Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! is an epitome of class in a hitherto less-frequented corner of the Cape Town CBD

Nestled among a cluster of last-century architecture, the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! is, by a long mile, worlds apart from its forlorn-looking neighbours, which you soon discover as you step into its airy and spacious reception area. The ambience points to one certainty: no expense was spared in making your stay at this inner-city hotel a collection of wonderful memories to treasure.

Its interior is every traveller’s dream of opulence laced with good taste. The decor is exquisite in its immaculate colours, which set your mind at ease as you check in.

If you are booked into the hotel’s executive suites, you will pat yourself on the back for your sense of discovery, as you come face to face with this gem’s closely guarded secret.

Serenity best describes the location of its suites. Tucked away at the quieter end of the 189-room hotel, complete with private entrance, the suites are truly home away from home. The double-storey bedroom, shower and bathroom on the upper floor – with lounge and recreational area below – are tastefully furnished and painstakingly decked out in homely furnishings, offering discernible business or leisure travellers an ideal space for work and relaxation.

You come and go unnoticed – right until departure day!

Very few hotels offer this level of privacy to guests booked in suites. This feature makes the hotel such a unique experience and great value for money.

Inside, the suite’s lounge is a grand affair, which is stylishly elaborate but comely. The suite comes complete with a mini fridge, microwave and kitchen utensils; every detail has been seen to for a comfortable, relaxing stay.

All the rooms boast a range of features including an extra-length king-size bed or two single beds, Bose alarm clock radio, and an executive desk with international electrical points.

You have access to free limited wireless Internet, LCD flat-screen television, tea/coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, telephone, laptop-friendly safe with charger, complemented by friendly room service around the clock.

Nothing beats location, location, location – as property experts will exhort. The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! is ideally situated a heartbeat away from Cape Town’s recreational hub of Long Street.

The dining experience is as lavish as it is an exercise in top-notch culinary indulgence. A sumptuous executive cuisine is laid out for dinner and lunch daily, with breakfast equally appetising.

A visit to the well-stocked bar sums up your entire experience: smiles are an all-weather feature here, as the bartender concocts your favourite cocktail.

The weekend sojourn at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! in Cape Town went by so rapidly, I had not realised it was time to check out!

David Mwanambuyu