Radisson Red

We would give a higher review if it wasn't for these points. Booked our stay through the Radisson website eight months before our scheduled stay in February. In the days just prior to traveling from Canada to South Africa we received an email asking for payment upfront. This seemed odd as we had not booked a pre paid rate, and had secured the booking with a credit card number as is normal. Concerned that it could be a scam we contacted the hotel by phone and found out that we were NOT required to pay before our stay but as they were expecting the period of our stay to be very busy they were asking, as a means of confirming our stay, that people pay upfront. While not enthusiastic about this we did agree to pay upfront. The secure link that they provided was denied by my credit card so I had to spend considerable time on hold to talk the the fraud department to approve the payment, this is not the kind of stuff you need to deal with when your getting everything ready for a massive trip. Just when we thought all was square, the Hotel contacted us to say that they processed the payment incorrectly therefore we had underpaid and we could pay the difference when we checked in. I've never had anything like this happen at any hotel in the world, and clearly it isn't normal in South Africa as no other hotel requested up front payment. Arriving early in the morning, Feb 27th, we did not expect to be able to check in (it was around 9:00 am). Hotel held our bags for the day and we set out to explore the area. Feeling jet lagged and desperate for a shower we did return early, just before 2:00 in hopes we could check in an hour early. No such luck, which is fair enough, so we grabbed a drink and sit down in the restaurant. At 3:00 returned to find a bit of commotion at the front desk. When the couple in front of us stepped away looking frustrated we didn't originally think much of it. Then, we realized what was up, none of the rooms were ready. Desperate for at least a place to clean up and change (we had an appointment at 4:00) we tried to come up with a solution, asking for a room to just have a quick shower, or if the pool/gym area had showers we could use. Others were not so willing to come up with a temporary solution with someone else trying to checkin getting very loud and angry. We were asked to wait while staff called housekeeping and checked the rooms. After about 20 minutes we were offered an alternative room, it was much bigger than what we needed (familyroom) but still had the Table Mountain view we had booked. We gratefully accepted and appreciated that in addition to a "thank you for your patience" gift of a bottle of wine, and a few other items. I should mention that there were a lot of airline crew staying at this hotel who were obviously coming and going outside of the standard check in and out times. A rocky start but eventually we got there. Room was lovely, comfortable and clean. Location fantastic. Breakfast buffet was excellent and if you still wanted more you could choose from a good list of hot cooked to order breakfast items. One other thing to note, when load shedding occurs there are some electrical sounds in the room as the hotels generator kicks in, this can be surprising the first night, but we didn't notice it thereafter. It's a shame we had such a rocky start with this hotel, it would have been a five star review, as everything was great once we got past check in. Read less

Service was extremely friendly, helpful and speedy. Check-in process very smooth and they gave us gin & tonics on arrival! Luggage came very quickly to the room and the room had great view of Table Mountain. Excellent location in easy walking distance of all the shops and restaurants on the waterfront. Definitely a fun and hip vibe in the hotel and very good price for the location and service. Read less

What a great place to say. It's fun and funky, the rooms are large and if you manage to stay on the higher levels, facing Table Mountain or Signal Hill, you wake to a glorious view every morning. It has all services and a roof top bar and pool. The staff were so helpful and friendly and nothing was a problem for them. The little things certainly count e.g. we received a free Gin and Tonic or soft drink (soda) on arrival, there was a buffet and a la carte breakfast with gluten-free options with their own prep areas (very important to those diagnosed with coeliac disease), there is a lolly area at reception, that you can help yourself to, free wi-fi and an extra bonus is it very close to the Waterfront's restaurants, Robben Island Museum and Ferry, great shopping malls and art markets, Hop-on Hop off stop 2 is at the door etc. Read less