i lately looked at the newly reopened Alphen Hotel, a phenomenal 17th century Cape Dutch homestead and National Monument, that is located within the beautiful Constantia valley of Cape Town. However what makes this hotel sticks out for me is the stark juxtaposition of the old and the brand new in both its public spaces and its rooms. “ a bit eccentric, some what Bohemian, rather ecletic and casually elegant” is what the hotel says and that i think that’s an even summation of the Alphen Hotel.

It is surrounded by 11 acres of gardens with a pool, water features and centuries old oak trees. Overlooking the gardens is the Rose Bar, a vibey outdoor garden bar perfect for summer evening cocktails and drinks.

The Five Rooms restaurant is within the original Manor House on the Alphen Hotel . As you’ll imagine, the restaurant comprises a sequence of 5 rooms with dark rich colours, winter log fires, dramatic décor, antiques & paintings adorning the walls. However this traditional setting is nicely off set by the fashionable modern bar and the terrace outside for summer dining.  It was a piece too cold for evening dining once I was there in June.

The Alphen Hotel offers more than a few rooms and suites starting from Cool Suites, to Amazing Suites to Stunning Suites. All suites are very different healthy and décor but all share the similar fresh, colourful décor of broadly white with splashes of blue, red or purple – no subdued soft neutral tones here if that is what you’re after!

All in all, an awesome new addition to the sleepy Constantia valley that is being enthusiatically supported by the locals in order that the restaurants and bars are always energetic even on a chilly winter’s evening. Recommended!