Issue 15

The Hilton – when you hear the name, you automatically expect a level of comfort, service excellence and outstanding food. And the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Woodstock in Cape Town, South Africa doesn't disappoint.

I check in on a glorious day in Cape Town and I am immediately welcomed by their delicious and gigantic signature chocolate cookie. The triple volume lobby is fantastic and looks like something out of Liberace's boudoir. The shocking pink velvet chairs, the high back golden chairs, the chandeliers, the mirrors and the play with colors and textures - everything is bling, modern, luxurious…

The staff are super friendly and professional and I am shown to my room with a majestic view of Devils Peak. The rooms on the other side of the corridor face the beautiful Cape Town harbor and the ocean beyond. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cape Town is located at Upper Eastside Woodstock and offers easy access to the vibrant downtown area and the central business district with regular complimentary shuttles from the hotel to the world famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where you can shop till you drop. From here there are also a myriad transport options to explore the surrounding magic of Cape Town. Cape Town International Airport is just 15 minutes away. Even though the area immediately surrounding the hotel is a tad drab, this is the part of Cape Town earmarked for renewal and gentrification.

My room is furnished and decorated in a contemporary style and very luxurious with an enormous bed and bath situated in the middle of the bedroom. There is also a huge walk-in shower, multiple channel 37-inch LCDTVsetas well as wifi and gorgeous bath and shower products.

Other features include air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities and a safe. Other accommodation options include double volume suites with their own kitchens and lounges.

After a hectic day at my conference I enjoy one of the best nights' sleep I have had in years that night.

The following morning a delicious breakfast awaits, both hot and cold and the array of options are very pleasing indeed. I meet the lovely Caroline and she shows me around this beautiful hotel, explaining that because of the Hilton name, their proximity to the city, their reasonable rates and good service and food, business is booming.

And talking about the food, the DoubleTree Hilton offers a culinary feast. We are invited for dinner that evening in the glamorous Liberty's restaurant and it proves to be a phenomenal experience – I'm not exaggerating. The ambience of the restaurant is New York chic replete with candles to soften the atmosphere. The focus is on fusion dishes and the menu changes every two weeks or so. On this evening I choose the fragrant duck spring rolls, recommended by our stellar waiter Sam. This is accompanied by a Noble Hill Shiraz for me and glass of Painted Hill pinotage for my partner. The wine list is top shelf and includes relatively unknown gems like Joostenberg organic Shiraz, Anura Reserve merlot and Warwick cabernet Sauvignon, a better known wine of course. The spring rolls are beautifully fragrant without being overpowering and my partner chooses the east coast mussels in a classic white wine, cream and garlic sauce. I have to remind him of his table manners when he slurps the last remnants of the amazing sauce. The dish is also available in a Thai option. Barbeque pork belly, peri peri duck livers and tapas chorizo and feta stuffed calamari tubes are other delicious starters on offer. Next I opt for the tataki seared salmon with pak choi, ginger and sprout salad with orange and sesame reduction. The salmon melts in the mouth and taste all the nuances of the ocean while the ginger and orange balances the dish perfectly. My partner chooses the venison and grunts of delight indicate his approval. There is also a choice of pastas as well as exceptionally original chicken, seafood and meat dishes. They all look mouth-watering. For dessert I have an out-of-this world tiramisu and my partner goes for the deadly culinary concoction they call Mexican spiced coffee tequila Crème Brule.

The DoubleTree Hilton is not a hotel stay – it is an experience that will remain with you long after you've gone. It is a place you would simply have to return to.

Double Tree Hilton, Woodstock, Cape Town – Photo: courtesy of DoubleTree Hilton

Highlights

· Complimentary 10 minute shuttle ride to the famous V&A Waterfront

· 15 minutes from Cape Town International Airport

· Nine versatile conference and banquet venues for up to 350 guests

· Complimentary fitness centeron-site

· Liberty's Restaurant serving fusion cuisine and traditional favorites

GettingThere:

There are no direct flights from China to Cape Town yet but carriers like Cathay Pacific fly into Johannesburg every day. From there you have the options of three low-cost local carriers to Cape Town.

Contact:

Go tohttp://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/index.html