties in the world, in my opinion, and the staff here have much to teach about treating guests. Marvelous.

Review by marathonrunner.

Posted at October 1, 2006 6:26 PM