‘Hip’ is a word easily thrown around. Fortunately for the Hippo Boutique Hotel, ‘hip’ is a word they manage to hold down. Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s Kloof Street, this place oozes trendiness, a touch of suave and a complete sense of ease.

Café Street Culture

Kloof Street is also known as the home of café street culture. A busy street without being overwhelming, it has many coffee shops and restaurants. The hotel is just around the corner from the Lifestyle Centre, which hosts a bookshop, boutique shops and cinema. On the first floor is the Wellness Warehouse with its spread of spa treatments. 

The staff and management pride themselves on giving hospitality that keeps you connected to the world, the way you are used to it.

Crest Property Solutions

Crest Property Solutions started this popular hotel in July 2004. It has twenty rooms, all with modern fittings, classic creative décor and warm colours. Each room is spacious with air-conditioning, king-size beds, fully equipped kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. Refined touches include the cherry wood floor, whitewashed ceiling, fine cotton linen, leather couches and handcrafted headboards.

Just to make sure that you are still in touch with the world, each room has a home entertainment centre, which includes a wall-mounted plasma television set, satellite TV, DVD player and music system. There is also free 24-hour internet access, but if you have your own laptop then there is wireless connection.

A nice touch are the new executive-level lofts, which each have a kitchenette, lounge and a bedroom upstairs. Plans are underway to create up to twenty units.

Contemporary Design

The design is contemporary, but upmarket. The façade on the old building has remained the same without spoiling the minimalist, urban feel of the hotel. In keeping with the arty feel, the reception area is decorated minimally. On display are black and white portraits by former supermodel, now prominent photographer, Josie Borain. There are often exhibits of her work at the hotel.

Although the Hippo Hotel does not have a kitchen itself, there are three restaurants attached to it. There is Greens for fresh and contemporary food and cocktails, Simply Asia for the exotic taste of Thai food and Five Park Road, which offers traditional meals with a twist. All three restaurants are situated on the street level and offer creative flair and ambience. For more private dining, the restaurants also do room service and expenses can be signed to your room account.

Central Location

The convenient location of the hotel means you are within driving distance from some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches in Camps Bay. You are also able to find your way easily onto Cape Town’s two major roads, one of which leads to the world famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for an amazing shopping experience. On the other hand, if complete R & R is what you are looking for, then order a café latte, perch on the balcony and watch life as it goes by.