Cape Town, South AfricaCity Centre
Taj Cape Town, South Africa
Restored banking landmark
City Centre Cape Town, South Africa
Opened
2010
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage WellnessOutside the door
The house
TajRestored banking landmark
South Africa's former central bank brings civic stature to Wale Street, centering stays around a soaring, chandelier-hung hall.
“Seamlessly blending Old World Indian charm with modern South African luxury, Taj Cape Town is a city-center stay teeming with sophistication.”
What it’s good at
Notable
The 1932 Reserve Bank banking hall preserves fluted Portuguese Skyros marble columns.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
This former bank building retains its classic facade, while a new tower addition extends its capacity several stories upward.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Pedestrianized St. George's Mall runs right outside, and the leafy Company's Garden sits just across Wale Street.
The rooms
Tower rooms take in Table Mountain from private balconies, while Heritage wing quarters feature original high ceilings.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and pool
Couples treatment suites hold deep soaking tubs, beside a 15-metre heated lap pool lined with timber decking.
At the table
Bombay Brasserie serves Indian fine dining under crystal chandeliers, and Mint cooks over wood fires where coins were once minted.
The Taj occupies two restored landmark buildings on the lower floors, of which the central hub is the former South African Reserve Bank’s marble-columned main hall
How it began
Architect James Morris modeled the facade on Florence's Palazzo Pitti, consulting the Royal Astronomer to angle sunlight into the banking hall.
“Located in two historic buildings and a contemporary addition, the hotel is in the heart of the city’s historic center, adjacent to St. George’s Cathedral.”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.