With its own quay at the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain as its backdrop and Robben Island across the water, the Cape Grace occupies one of the most magnificent locations in Cape Town and is just a short stroll from the smartest shops and restaurants.

A near faultless five-star hotel, with all the amenities to match - including huge rooms, flat-screen TV and free wi-fi - it is the friendly, professional staff who make the Cape Grace so special, seeming genuinely to care that your stay in the hotel and the city is perfect.

Intimate and unpretentious, with just 120 guest rooms, the hotel's guests have included ex-President Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Matt Damon. The décor, inspired by the Cape's art and culture, cleverly blends ethnic and historical with sleek and modern.  

Attention to detail is impressive: mirrors in the bathroom are arranged so you can check the back of your hair and along with all the usual toiletries and amenities (emery board, cotton buds, etc), there is a little bottle of fabric wash. On the day of my spa treatment, a robe, slippers and a note confirming the details awaited me in my room.

The hotel offers a real plus in the complimentary, chauffeur-driven BMW available for guests to go anywhere in a 20km radius of the hotel and during the World Cup, it has a dedicated "fan zone" with huge TVs.

Its exquisite Signal Restaurant specialises in modern Cape cuisine and has plenty of fish and vegetarian dishes, while its bar, the Bascule, is a hot spot with Capetonians and a must for visitors.

RATE: From £300 per night with breakfast
CONTACT: www.lhw.com; 00800 1010 1111