The Bay Hotel

The hotel is highly regarded for its prime beachfront location in Camps Bay, offering stunning ocean views and unforgettable sunsets that captivate guests. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic escape, sightseers eager to explore the area, and families looking for a comfortable base, though some amenities might be less suitable for very young children. Guests consistently praise the attentive staff and the overall comfortable environment. To enhance your stay, it is highly recommended to request a sea-view room for the best vistas. Additionally, be aware that some rooms may experience noise from nearby Padel courts or the bustling street, which could impact tranquility.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a variety of pools, including multiple options for relaxation, though some guests noted that most pools were cold and not temperature-controlled, limiting their use, especially for children. Some rooms, particularly the cabana rooms, provide direct access to smaller, private pools, enhancing the sense of exclusivity. The gym is available, though some found the weights too heavy for female guests. The spa offers services like massages, which are generally well-received, but the sauna and steam room were sometimes reported as not being hot enough or requiring pre-booking. Guests appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi and on-site parking, which is often guarded. The hotel also features a cosy bar and Padel courts, though the latter can be a source of noise for adjacent rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many highlighting the spacious rooms and comfortable beds that ensure a restful sleep. Most bathrooms are described as spotless and well-maintained, with some recently renovated, offering a luxurious feel. However, some guests reported issues with dated bathrooms, including weak water pressure in showers, leaking showers, dripping fixtures, or broken toilet roll holders. In-room amenities typically include a coffee machine, kettle, and mini bar fridge with complimentary treats, though some experienced inconsistencies with water replenishment. Noise levels are a mixed bag; while some rooms are quiet, others suffer from street noise or disturbances from the adjacent Padel courts and even AC compressor units, impacting privacy and sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience receives mixed but generally positive reviews, often praised for its excellent variety, including a buffet with cooked items like omelettes and waffles, and even bubbly to start the day. The breakfast view overlooking the ocean is a significant highlight. However, some guests noted disorganization, slow service for coffee and cooked orders, and occasional issues with mediocre coffee or stale items. The hotel’s restaurant and bistro offer a limited menu but generally good quality food, though service can be slow. The bar areas, particularly Camille's Bar, are popular for their good cocktails and friendly barmen, providing a pleasant atmosphere for evening drinks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location directly on the Camps Bay beachfront is consistently lauded as its strongest asset, offering unbeatable ocean views and stunning sunsets. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous restaurants, cafes, and a grocery store, making dining and exploration convenient. The hotel is also well-connected to public transport, with a circular bus and a hop-on hop-off bus stop directly across the road, providing easy access to Cape Town city center and attractions like Table Mountain. The presence of a security gate and manned entrance ensures a safe and secure environment for guests. Parking is available on-site and is guarded, which is a significant advantage in this busy area.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the quick check-in process and the proactive nature of the housekeeping staff, who keep rooms immaculate. Security personnel are noted for being polite and welcoming, ensuring guests feel safe. However, feedback on service can be mixed; some guests reported slow service at breakfast and by the pool, requiring repeated requests for items. There were also instances of reception staff being perceived as cold or unhelpful when dealing with issues like billing discrepancies or room changes, leading to frustration for some.

Additional Information
A recurring concern among guests involves billing discrepancies and refund issues, with several reports of being double-charged or experiencing significant delays in receiving refunds for cancelled bookings, leading to considerable frustration and a negative impact on their overall impression. Some guests noted ongoing renovations or construction during their stay, which occasionally caused noise and disruption. The hotel's policy regarding sheet changes for long-term guests was sometimes a point of confusion. While the hotel is generally perceived as having a high standard, some guests felt that certain aspects, particularly service consistency and room maintenance, did not fully align with the expectations of a five-star establishment given the cost.