On my recent trip to Cape Town, I had the chance to visit the newly renovated InterContinental Table Bay at the V&A Waterfront, and I quickly understood why this hotel continues to be one of the most talked-about stays in the city. The refurbishment has given the hotel a fresh, modern feel, but what I appreciated most is that it has not lost its soul. The Table Bay has always been known for its elegance, its location, and its views, and all of that is still very much there, just refined, lighter, and more in tune with today’s luxury traveller.
What I loved about the renovation
One of the first things I noticed was the décor. The redesign feels natural, calm, and sophisticated without trying too hard. There is a softness in the colours, beautiful textures, and a sense of space that makes the hotel feel relaxed but still luxurious. Many newly renovated hotels can feel cold or overly modern, but here the balance is right. The interiors feel fresh while still keeping that classic Table Bay warmth that people remember.
The views are still the highlight
If there is one thing the Table Bay will always be known for, it is the view. Very few hotels in the world can offer this combination of ocean, harbour, and Table Mountain all in one place.
From the rooms, the restaurant, and even the lounge areas, you are constantly looking out onto something beautiful. One moment you are watching the ocean, the next you are looking straight at Table Mountain, and it reminds you why Cape Town remains one of the most special cities to visit.
It is the kind of setting that makes you slow down, sit longer over a meal, and simply enjoy where you are.
Dining, cocktails, and a world-class restaurant experience
Spending time in the restaurant and bar area was another highlight of the visit. Dining at the waterfront already feels special, but the atmosphere here makes it even better. The space feels elegant without being formal, which makes it perfect for anything from breakfast to evening drinks.
The cocktails were one of my favourite parts of the experience. Sitting with a drink, looking out over the ocean with Table Mountain in the background, is exactly the kind of Cape Town moment people travel for.
The hotel is also home to exceptional dining experiences at Flint & Fennel, as well as Le Bistrot de JAN by Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik, which adds to the hotel’s reputation as one of the top luxury destinations in the city. It is clear that the focus is not only on the rooms, but on the full experience, from food and service to atmosphere and detail.
Service and attention to detail
What stood out just as much as the renovation was the service. There is a calm professionalism from the staff, but also a genuine warmth that makes the hotel feel welcoming rather than intimidating.
Luxury is not only about design, it is about how a place makes you feel, and here the hospitality still feels personal, which is something not every five-star hotel manages to keep after a renovation.
The spa and wellness space
Another part of the hotel that caught my attention was the spa and wellness area, which looks very impressive after the upgrade. The space feels peaceful, modern, and designed for proper relaxation, which fits perfectly with the overall feel of the new Table Bay.
It is clear that the renovation was not just about updating the look, but about improving the full guest experience.
A Cape Town classic done properly
The newly renovated Table Bay proves that some hotels do not need to reinvent themselves completely. They simply need to evolve in the right way, and this hotel has done exactly that. It still has the best views, one of the best locations in Cape Town, and that same sense of comfort that makes you want to come back again.
If you would like to see more from my visit, you can watch my short video below.
As always, this is one Cape Town classic I will happily return to.
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