LOCATION
In a quiet side street at the south end of Sea Point, close enough to Marine Drive and the promenade to walk there yet out of the hustle and noise of Sea Point itself. The sound of mewing seagulls and the smell of the sea confirm that you're in the right place.
STYLE
It's hard to believe but The President Hotel was opened almost 20 years ago - by Nelson Mandela - on June 3 1998. It has an appealing modernist exterior but all the rooms have been recently refurbished - or are about to be - to bring the interior up to date.
We stayed in one of the one-bedroom apartments so we had plenty of space, but all the rooms have that lovely light and airy feel, with sliding panoramic windows (the views from the higher floors offer tantalising glimpses of the sea) and wooden floors. The effect is cool, modern, uncluttered living.
SERVICE
Casual but in a good way. I didn't feel like anyone was sucking up to me because I loathe being fawned over. The only problem I had - the wifi - was resolved with a disarming smile.THE EATING
We dined at The Islands restaurant, the hotel's main offering - although you can also eat on the pool deck or at The Botany Cafe. We were just in time for the last days of the winter menu which we fell upon most happily: Thai fish croquettes, braised shoulder of lamb, chicken supreme with rosti ... food more simple than it sounds but doing simple food properly is a trick. The chefs get it so right, it would be worth going to The President just for lunch and supper.
ACTIVITIES
The hotel gazes down on its centrepiece - a vast pool surrounded by a sundeck littered with loungers, where you can slurp cocktails and bask like a cat in the sun. All the attractions of Sea Point - especially the promenade - are right on your doorstep.
BEST TIME TO GO
You will get the best deals in winter but summer is magnificent. This part of the city, at the very edge of Bantry Bay, is sheltered by Signal Hill and Lion's Head from the southeasters that blow everybody else away, so it's the place to be on those hem-snapping days.FACILITIES
There is a small spa, curio shop, a salon and nail bar. The hotel is proud of its fast wifi (available at reception), which, once I had solved my own operator-error issues, was rapid indeed.
RATES
Online booking rates are currently from R1,453 per room per night until mid-September to R,2023 later in the month. From October, it's R3,210. See presidenthotel.co.za.
• Ash was a guest of The President Hotel...