Cape Heritage Hotel

Plenty of choices, depending on what you like. Check out this website for updates on exhibitions - www.artthrob.co.za. Here's a list of the ones we like the most:

1. 3rd I Gallery
   95 Upper Waterkant Street, Cape Town
   This small commercial gallery in central Cape Town showcases mainly photography and paintings by young and emerging artists. Some real treasures are to be found here.
2. Association for the Visual arts
   35 Church Street, Cape Town
   The AVA is an important not-for-profit gallery in central Cape Town hosting up to 50 exhibitions a year, with proposals selected by a committee. They usually host three exhibitions at a time and this is where many young contemporary artists make their debut. www.ava.co.za
3. Bell Roberts Art Gallery
   Ground Floor, Fairweather House, 176 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock
   This contemporary gallery has made a great impact on the contemporary art scene in the past two years, soliciting solo exhibitions by trendy young artists. Bell Roberts is also South Africa's foremost art publishing company. www.bell-roberts.com
4. Everard Read Gallery
   3, Portswood Road, V&A Waterfront
   A regional offshoot of the long established Johannesburg gallery, the Everard Read specialises in investment art including wildlife and landscape paintings. www.everard-read-capetown.co.za
5. Blank Projects
   198 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
   Open by appointment only. Be prepared for anything in this interesting gallery, owned by the charismatic and quirky Liza Grobler. www.blankproject.blogspot.com
6. In Fin Art
   Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
   This is the Johans Borman Fine Art Gallery, which features South African old masters and top contemporaries. www.infinart.co.za
7. Picto-Ifas
   11-13 Bree Street, Cape Town
   A photographic gallery run in association with the French Institute of South Africa.
8. Hout Bay Gallery
   71 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay
   Most of the artwork in this hotel has been sourced from this gallery. He has both well-established artists like Richard Scott, and also new and upcoming artists. The owners have a very good eye for new talent. www.houtbaygallery.co.za

All the art in the hotel is for sale and if you are interested in purchasing a piece, please do not hesitate to enquire at reception. We display them in the hotel so that our guests can experience what this country has to offer to the art world.

As these change very often, we recommend that you consult the �TimeOut' magazine which you will find in your room, and look at our current affairs files which you can find in our information lounge. Also feel free to ask any of our staff members who will gladly recommend the best places.

1. Bars
   South Africa has some strange laws concerning the sale of alcohol. A bar, must by law be attached to a hotel, or alternatively be part of a restaurant or caf®! Thus you'll find that many bars are eating establishments.
2. Clubs
   Clubs start �happening' at about 22h00, so it is a good idea to enjoy dinner, go to the bar, have a couple of drinks, and then hit the clubbing scene. Dress code is usually as casual as you wish, although some establishments frown on shorts and sneakers. Admission might be free especially for ladies before 23h00. Please ask staff members as they will be able to assist you. www.noxrentals.co.za/content/capetownnightlife.asp
3. Restaurants
   As in any major city, restaurants change very often. Please check with reception for the ones on top of the list when you are here. Please be advised that in high season you need to make reservations in advance.
   
   The Waterfront has many restaurants and even though there are some good ones, they have a tendency not to put too much effort into what they offer. On Sundays most restaurants are closed in the city bowl, so either arrange to have something to eat at the hotel or go exploring out of the city. We've tried and tested most of them - here's our list of the best eateries [LINK TO RESTAURANTS further down the list] (we're updating it all the time).

1. Long Street Antique Arcade
   127 Long Street: quality, quirky, antique. A fascinating warren of shops for those who like collecting - Weekdays 09h00 to 17h00 and Saturdays 09h00 to 14h00.
2. Greenmarket Square
   This is a vibrant venue, selling a potpourri of art, clothing and crafts. It is a beautiful setting and a fun place to experience - and only a three-minute walk from the hotel.
3. Biscuit Mill Market
   At the old Biscuit Mill in Salt River is a wonderful place to taste local produce, listen to music and shop. This market has a huge variety of different foods. This also includes South Africa's organic produce.
4. Monkeybiz
   Some beaded items around the hotel and in the shop are from Monkeybiz, a �not-for-profit' organisation that gives ladies with HIV the opportunity to work. It also helps them to get health care and provides counselling for their family members. It was started by famous local artists and has made a very successful contribution to society.
5. Montebello
   This is one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets, for those who want to get out of the usual tourist traps. It used to be a farm that was a stopover for travellers going to Muizenberg on horseback. Now you will find a jeweller in the stables, a forge, a nursery, a gallery and several interesting little shops. It also has a very nice garden restaurant and a coffee shop.
6. Hout Bay Market
   This is a pleasant Sunday flea market in leafy Hout Bay. It is also great for kids as they offer face painting, a jumping castle and horse riding. From 10am to 5 pm.
7. Streetwires
   A very good venue on 77 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town, where you can get anything from the functional to the ornamental. This association brings bead workers together to produce a variety of objects from brooches to the life size lion in the hotel's information lounge. Definitely worth a visit, and only a two-minute walk from the hotel.
8. Pan African Market
   In Long Street (near the corner of Shortmarket Street). It is five floors of masks, clothing and other wonderful things. It is acceptable to bargain down the price of items.

www.capetownkids.co.za
Children of all ages are most welcome. We offer child-minding facilities for parents at a small fee and we have a toy box for children to enjoy. There is a children's shop in the square which organises activities for children, so please let us know if you are interested and we will arrange it for you.

There are also a number of activities that you can enjoy together as a family, such as:

1. Boulders Beach
   Just south of Simon's Town, this is one of Cape Town's most famous family beaches. You can also stroll on the walkway and watch the penguins in their natural habitat. www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php#boulders
2. Two Oceans Aquarium
   One of the main attractions at the Waterfront. Try and catch the predator feeding at 3:00pm.
3. Planetarium
   This is just around the corner from the hotel and worth a visit.
4. Butterfly World
   South Africa's biggest free- flying butterfly park is a labyrinth of colours. The butterflies come from as far off as Costa Rica and China. This is a definite �must see'. About an hour's drive on the R44, Klapmuts. It is open till 5pm daily.
5. Scratch Patch
   We have two in Cape Town, one at the Waterfront and the other in Simon's Town. Find as many gems and colourful stones as you can. The one in the Waterfront even has mini-golf.
6. Drakenstein Lion Park
   On Old Paarl Road, near Klapmuts. It is open till 5pm daily. It is not as interactive as a zoo, but it does give children a chance to see these magnificent beasts close up. They have two white lions, which are rare and special.
7. Ratanga Junction
   This is a fantasy fairground for those who like enjoy the excitement of fun rides. By all accounts, kids just love it. They are open from November to May. It is a 20 minute drive from the hotel.
8. World of Birds
   There is an unbelievable variety of birds in this giant aviary (over 130 enclosures!), with more than 3,000 different species on display. There are also some monkeys who are human friendly and enjoy climbing onto you if you get them at the right moment. You walk inside the cages with the birds and monkeys. It is situated in Hout Bay, which is about 25 minutes drive from the hotel.
9. Monkey Town
   Primate centre, Somerset West, on the N2. Here you will find many particularly �badly behaved” primates. A special interactive area allows visitors to touch and hug certain simians. The theme of the park is that the guests walk in cages and the primates are free.
10. Fairy sanctuary
    A fantastic little hideaway and beautifully conceived - you feel as if you are in world of fantasy. The Fairy Sanctuary is found in Swellendam., and although it is a 2 hour drive from here, it is definitely worth it. They are closed from Monday to Thursday (when the fairies are sleeping). With all that sleep, no wonder they are so sweet.
11. POP at Canal Walk
    A big playground where the kids can jump on the jumping castles, drive go-carts, play laser games etc., and is located in one of the biggest shopping malls in Cape Town.
12. Putt-Putt
    Cave Golf at the Waterfront http://www.capetownkids.co.za/index.php
13. City Rock
    This is an indoor climbing centre in Observatory which offers activities for young and older children. www.cityrock.co.za
14. The Old Biscuit Mill
    This charming venu in Woodstock also has a climbing wall in one of the silos, so you can leave your kiddies to have fun monkying around while you browse the market. www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za
15. Clay Cafe
    Decorate and paint clay figures. A few days later, once they have been baked and glazed, you can collect your personally designed item.
16. Spier Cheetah and Birds of Prey sanctuary
    Have a buzzard fly from and land on your hand. Cuddle up with real life cheetahs. They are as docile as oversized housecats; this is an incredible adventure for the whole family. Spier is also a wine farm with a twist: they host concerts, have restaurants, hotel, village, and eco-nursery, etc. In the summer, it is very busy but worth the drive. They are also big on promoting local art and artists. www.spier.co.za

If you are lucky enough to be here at the right time, you might get the opportunity to attend one of Cape Town's special events. We think these deserve special mention:

1. Summer concerts at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardenswww.sanbi.org
   Held on Sunday evening at about 17:30 from December to April, the spectacular setting ensures a memorable evening (even if the music isn't particularly to your taste!) Featuring diverse music across the spectrum, from rock to classical to jazz to traditional African. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance - arrive early for a good patch of grass and bring a rug, a bottle or two of wine and some nibbles. We have a programme guide at reception and can organise picnic baskets for you.
2. North Sea Jazz Festival
   If jazz is your thing, you will love this event, which is held in a weekend in March or April at the Convention Centre. Tickets are available from an agency called Computicket. If you do not want to hang around all weekend in a convention centre, go down Long Street and catch an impromptu party there. The Wednesday before the weekend event, there is a huge free performance and party in Greenmarket Square.
3. Cape Argus Cycle Tour
   Capetonians are a bunch of health freaks. This gruelling race to Cape Point and back attracts thousands of competitors from around the world wearing those funny tight cycling shorts. On this weekend, the whole city shuts down.
4. Mother City Queer Festival
   Extremely decadent, pre-Xmas bash, culminating in a themed costume party in the Convention Centre. All are welcome.
5. Cape Minstrels
   Held on the 3rd of January each year, this tradional Malay band parade is a sight to behold with loud music, colourful costumes and well, it is just something you have to see and experience for yourself.
6. The Big Walk
   An annual event in October or early November. Walk to keep fit, walk to raise money for charity. Up to 30,000 walkers take part. The Discovery Cape Times Big Walk is South Africa's oldest mass participation sporting event and globally it is the second oldest to the Tour de France.

Jewellery by Mischa Fritsch from Sitali Jewellery is on view in the lobby. He will gladly advise you on anything you need to know regarding jewellery. His forte is making exciting one-off pieces, which are unique works of art. He will source and design anything your heart desires. www.sitali.co.za

Prins & Prins are situated on the corner of Loop and Hout Street. They will assist you in understanding the differences in carats, clarity and the cut of diamonds.

We will also happily call Jewel Africa for you, who will gladly collect you from the hotel, advise you on what you want and then drop you off again. There are many jewellers at the Waterfront, but just be wary of their prices.

There are loads of courses where you can spend endless hours playing golf. Most courses do not require a handicap certificate, will hire golf clubs, but can be a little bit pernickety with respect to dress code. Please wear white socks, tailored shorts and a collared T-shirt. Here are some of our favourite courses:

1. Atlantic Beach: 18 holes
   A superb seaside location with a protected nature reserve and a spectacular view of Table Mountain. The biggest problem is that when it's windy you will lose a (large) bucket of balls. It is a 45 minute drive from the hotel. Phone: 021 553 2223.
2. Clovelly: 18 holes
   A charming woodland golf course that meanders along a dune-lined valley. It is a 30 minute drive from the hotel. Phone: 021 782 1118.
3. Erinvale: 18 holes
   A superb course of two moods set in the heart of a real estate development. A scenic hilly, second nine holes complements a flat but challenging first nine holes. It is a 40 minute drive from the hotel. Phone: 021 847 1906.
4. Mowbray: 18 holes
   A championship layout on flat terrain with tree lined fairways and clever water features. It is a 10 minute drive from the hotel. This is the closest course to the hotel. Phone 021 685 3018.
5. Steenberg: 18 holes
   This golf course meanders between working vineyards and has spectacular mountain surrounds. The course is in excellent condition. 30 minutes from the hotel. Phone 021 713 2233.

There are so many excellent hikes that it is impossible to mention them all. For Table Mountain:

Hiking on Table Mountain is great, especially if the weather is good. See the following websites for info: www.hikecapetown.co.za, www.tablemountainwalks.co.za or www.firstascent.co.za. Just please let us know before you leave so that we do not worry and if you get lost, we know in which direction to send out the search party! Other than that, do have fun... carry lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Of course you know that sturdy boots are a must, and you should be reasonably fit.

Here are a few of the best hikes:

1. Table Mountain quick ascent
   Go up Platteklip Gorge. It starts about 1km past the bottom Cableway station. Depending on fitness, allow 2 hours to reach the upper Cableway station. A good alternative, once you have reached the top of the gorge and if you have the time, is to walk to Maclears Beacon, a flat walk albeit along a path with precipitous drops.
2. Table Mountain 5-6 hours ascent
   Drive or take a taxi to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Walk up Skeleton Gorge (steep with ladders), and then onto Maclears Beacon. Instead of going to the Cableway you can make a circular tour returning via Echo Valley, the Valley of Isolation and Nursery Ravine (very, very steep). You will see a few people at Maclears Beacon, but not many. Alternatively, you can walk to the Cableway and hope the cable car is operating.
   
   *Important to note:
   The cableway does not operate in windy conditions so allow extra time for the descent (just in case). Also, the weather is prone to change with alarming speed, so even if it is a sunny day, take warm clothing, plenty of water (more on hot days) and, if you have one, a mobile phone. Just in case something happens and you need to call for help on the mountain, the Mountain Rescue number is 021 937 0300 or 10177.
3. Lion's Head
   This is one the world's great walks, heavily populated by Capetonians. Although 300 meters lower than Table Mountain, it offers spectacular views as the path winds it's way around the mountain three times. It is not for the faint hearted and features ladders and chains. Allow yourself 2 hours to do a round trip.
4. Others (just as spectacular)
   For those that are really into their walks, there are also excellent trails at Cape Point and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch, (which also has a secret waterfall that few people know about).

If you would like to know a little about why this country is so special, we advise you to take a tour into the past to become a little more informed. The country has a rich history and a trip to one of these areas: Bo-Kaap or the Malay Quarter and its Museum, District Six and the District Six Museum, Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, is a must for anybody that cares about cultural tourism. Here are some of the museums we like best:

1. District Six Museum
   25A Buitenkant Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 16h00. This museum is about and for the people of the former District Six. It displays the effect of the forced removals of the District Six occupants and includes a map of the old district, reconstructions of home interiors, fading photographs, and recordings of this well-known area.
2. Slave Lodge & Cultural History Museum
   49 Adderly Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 09h30 to 16h30. This cultural museum occupies the former Slave Lodge of the VOC and contains displays of that period.
3. The South African National Gallery
   Set in The Company's Garden off Government Avenue, this gallery always has some very interesting exhibitions and permanent displays. There is also a shop and caf® on the premises to be enjoyed.
4. The Gold of Africa Museum
   This museum houses a collection of gold artefacts and ornaments from the continent and its various historic periods. It is ideal for those who like both gold and history. It is situated on the corner of Strand and Buitengracht Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 10h00 to 17h00.
5. Koopmans de Wet House
   Open on Tues to Sat 09h30 to 16h30. A very well-preserved house on Strand Street. This is a depiction of life in the 18th century in Cape Town. Definitely fascinating stuff.
6. Castle of Good Hope
   This is the oldest building in the Southern Hemisphere - ideal if you like military history. It has a great exhibition on the Anglo-Boer Wars and currently houses some military offices. The castle also houses the William Fehr Collection. Open Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 16h00.

Museums /Cultural Tourism

• 1 January
• 21 March (Human Rights Day)
• Good Friday - The day after Easter Sunday (Family Day)
• 27 April (Freedom Day)
• 1 May (Workers Day)
• 16 June (Youth Day)
• 9 August (National Women's Day)
• 24 September (Heritage Day)
• 16 December (Day of Reconciliation)
• 25 December (Christmas Day)
• 26 December (Boxing Day)

On these days, the city centre is very quiet. Most of the shops and restaurants are closed. Ask reception to find out what is open.

Some might argue with us, but we believe that the best restaurants are in the City Centre. They cater to the local market, so they have to be good and provide value for money. Five of the finest are right here in Heritage Square [LINK]. Those marked with a * must be booked well in advance! We suggest the following website as a guideline: www.dining-out.co.za

City centre: (all these are in walking distance from the hotel)

1. Ginja: Fusion. Fantastic food. Regular award winner. *
2. Shoga: Ginja's sister restaurant. Informal. *
3. 95 Keerom: Italian. Historic setting with beautiful food. 10 minute walk. 3 minutes drive.
4. Bukhara: Indian. Loud, but the food is heavenly, especially the nan and lentils!
5. Hai Ku: Asian Tapas. Food is sublime.
6. Jardine: Multi award winning restaurant- fusion food.

Seafood:

1. Baia: Stylish restaurant with great views in the Waterfront. *
2. Wakame: Zen like! Great sushi and nice views.
3. Tank: Situated in the Cape Malay quarter 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Contemporary.
4. Watermark: Kalk Bay Harbour. Rustic. Great fish 'n chips.
5. Panama Jacks: Specialises in crustaceans. Situated in the old docks, it's very rustic.

Best of the rest:

1. Rozenhof: Elegant but informal restaurant in Kloof Street. 5 min drive.
2. Aubergine: Old Church converted into fusion cooking restaurant. 5 min drive.
3. Mount Nelson: High tea. Delightful indulgence. Good value. 10 minutes walk.
4. La Colombe: French. Culinary mastership in the Constantia Winelands. 20 min drive. *
5. Rhodes Memorial: Great views and great cakes! 15 min drive.
6. Cellars Hohenort: fabulous Malay food. 20 minutes drive.
7. Black Marlin: Excellent Seafood restaurant en route to Cape Point.
8. Blues: Busy restaurant with great sunset views in Camps Bay. *
9. Stardust: Moroccan fare with flair. Very loud and entertaining dining. 15 minutes drive. *
10. Food barn: in Noordhoek, worth a stop. Gourmet lunch.
11. Catharina's: wine farm restaurant best known for Sunday brunch, but have to book well in advance.

We recommend two game lodges close to Cape Town:

1. Inverdoorn Game Reserve
   A 10,000 ha park situated in the Ceres, Karoo, just a scenic 2,5 hours drive from Cape Town. En route you will encounter two beautiful passes: Bains Kloof Pass at Wellington and Mitchells Pass before Ceres, which make the trip very rewarding. This farm hosts the white rhino and giraffe next to lions and cheetahs.
2. Sanbona
   With the exciting arrival of elephant, buffalo, black rhino and male and female white lion, Sanbona is now home to the �Big 5'. A landmark predator release means that for the first time in over 200 years, lion and cheetah can once again be seen in the Klein Karoo, making Sanbona the first private game reserve in the Western Cape to play host to free-roaming big cats.

We are also affiliated with two game farms, one in the Kruger Park and the other in Kwazulu Natal. We also work with a very enthusiastic loacal guide who will design custom safaris for you. Please ask for more information at the reception desk.

It is generally safe to walk in Cape Town during the day. At night, one needs to be a bit more careful and it is not recommended to walk the streets alone. Like anywhere else in the world, common sense prevails: Do not wear flashy, expensive-looking jewellery and beware of pickpockets. Do not trust anyone on the street with your valuables, credit cards and cameras, etc. Refuse all assistance no matter how well meaning it may seem when drawing money from ATMs.

Cape Town is equipped with an extensive CCTV security system, which helps to keep crime in check.

The hotel main door is closed at 23h00 hours. Please ring the bell thereafter.

The hotel does not have its own Spa facilities, but here are a few that we would recommend:

• The Angsana at the Vineyard in Claremont : www.vineyard.co.za
• The One Spa in the Radisson
• The Serenity Spa in the Malay Quarter
• The Sanctuary Spa at the Twelve Apostles Hotel
• The Mangwanani Spa at Zevenwacht: www.mangwanani.co.za

Ask at reception for more information about the treatments on offer.

It's best to ask someone at reception to help you to choose, but usually the two theatres that are the best to go to are Artscape Theatre Centre (DF Malan Street, Foreshore) www.artscape.co.za and the Baxter Theatre (Main Road, Rondebosch): www.baxter.co.za

Others are: On Broadway; www.onbroadway.co.za; Theatre on The Bay: www.theatreonthebay.co.za and the Pavillion: www.thepavillion.co.za. Consult reception for updated information on what is happening where.

We have our own tour guide in the hotel but can also recommend: specialists in tailor-made golf tours featuring world class courses in Cape Town, the Winelands and along the Garden Route.

1. Hop on - Hop off bus
   Most fascinating. Tour the city in a different style by hopping on and hopping off the bus whenever you feel like it. www.citysightseeing.co.za
2. Sunset Cruises
   There are various types on offer, including sunset tours that are champagne tours, dinner cruises, etc.
3. Wine Tours
   Stellenbosch is the best known wine region of South Africa, but there are a number of other areas that produce fantastic wines as well. We can organise wine land tours, either a private tour where you have your own guide and can decide what and how you want to organise your day, or a choice of organised group tours.
4. Peninsula Tour
   A definite, not to be missed. Take in the great views - spectacular in any weather!
5. Robben Island
   We will make reservations for you, but we need your credit card details in order to do so. The tour departs on the hour, from 9am until 4pm. The tour lasts 3 to 4 hours and departs from the Waterfront. It is advisable to arrive 15 minutes before departure.
6. Table Mountain
   You cannot leave Cape Town without going up this landmark! If you are religious, pray the weather favours you - it may look fine, but it is usually very windy up there, so a jacket is advisable. Please be advised that the cable car does not operate when the wind factor is high.
   
   Hiking on Table Mountain is great, especially if the weather is good. Just please let us know before you leave so that we do not worry and if you get lost, we know in which direction to send out the search party! Other than that, do have fun... carry lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Of course you know that sturdy boots are a must, and you should be reasonably fit.
7. Big Game Fishing Safaris
   A 12m Catamaran promises game fishing at its best, including some of the best that the deep sea has to offer. Skeet shooting and wreck/reef/bay angling are also available.
8. Table Bay Diving
   Offers dive charters: boat dives or shore entry to wreck, reef, kelp forests; viewing seals; deep sea and night diving. They also offer diving courses: from open water to dive master.
9. Reef Cape Adventures
   Discover the magic of the sea, seals, dolphins and whales on eco-friendly, super stable and easy to paddle sea kayaks. They offer one to three hour trips, tours and expeditions. Also on offer are weekly, four day tours from Cape Town to the Garden Route
10. Cape Town No Limits Centre
    specialises in group adventure packages, including diving, mountain biking, climbing, guided hikes, paragliding, paddling, kite surfing and more.
11. Wild thing Adventures
    Enjoy bridge jumping for the extremely brave and the adrenalin junky. Bloukrans Bungee. Bloukrans is the world's highest commercial bungee jump. Jumpers experience a seven-second freefall of 180 meters. Also on offer is Bloukrans Bridge walking tours for non-jumpers.
12. Shark Cage Diving
    We recommend that you go to the �Save Our Seas” organisation before you go shark cage diving. Please ask at reception for the most responsible shark cage divers. We can recommend a man who swims with sharks and is just around the corner in Hout Bay. Otherwise, there are other operators in Gansbaai.
13. Coffeebean Trails
    Experienc Cape Town in a delightfully unique way, through story telling, music, religion, and dance. Coffeebean's Routes take you through the diversity of Cape Town, letting you discover what makes us tick. Meet musicians, poets, storytellers, soccer players, entrepreneurs, gardeners and artists.

This is currently set at 14% and is included in nearly all goods and services, meals and accommodation. You can claim VAT at the airports before departure. Claims can be processed at the Waterfront or at the Tourism Information Centre in the City Centre. Please note that you have to physically show the goods against which you want to claim VAT at the airport. You cannot claim VAT for services rendered, including your hotel bill.

Important to note: once you have made your claim, you will not be able to lodge further claims if you are still in the country.

Most banks open from 09h00 to 15h30 Monday to Friday, and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturday. The nearest available ATM is at Standard Bank on Loop Street. Please be aware that there have been attempts at fraud. Should your card get jammed in the machine, do not give your pin number to anybody. Also, do not accept assistance from anyone while at an ATM, no matter how well-meaning their intentions may seem.

The nearest available indoor machine is at First National bank on St. Georges Mall, at the corner of Shortmarket Street, open from 08h30 to 15h30. The nearest 24-hour access ATM is on Long Street opposite the Baths, about 10 minutes walk from the hotel.

Heritage Square is a vibrant setting with great restaurants and bars - you can dine al fresco in the courtyard, or book a table at one of our restaurants. The popular restaurants are sometimes difficult to get into, so the earlier you make a reservation, the better. Go to Dining page

1. Savoy Cabbage
   Great cuisine in a beautiful setting. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturday evening. Closed all day on Sunday. Open on holidays for dinner. www.savoycabbage.co.za
2. Africa Cafe
   Communal African feast with entertainment. Open daily for dinner, except Sunday. www.africacafe.co.za
3. Simply Asia
   Authentic Thai/Asian cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere. Open every day, all day, except Sunday when it opens at 6 pm. www.simplyasia.co.za
4. Caveau Deli
   Great deli food, fab wine selection and delicious options for a fast lunch. Open from 7 am to 11 pm. Closed on Sunday www.caveau.co.za
5. Caveau Restaurant
   French food, ever-changing menu and great tapas in the evening. Open from 7 am to 11 pm. Closed on Sunday www.caveau.co.za
6. HQ
   Our latest addition - upmarket steakhouse, enjoy steak like you've not had before and enjoy drinks in their lounge. Open daily. www.hqrestaurant.co.za

We pride ourselves on being an eco-friendly hotel; the soap and shampoo you use are biodegradable, and many items in the hotel are made from recycled materials, e.g. the chandelier in the Summer Lounge. All the hot water in the hotel is heated with solar energy.

May we encourage you to be sensitive and assist us in our efforts to reduce wastage of precious resources: please keep your plastic water bottles and have them refilled with filtered water for free!

To save water and detergent and reduce pollution, we kindly ask you to leave the towels you want to be replaced in the bath.

There is a master switch in the rooms, please turn it off when you leave the room. This will switch off all the lights in your room and bathroom.

We can help confirm your flights. With most airlines, you can now make reservations / check-in / change bookings online. (There's free Internet access downstairs.)

Other selected airline numbers are:-

• South African Airways (reservations and confirmation) 011 978 1111
• British Airways 021 936 9000
• KLM (reservations) 086 024 7747
• Lufthansa 086 184 2538
• Virgin 021 797 7512
• Emirates 011 390 1215

If you'd like to book a ticket, we recommend Sure Travelways (tel. 021 976 8110). They'll deliver your tickets to the hotel: email address is annelie@travelways.co.za

There's a Virgin Active gym only a 10 minute walk from the hotel with all the facilities imaginable, including a 25 meter pool. Hotel guests can make use of the gym facilities for a fee. They do not supply towels, so take one from the room if you don't have your own.

In addition there is a small gym: Eagleton Fitness (www.eagletonfitness.com) and a Gyrotonics and Pilates studio (www.zelahstudio.co.za) in Heritage Square itself. Both of them are run by excellent Personal Trainers - you need to set up an appointment, so please let reception know and they will do it for you.

Parking is available in Riebeck Square. When you enter the car park, take a ticket. When you want to leave, we let you out with a special tag and charge your account. The hotel's allocated bays are the last 3 before the exit barrier.

If these are full, please park in an unreserved bay as near to the barriers as possible. Please do not park your car outside the hotel at night.

It is generally appreciated in South Africa - in restaurants a 10 to 15 % tip is expected (a service charge is only included for large groups). The petrol attendants and parking guards are usually tipped R5 to R10.

If you'd like to reward the staff because you think they deserve it, please leave tips at reception. At the end of the month, these are shared out equally. If you want to reward one specific staff member, please leave an envelope with the staff member's name on it.

Our Vine room provides a comfortable private space for conferencing, banqueting, or an intimate dinner party. The Vine Room faces onto the courtyard and is partially shaded by a centuries-old grape vine. It accommodates 10 to 15 people and can be booked for breakfast, lunch or dinner, which can either be catered for by the hotel or another restaurant of your choice. As a conference venue, the Vine Room is conveniently situated to provide easy access from Cape Town International Airport, Waterfront, CTICC and other attractions offered by the City.

Please contact hotel directly for more information about:

• Full day Conference
• Half Day Conference ( morning/afternoon business sessions)
• Breakfast meetings
• Business Luncheons
• Formal, Private Dinners