LOCATION
The Cullinan - Tsogo Sun's flagship property in the Western Cape - overlooks the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town's CBD and is just 20 minutes from the airport and a stone's throw from Long and Bree streets.
ROOMS
The hotel has 396 rooms. Since 2012 they have converted 26 of the rooms into 18 suites - which is where we stayed. Each room has a sliding door which opens to reveal incredible views of Table Mountain or the harbour.
STYLE
Each area of the hotel has its own unique feel; the sounds of a live piano, flute and saxophone performance fill the lofty public spaces.
If you haven't lost yourself in the Baroque art, you will love the sparkling Riviera-esque poolside that opens to an uninterrupted view of the sky.
The Stella Bar & Café is a Parisian-style hangout which plays with golds, pops of copper and jazzy blues. Drooping head lamps complement the geometric wall prints that are as modern as the hallways.
FACILITIES
Other than free wi-fi, an outdoor heated pool and the six conference rooms, The Cullinan is home to the Tibetan Mangwanani Boutique Spa which offers African-infused full-body and beauty treatments.
The bar is just at the foot of the pool area; we were served breakfast at The Peach Tree Restaurant above it. Facing this dining area in a quiet corner of the hotel is The Cellar, home to The Cullinan's wine collection of over 2,500 unique bottles.SERVICE
The Cullinan has the excellent service of a top hotel in Paris and the comfort of your mom's home. Our suites had butler service which meant they were tended to from sunset to sunrise. 
THE FOOD
The Stella Bar & Café's seasonal menu ensures regular visitors won't get bored by the fare on offer.
During our trip, executive chef Lindsay Venn prepared a special four-course dinner. We started with an amuse bouche: a fresh pea veloute paired with a crunchy Parmesan crisp. The first course was a succulent sugar-seared tuna with curried cauliflower and marinated exotic mushrooms topped off with truffle dust. The main course was a hearty lamb shank served with crushedgarlic and baby potato mash. For dessert, we were spoiled with a decadent chocolate tart with the frothiest honeycomb ice cream.
BEST TIME TO GO
The Cullinan has proven itself a destination for all seasons. While summer vacations will find you at Camps Bay beach, the hotel opens for poolside weddings.
The hotel also avoids being branded "bourgeois" by inviting locals to affordable experiences such as Stella Sessions and their Sunday lunches. The Stella Sessions are a summer attraction from 5-7pm, during which you can enjoy bottomless bubbly for R195 per person. The Sunday lunches - also R195 per person - offer an affordable weekend treat during the chilly winters.
RATES
The standard rate per night at The Cullinan is R2,255 per room per night. The rate drops to R1,895 if you opt for the Cape Town Explorer package. Parking is R50 per night.
BOOKING
Call 021-415-4000 or e-mail sscullinan.reservations@tsogosun.com
• Ntwasa was a guest of The Cullinan...