The Constantia: Our full report

A country-style five-star boutique hotel, The Constantia (more formerly known as The Last Word Constantia) ...

... is set in the fertile Constantia Valley – the Cape’s oldest wine region – approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cape Town. This area boasts many excellent restaurants, and five world-class wine estates: Buitenverwachtig, Constantia Uitsig, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenburg.

The Constantia has nine elegant rooms and suites: four Superior double rooms (40m²/54m²), two Pool suites (70m²), two elegant suites (95m²), and one Premier suite (95m²), the latter accommodating families. While they vary in size, design, layout, colour scheme and soft furnishing, all have a small private patio and the same facilities. These include under-floor heating, air conditioning, bedside alarm clocks, satellite TVs, an iPod dock, wireless internet connections, in-room telephones, private safes, fresh flowers, and cotton linen. Minibars, tea/coffee and snacks are complimentary.

Central to each room/suite is a large double bed with crisp white linen, and bedside tables with an iPod dock. There is a seating area with a comfy sofa and chairs in muted tones, and coffee table. Behind the bed is a large open-plan bathroom, which can be separated from the bedroom by fold-out wooden louvred panels that come across the full width of the bed. The focal point of each bathroom is a stunning nautical coloured mosaic, which backs the double rain shower. You’ll also find a free-standing bath and twin basins with a full range of toiletries, along with heated towel rails, a hairdryer, velour robes and slippers,.

The Constantia’s main facilities include a large, solar-heated swimming pool with a surrounding deck and loungers, set in manicured gardens, with views of the mountains.

Inside, there’s an extremely comfortable lounge, lit by elegant chandeliers, where afternoon tea is served. Alongside a number of sofas and chairs in cream, pale green and hints of gold are coffee tables with a selection of reference books, current newspapers and magazines.

In the centre of the dining area, a large tree is growing up and through the roof. The lower trunk is enclosed in glass, effectively dividing the space into two, with breakfast served in the light and bright conservatory.

Guests at the Constantia have the option of plenty of activities and attractions to keep them busy, from wine tastings to walking trails. The manager will gladly help to arrange transfers and tours to the area’s highlights for you, and picnic baskets and pampering spa treatments can also be arranged.

As well as producing award-winning wines, the wine estates of the Constantia Valley have excellent restaurants, serving a variety of traditional South African dishes, Mediterranean cuisine, and exotic continental menus – a real treat for gourmets and oenophiles.

Other highlights of the area include the chic Constantia Mall, three championship golf courses, and of course the attractions of Cape Town and the Cape as a whole. Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront are just 20 minutes’ drive from the Constantia, while Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a mere 10 minutes away; even the drive to Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands takes only 40 minutes. Self-drivers can make use of the hotel’s secure parking area.

Our view

For those seeking a luxurious hotel close to Cape Town’s centre and its attractions, but outside the hustle and bustle of the city, the Constantia is ideal. The atmosphere is smart, but friendly and relaxed. It offers comfortable accommodation in lush, mountainous surroundings, with a good choice of fine restaurants and excellent South African wine estates nearby.

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Geographics

Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Ideal length of stay: 3–6 nights, depending on the length of time you have for your whole trip; Cape Town has an enormous amount of things to see and do!
Directions: The Last Word Constantia is just 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town and about the same from the airport.
Accessible by: Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: The extensive buffet breakfast will probably give you enough sustenance to last you through to teatime; there is a huge choice! On our last stay in 2014 there were various cereals, a couple of fruit salads (papaya, kiwi and pineapple, and a second of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries), fresh croissants and other pastries, a cheese and a meat platter and a range of breads. Guests may also choose form a variety of hot dishes: a full English breakfast, eggs Benedict (with either ham, bacon or smoked salmon muffins, topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce), scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, omelettes with various fillings, mushrooms on toast….the list goes on. A sumptuous feast to start the day.

The Constantia also offers afternoon tea with a small selection of cakes.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (or with advance notice), they offer a three-course evening meal, which costs approximately R550 (£32). Guests could alternatively dine at the adjacent Peddlars & Co bar/restaurant, a very relaxed venue that is perfect for a low-key meal with a lively atmosphere.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Breakfast can be brought to your room on request.
Drinks included: Yes, drinks are included at the Constantia, including premium brands and bespoke wines.

Special interests

Honeymoons: The Constantia, not far from Cape Town’s centre, is a luxurious boutique hotel for your honeymoon to South Africa. With five world-class wine estates and many great restaurants nearby, you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to indulge in your next romantic meal!; See ideas for Honeymoons in South Africa
Luxury: The Constantia provides the perfect luxury escape from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. It is truly a place of indulgence offering champagne breakfasts, sunken swimming pools and magnificent gardens. Thoughtful décor throughout the property illustrate the outstanding attention to detail.; See ideas for Luxury in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at the Constantia.
Property’s age restrictions: None
Special activities & services: They have children's games, books, DVDs and TV as well as Nintendo Wii in selected suites. They also have a kids’ menu on the evenings they serve meals.
Generally recommended for children: Recommended for older children.
Notes: Children over the age of 12 cannot share a room with two adults in the same room (other than in the family room). They will be accommodated in their own room, and charged at full rate.

Communications

Power supply notes: They have a generator as a back up.
Communications: There’s an in-suite telephone and wireless internet connection in every room. There is also cellphone reception throughout.
TV & radio: Each suite at the Constantia has satellite TV and a DVD Player, along with a few DVDs.
Water supply: Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: There are several local doctors, and world-class hospitals in Cape Town.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: The Constantia has 24-hour security and a secure parking area.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located in every room/suite.

Activities

Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Full laundry service is available at an extra charge.
Money: There’s a private digital safe for personal belongings in every suite.
Accepted payment on location: The Constantia accepts all major credit cards (American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa). Payments in cash must be made in South African rand. No foreign currency is accepted, but there is a shopping mall with banks with ATMs only two minutes’ drive away).