Work Shop Play
Find it
The Colosseum is situated on Sable Road, just off the N1 on the Cape Town side of the Century City megacomplex. Across the road is Ratanga Junction. Canal Walk, Africa’s largest shopping mall, is a 3 minute stroll away. The hotel is just 10 minutes from Cape Town’s CBD, and 30km from Cape Town International Airport.
Setting
The Colosseum is one of Century City’s flagship buildings, with scenic views of Table Mountain. Looking down, the extensive tumble of Century City’s square red roofed buildings and the distant domes of Canal Walk evokes a charming and magical European setting. Prague? Istanbul? Nice? On the ground floor skirting the hotel entrance are elegant restaurants and coffee shops. A 24 hour Virgin Active, the first of its kind, is under construction (due for completion in November) diagonally across from the hotel, and on the Sable Road side, a new BMW Pavilion is also under construction. Both sites are far enough to be seen from the Colsseum, but not heard.
Accommodation
Owned by the Singer Group, the Colosseum is operated and serviced by Protea Hotels. As such service is professional, friendly and generally superior.
Les Harbottle of Plan One has introduced tasteful modern interior design, with a touch of whimsy. Whorly black and white patterns on undulating walls and sensual cocoon – sometimes star-shaped light covers – add a sense of humor to the clean private spaces. I found the modern design stylish and functional, complemented by the high-tech plasma screens and broadband internet connections. Rich wood panes in the living room area warm up your space with large windows that bring striking outdoor vistas in cinemascope – these views may compete with the satellite TV on offer.
While I liked the open plan of bathroom and bedroom in my suite (you can also watch TV from the bath), conservative couples might find the sharing of space a tad too generous.
Suites range in size from 40m2 to 65m2, while penthouses vary from 111m2 to 174m2. Most fourth floor units and penthouses have private balconies.
Food
The breakfast buffet is more than adequate. On my first morning the fruit tasted a bit off, but top marks for everything else, especially the three different cold fish meats on offer, and their fresh muffins. The Crystal restaurant is capable of producing 11 course banquets, so be sure not to miss one of these during your stay. Lunches are individually served and plated. If Fish and Chips (and plenty besides) from room service doesn’t satisfy you, the restaurants at nearby Canal Walk certainly will. The first one across the bridge with excellent pizza and is Colcacchio.
Extras
Where to start? In the hotel itself don’t miss the Sound Room. It’s situated beside the Cocktail Bar, hidden cozily behind the staircase. This is the perfect place for a small group of people to enjoy a raucous rugby game together. You can choose your favorite movie (from 500 titles) and enjoy it in excellent surround sound and picture quality. 500 metres from the Hotel’s doorstep is a Golf driving Range. Gambling at Grand West Casino, the beach and shopping, of course, are all conveniently situated. A fully equipped gym with 25 metre pool is available at the sister site – The Island Club – across the road. The Colosseum is the perfect venue for busy businessmen who want to treat their wives as well as themselves.
Details
www.colosseum.co.za
Email: reservations@colosseum.co.za
Tel: 021 526 4000
Fax: 021 526 4001
Note: This article was previously published in The Times.
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