The One 8 Hotel

The hotel is widely praised for its exceptional staff and a cozy, home-like atmosphere, making guests feel welcome and comfortable throughout their stay. Its signature feature is the personalized service, often highlighted by guests as a standout aspect. The hotel is ideal for couples seeking a quiet and intimate getaway, single travelers who appreciate a secure environment, and business travelers looking for comfortable accommodations with reliable amenities. Sightseers will also find it convenient due to its accessibility to city attractions via short rides. Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and the delicious breakfast. To enhance your experience, be aware of the tight access for larger vehicles in the off-street parking and note that there is no elevator, which might be a consideration for guests with mobility challenges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a generally welcoming pool area, described as cute and relaxing, though some guests noted occasional issues with its cleanliness, particularly after storms. While the pool is solar-heated, some wished for more sunbeds in the restricted space. Wi-Fi connectivity is consistently reported as fast and stable, ensuring guests can stay connected. A significant point for many is the absence of an elevator, requiring guests to use stairs, which can be challenging for those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns. Off-street parking is available and appreciated for its security, but its tight gates and limited space can make maneuvering larger vehicles difficult. Some rooms include a safe, though a few guests experienced issues with non-matching instructions or dead batteries.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is generally positive, with many rooms described as very clean and well-maintained, and housekeeping staff noted for their efficiency. However, some reviews mentioned issues such as dirty carpets, hair in the bathroom upon arrival, or towels with a damp smell. The beds consistently receive high praise for being very comfortable, often described as "cloud-like," ensuring a restful sleep, though a few found them too firm or narrow. Rooms vary in size, with many being spacious and featuring a balcony, while some ground-floor rooms were considered small or confined. Bathrooms are often large and clean, but recurring issues include a lack of flat surfaces for toiletries, poorly designed showers leading to puddles, and inconsistent hot water supply. Noise levels are generally low due to the quiet neighborhood, but some guests noted thin walls or internal building noise.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as delicious, warm, and plentiful, keeping them full for the day. Many appreciate the choice between continental and freshly cooked English breakfast options, with fresh fruit and a good selection of hot foods. The staff at breakfast are frequently commended for their friendliness and willingness to accommodate requests. However, some guests found the breakfast variety limited, particularly for vegetarians, and a few noted issues such as a tricky coffee machine or, in isolated cases, moldy toast. While the breakfast is a highlight, the hotel does not offer dinner service, and some guests noted that the bar beer was served warm, indicating limited dining options beyond breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, situated in a quiet and safe neighborhood that provides easy access to various attractions. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of the promenade, restaurants, and shops, and a short Uber or taxi ride away from popular spots like the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, and the beach. While some reviews mentioned it being a 2km walk from main tourist areas, the overall consensus is that it's well-located for exploring Cape Town. The availability of off-street parking is a significant advantage, offering security for rental cars, though guests frequently highlight the tight access gates and limited space, which can be challenging for larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, creating a welcoming and home-like atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight specific individuals for going above and beyond, assisting with everything from dinner reservations and activity bookings to providing local tips and even acting as guides. The check-in process is generally described as easy and quick, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Housekeeping staff are noted for their efficiency and thoroughness. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated instances mentioned a rude attitude or issues with airport transfers, but these are exceptions to the generally excellent service provided.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's approach to power cuts, as it does not always have backup power, which can affect amenities like the electronic gate and hot water supply. Despite this, the Wi-Fi often remains functional. The hotel is highly regarded for its security, with guests consistently feeling safe within the premises and the surrounding neighborhood. Many reviews suggest that while the hotel is comfortable and clean, its overall style and amenities align more with a high-quality bed and breakfast or a 3-star establishment rather than a typical 4-star hotel, which can influence expectations regarding facilities like a full-service restaurant or extensive amenities. The jacuzzi is available, but some guests noted it comes at an additional cost and was occasionally not clean.