Sometimes when I read glowing reviews, there's this thought at the back of my mind - can (whatever) really be that good?

Well, Derwent House lives up to everything you could read about in previous reviews - which is a great testament to its commitment in keeping up its high standards!

This was our first trip to South Africa, and Derwent House was our first port of call. It was wonderful stepping into this boutique hotel - so peaceful, fantastically clean and beautifully appointed. It's location just off Kloof Street was convenient, and the neighbourhood felt quiet and safe (for walking around, and near to restaurants and supermarkets). The breakfasts were as yummy as previously advertised, and we really enjoyed the fast (and free) internet access via laptop.

While the check-in could have been more organized (we did arrive very early about 8am, and, with our luggage sprawled rather inelegantly in the corridor and living room, had to wait for Carol and Jo to come in an hour later to confirm the time of check-in), we were pleasantly surprised to have coffee and even breakfast offered to us while we were waiting!

Zeelee (sorry about the spelling) the night "go-to-guy" was cheerful and helpful, and of course Jo and Carol's service was fantastic. They helped us call for taxis, booked the township tour, and even came up with a map of the Garden Route for me when I was panicking and map-less! (thanks very much!)

Finally, about our room, or rather apartment. We stayed in "room" 9, which was a cosy self-catering apartment with daily room service and breakfast included in the room price. The kitchenette was well-
equipped, and the sofabed in the living area was certainly big enough for a full-size adult. Also have to say I really liked the heated rails in the bathroom, very handy for drying our towels and a few 'other things' (though i'm not sure if they're really meant for the latter purpose, don't quote me!) The apartment felt like a little home away from home, and seeing how difficult is to find triple-sharing in South Africa, it's really good value for 3 persons to stay in!

I will definitely recommend this hotel to anybody who asks, and even to those who haven't!

Before we arrived I was already impressed with Derwent House, as the email contact I had with Carol, one of the proprietors, in relation to our booking had been efficient, friendly and very helpful.
We arrived to a friendly welcome and were shown around the stunning property. Our bedroom was lovely, fresh, clean and stylish. We had a terrace with a fabulous view to Table Mountain. The living room areas are gorgeous, the guest kitchen/honesty bar facility lovely - great idea! - and stunning pool area.
During our stay all staff were lovely, helpful and friendly.
Our only niggle would be that the noise travelled up the stair - we were in room 1 which is on the first floor above the reception/lounge areas and with the open plan layout noise travelled up, meaning we heard someone depart very early one morning and you could hear people coming back late in the evening, but it was not enough to really spoil our visit.
Good location, near cool Kloof street which is full of shops, bars, restaurants.
Carol and Jo have a passion for the city so have great knowledge and suggestions of where to go and what to do and are more than happy spending time helping you with your plans.

I have never written a review on Trip Advisor, but feel compelled to do so for the simple fact that our stay at the Derwent House was faultless.

My partner and I have stayed at grander, hipper places, but in terms of value for money, I would be happy with the beautifully designed rooms, stylish swimming pool and the delicious breakfasts here, at twice the price.

It is ultimately the attention to detail and enthusiasm of the owners Carol and Jo, however, that makes the Derwent truly outstanding - and ultimately more memorable than those grander, hipper places . We had our six month baby with us on the trip - a daunting prospect. Everything was made easy for us though from the fabulously luxurious travel cot to the personally vetted babysitters. Our room was remote, and had a kitchenette and sitting room which meant we could relax without worrying about preparing milk, or disturbing other guests. All of Carols' restaurant recommendations were terrific, and without fail, she managed to get us reservations, at short notice, at the most sought after of places.

We enjoyed our stay so much that we decided to return a month later, as a "last hurrah" at the end of our month long trip in South Africa. If anything, Jo and Carol, exceeded our expectations and even won the appreciation of my famously critical mother.

If you're in Cape Town, don't think about staying anywhere else.

This hotel is truly wonderful. It is beautifully decorated, with all of the amenities one could desire, but small enough to basically feel at home. The staff and owners (Jo and Carol) were very gracious hosts, and we could not have been happier with our stay! What impressed us even more than the beauty and design of the hotel was the environmental and social consciousness of Jo and Carol, which showed in everything they did - from the way they treated both their guests and staff to their choices in design of the hotel itself. We highly recommend this hotel!