The Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia has been on my “staycation” bucket list for quite a while. I think the main draw for me is the old world, glamorous style of the hotel. Many five star hotels are extremely modern, and while I like modern, I have been hankering for something a bit different.
Alphen Boutique Hotel
The Alphen Boutique Hotel, in the heart of the Constantia, offers five-star luxury accommodation in three traditional heritage manor houses. Expansive, lush gardens and the Constantiaberg mountains form the perfect setting for this haven of luxury and tranquillity.
As well as stunning accommodation, the hotel offers on-site dining at Blanko Restuarant and La Belle Bistro & Bakery. There is also the Rose Bar Outdoor Garden Lounge, which is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks or afternoon cocktails. {Please note: The Rose Bar is currently closed for renovations.}
Accommodation
There are nineteen guest suites, all uniquely decorated with glamour, luxury and comfort in mind. While the decor is reminiscent of old-school, “Hollywood Glamour”, the contemporary suites all offer modern amenities.
All the suites have King-size, extra length beds, with percale linen 300 thread count and 100% Egyptian cotton. Each suite also has complimentary WIFI, an espresso machine, tea making facilities, a mini bar, 24-hour room service, a multi-media entertainment system and a docking station.
Guests can choose from three variations of accommodation, either a Classic, Superior or Deluxe Suite.
Classic Suites
The Classic Suites, have a spacious bedroom, seating area, garden views and an en-suite bathroom. Bathrooms have a rain shower and large bath.
Superior Suites
Superior Suites have a spacious bedroom, seating area or separate lounge, garden views and an en-suite bathroom. Some of the Superior Suites, have separate His & Her bathrooms.
Deluxe Suites
Deluxe Suites once again have a spacious bedroom, seating area and an en-suite bathroom. They also have a patio and access to the garden or private terrace.
Our suite was the perfect mix of old-school glamour and contemporary luxury. I particularly loved the pops of red, which gave the space a real sense of drama. The bathroom was opulence at its best, with black tiles, white and chrome fittings and a stunning gold mirror. Unfortunately, because of water restrictions, we were unable to use the standalone bath, but hopefully, we will have an opportunity sometime in the future.
Facilities
The beautiful gardens are a real treat and perfect for a wander around before breakfast. There is also a stunning pool area, the ideal place to spend long summer afternoons.
Eating and Drinking
As I mentioned, the hotel has two restaurants namely Blanko Restuarant and La Belle Bistro & Bakery. Both have stylish interior seating, as well as gorgeous terrace seating, perfect for warm sunny days and balmy Cape Town nights.
Blanko
“Blanko Restaurant boasts an all-white gallery-style interior. The decor is light and bright, with Italian marble tables and textures of leather, wood and glass. Lighting is soft and ambient, further enhancing the radiance of the space.” – Inspired Living
You may recall a previous write-up I did when the restaurant first opened if not pop over and have a read – Contemporary Italian Dining at Blanko Restaurant.
During our stay at the Alphen, we had dinner at Blanko, which both Grant and I loved. We decided not to have starters and just mains and a dessert. Grant ordered the Grilled Seabass, which was fantastic and I could not resist the slowed Braised Lamb Shank. Dessert was a no-brainer, we both decided to have the Tiramisu, which was every bit as good as it was the last time!
La Belle Bistro & Bakery
La Belle is a more relaxed affair than Blanko but the food is equally as tasty, and they make the most decadent sweet treats. For lunch, we ordered room service, and both had a Toasted Chicken Sandwich, from La Belle, and it was divine. La Belle is also the hotel’s breakfast venue. Alternatively, you can order breakfast to be delivered to your suite.
The Rose Bar
If you are looking for the perfect venue for sundowners or pre-dinner drinks and nibbles the Rose Bar is your spot. Overlooking the lush gardens, sipping a cocktail – it does not get better than that! They serve bar snacks and have an extensive drinks menu. {Please note: The Rose Bar is closed for renovations until the 31st October 2017}
General Thoughts
The Alphen Boutique Hotel lived up to and exceeded our expectations. Service standards are extremely high, and we found the staff friendly, professional and willing to go the extra mile. Accommodation is luxurious without being pretentious or over the top, and the bed was super comfy. As far as location goes, it is ideal if you would like to explore more of the Constantia Valley and more especially the Constantia Wine Route. We would stay there again in a heart beat.
Contact Details and Location
Tel. +27 (0) 21 795 6300 or E-mail. Location: Alphen Drive, Constantia, 7806, Cape Town, South Africa, GPS: 34° 0’46.55″S 18° 27’3.06″E.
Images: Blanko & La Belle Images supplied. ©2010 – 2017 Inspired Living and Fiona Rossiter. {Please do not use any images featured on this website without written consent from the copyright holder and owner}
Disclosure
We enjoyed complimentary accommodation and meals as guests of the Alphen Boutique Hotel, for review purposes. Copyrights: All opinions, content, and images are the property of ©Inspired Living or ©Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. Please do not duplicate content in any way without consent from the copyright holder and owner of Inspired Living. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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