Gorgeous George by Design Hotels

Gorgeous George is the city-centre choice for visitors who want to be in the middle of Cape Town rather than beside the sea. The hotel is at 118 St Georges Mall, the long pedestrian street that cuts through the central business district, and it is part of the Design Hotels collection. The page lists it as a five-star luxury property with a review score of 9.8 out of 10 from nearly 300 reviews. Accommodation is divided into four types, from Studio Rooms and One-Bedroom Suites to Two-Bedroom Suites and a Penthouse, which gives families and groups more flexibility than a typical boutique hotel. Dining is on site: Gigi serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Gigi Rooftop on the sixth floor has a terrace with views over the city. There is an outdoor pool, a poolside bar and a bar and lounge, plus a spa service with manicures and pedicures. A free English breakfast is listed daily from 7:00 to 10:30 AM, with free Wi-Fi and free self parking. The hotel also has a small conference centre, a concierge and laundry. It is a smart base for people who want restaurants, galleries and nightlife on foot.

Choosing a room. The studio rooms suit couples on a shorter stay, while the one- and two-bedroom suites have the space to settle in for a week or to travel as a family or group of friends. The penthouse is the showpiece for special occasions. Higher floors catch the views of Table Mountain and the city, and quieter rooms are generally away from the street. Ask about the view when you reserve, since the best outlooks and the rooftop terrace are the hotel's strongest features.

What to know. The hotel is in the central business district, which is busy on weekdays and quieter in the evening and at weekends, so use ride-hailing apps after dark rather than wandering the side streets. The location is excellent for the Company's Garden, the Iziko museums, Long Street and Bree Street, and the Bo-Kaap is a short drive or a longish walk uphill.

The airport shuttle runs on request and is charged per vehicle. Pets, including service animals, are not allowed according to the page. The page notes a lower housekeeping sub-score alongside high scores in other areas, so read recent guest comments and ask about housekeeping if it matters to you. Gigi has had occasional menu gaps according to a reviewer, so confirm your restaurant plans.

Who it suits. Gorgeous George is a strong match for design-minded couples, visitors who want to explore museums, galleries and restaurants on foot, and groups who need suites or a penthouse. It is less suited to travellers who want a beach, a quiet garden or a resort-style spa, and for those priorities the Marly in Camps Bay or the Vineyard in Newlands is a better choice.

For a city break built around Cape Town's food, culture and architecture, with a rooftop to end the day, it is one of the most characterful options in the centre.