Cape Town's Hidden Gem: Private Garden Apartment in Cheviot Place!
Cape Town's Hidden Gem: Private Garden Apartment in Cheviot Place - A Rambling, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind stay at what's being touted as Cape Town's "Hidden Gem: Private Garden Apartment in Cheviot Place," and lemme tell you, it's… well, it's a thing. It's a messy, glorious, sometimes frustrating, sometimes utterly blissful thing. Here's the unvarnished truth, warts and all, because let's be real, who trusts a perfect review anyway?
First Impressions (or, the Drive In):
Getting there… was an adventure. Cape Town traffic, am I right? I swear, it's like a slow-motion ballet of indecision and honking. Thankfully, they offered a car park [free of charge], which, in a city where parking is a blood sport, is a major win. Car park [on-site] too! Score! Okay, so, Airport transfer? Might be a good idea to book that if you're arriving jet-lagged and disoriented. Lesson learned.
Accessibility (or, Would My Mimsy Aunt Mildred Survive?):
Okay, so here's the deal: it's mostly good. The listing emphasizes Facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. There's an Elevator, which is fantastic, especially if you're on a high floor. However, and this is where it gets a little… ambiguous, there wasn't enough information listed on which rooms are wheelchair accessible. I didn't see any wheelchair accessible pathways. I’m guessing it would depend on the specific unit, so I'd strongly recommend contacting them ahead of time if accessibility is a major concern. Don't assume, ask!
Cleanliness and Safety (or, Did I Catch the Plague?):
Look, in this post-pandemic world, we all want to know if a place is clean. And listen, honestly, I think they were TRYING. They've got all the right buzzwords listed: Anti-viral cleaning products! Daily disinfection in common areas! Room sanitization opt-out available (which I thought was a nice touch, in case you’re skeptical like me)! Rooms sanitized between stays! Professional-grade sanitizing services! Hand sanitizer everywhere. They've got the Hygiene certification. It felt clean. I didn't, you know, feel grimey. This is a big relief. First aid kit! Doctor/nurse on call! That’s good too. I think I survived.
The Apartment Itself (or, My Inner Interior Designer Wept):
The "garden apartment" is… well, it’s in a garden. A lush, beautiful garden. That’s already a win. The terrace was lovely, and I spent more time nursing a coffee there than I probably should have. Available in all rooms, the Air conditioning was a Godsend, especially during the afternoon heat. Free Wi-Fi? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Double check! Internet access – wireless? You betcha! Internet [LAN]? Well, alright! The Free bottled water was also much appreciated.
Inside, the apartment was… fine. Let's just say it wasn't minimalist chic. It had… character. And by "character," I mean a lot of mismatched furniture and a decor that felt a bit like a yard sale exploded. There was a desk (yay, work!), a mini bar (more yay!), and a refrigerator. The desk was in a weird spot, but I didn’t care. Air conditioning was good in the room, really the only thing I was concerned about. The blackout curtains were a blessing for sleeping in, and I used the alarm clock to wake up for business. The bathroom was…adequate. Separate shower/bathtub? Nope. Separate toilet? Also nope. (I’m a sucker for separate toilets, like, I’ll pay extra!) But it was clean, and the hot water worked. The slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch and the complimentary tea was appreciated too.
Rooms (and all the nitty-gritty) - Because You Want to Know:
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes! (Thank God, honestly, my lungs are fragile.)
- Soundproof rooms: Not completely. But it wasn’t bad.
- Smoke alarms: Yes!
- Smoke detector: Yes!
- Mirror: Check.
- Closet: Check.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes. Needed more pods.
- Desk: Yes.
- Extra long bed: Yes.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- In-room safe box: Yes. (Always a good thing).
- Internet access – LAN: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- Linens: Yes.
- On-demand movies: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels: A few, but who watches TV in Cape Town?
- Seating area: Yes.
- Shower: Yes.
- Soundproofing: Almost.
- Socket near the bed: Yes.
- Sofa: Yes.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Yes.
- Towels: Yes.
- Umbrella: Yes! (Thank goodness! Weather in Cape Town is unpredictable, like a moody ex.)
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes.
- Window that opens: Yes! Thank goodness for fresh air after all those locked-up hours.
- Bathrobes: Yes.
- Alarm clock: Yes.
- Closet: Yes.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Probably, but I didn’t check.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (or, My Stomach's Opinion):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They offer Breakfast [buffet], and, as I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. It wasn’t the sort of lavish spread I'd envisioned from the listing. It was, however, well-staffed, and the staff was always helpful!. But the Asian breakfast option really caught my attention. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good, but I didn't see any happy hour, which, honestly, I would've used. There's a snack bar and room service [24-hour], which is essential for those late-night cravings. No vegetarian restaurant or Asian cuisine in restaurant options, which was also a bummer. Overall, the dining experience was… serviceable.
Things to Do (or, Did I Actually Relax?):
This is where the "Hidden Gem" part kinda falls apart. There was no Spa, no Sauna, no Steamroom, no Fitness center, no Gym/fitness, no Pool with view. And there was no Body scrub or Body wrap. The swimming pool [outdoor] was lovely, but not the most exciting pool I've ever seen. There were some nearby activities, but nothing on-site. I'd have loved a little more pampering! Maybe a massage?
Services and Conveniences (or, Did They Make My Life Easier?):
This is where they really shine. The Concierge was fantastic, super helpful with recommendations and booking tours. The Daily housekeeping was efficient and unobtrusive. Currency exchange? Yup. Dry cleaning and laundry service? They had those, too. Luggage storage? Also a yes. They have a Convenience store, which wasn’t so bad. There was a gift/souvenir shop that was a little expensive, but, convenient for a quick gift to my mother.
Staff and Overall Vibe (or, Did I Feel Cared For?):
The staff were genuinely lovely. Always friendly, helpful, and eager to please. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely. They seemed genuinely invested in making guests happy, even if the apartment itself wasn't perfect. The Front desk [24-hour] and the Security [24-hour] made you feel safe.
For The Kids (or, Will Little Timmy be Bored?):
They're… okay for kids. They're listed as Family/child friendly, with some Kids facilities. There is a Babysitting service, which is brilliant. There wasn't much entertainment targeted towards kids.
Getting Around (or, How Did I Escape?):
Taxi service was readily available, and the staff were happy
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Okay, buckle up Buttercup! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is a chaotic, love-letter-to-Cape Town, written by a person who definitely overpacked and probably forgot their charger. And it’s all about that adorable Cheviot Place Garden Apartment, with its own damn entrance! (Living luxuriously, darling.)
My Cape Town Caper: A Messy, Glorious Guide (Or, How I Didn't Die… Probably)
Day 1: Arrival… and Immediate Panic
Morning (7:00 AM - Technically, but I'm a night owl, so more like 10:00 AM): Landed in Cape Town! The flight was a blur of crying babies, stale airplane food, and existential dread (why do I always choose the window seat?!). The airport, thankfully, was efficient. Until my luggage did a disappearing act. Queues snaking, I swear I heard a lady snorting through her nose, and I was already craving a glass of something cold.
Afternoon (1:00 PM -ish, post-luggage-recovery-miracle): Finally, the key to the kingdom! Cheviot Place Garden Apartment. Oh. My. God. The pictures online didn't do it justice! The private entrance, the bougainvillea spilling over the walls…it was like stepping into a fairytale, if fairytales involved a touch of jet lag. Dropped my bags (all of them, including the ones that were supposedly lost), did a little happy dance, and then promptly realized I had no idea how to use the coffee machine. (This is where my inherent anxiety about complex household appliances kicks in. Why do they have so many buttons?!)
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - onwards): After finally figuring out the coffee (thanks, YouTube!), I did a quick walk around the apartment. And just… breathed. The view from the little patio was stunning, and I decided to do absolutely nothing by reading and sipping something and watching the sun go down. I'm also going to try to order dinner in and binge-watch Netflix. No, wait, that's not what I'm going to do.
Evening (8:00 PM): Reality, and my stomach, set in. Wandered around the suburb, trying (and failing) to find a decent takeaway place. Ended up at a suspiciously empty pub, ordered a mediocre burger, and felt a wave of loneliness wash over me. First lesson: Cape Town is beautiful, but even the most stunning scenery can't cure the "first night alone in a foreign country" blues. Ended up watching some reality TV in my room and immediately falling asleep.
Day 2: Table Mountain, Tidal Pools & A Very Rude Seagull
Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Attempt at a more productive morning (read: getting out of bed before midday). Today's mission: conquering Table Mountain! Armed with a dodgy map and a healthy dose of optimism, I set off.
Morning/Afternoon (8:30 AM-12:00 AM): Table Mountain Hike! (The cable car was closed, so, yeah, hike.) The views, though, were INSANE. Cape Town sprawled below, the ocean glittered, clouds tumbled over the summit. I tried not to remember how many steps I’d climbed. I'm pretty sure my knees haven’t forgiven me yet.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Fuelled up on a sandwich and a strong coffee at a cafe near the mountain. This wasn’t planned, but there are these amazing tidal pools near the coast. I saw a few people swimming, but it was still kind of cold. However, it makes for amazing pictures so, it was totally worth it.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Boulders Beach to see the penguins! The tiny, tuxedoed wonders were everything I’d hoped for and more. Pure joy. I felt like I’d stepped into a David Attenborough documentary. I might have even shed a tear… or two. And then, one of the blighters decided to poop very close to my shoes. Nature, folks, nature. Lesson learned: Always keep your eyes peeled and avoid being pooped on.
Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a fish restaurant. The food was amazing! Also, the seagulls were vicious,. They wanted my food, but I wasn't having it.
Day 3: The Art of Wine Tasting (and Avoiding Embarrassment)
Morning (9:00 AM): Right, wine farms. This is a big one. I made a mental note not to get hammered and start warbling show tunes. The Franschhoek Wine Tram seemed like a good option, but unfortunately, it was fully booked.
Morning/Afternoon: I ended up doing a wine tour by car. It's so great to actually tour around, but I am not a good driver, I swear I almost went over the cliff. The wine tasting was a whole different level of fun.
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back at the apartment, feeling slightly tipsy and very, very happy. The patio was calling, so I sat out there and watched the sun go down with a glass of Pinotage.
Evening (7:00 PM): Ordered a pizza, watched another trash TV shows. A perfect, simple end to a perfect, simple day.
Day 4: District Six, History & A Heart Full of… Well, Everything
Morning (10:00 AM): A more sombre day. District Six Museum. It was devastating, but essential viewing. The stories of forced removals, the resilience of the people… It's a place that truly sticks with you. I spent a long time there, and left feeling heavier and more determined than I had when I went in.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Needed some lightness after the museum. The Company's Garden. I wandered around the gardens, watched people, ate a sandwich and felt a little happier.
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to the apartment, and I just journaled. My phone and camera were dead, even though I swore I charged them.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a local place, where I met a local and ended up staying out really late.
Day 5: Departure (Or, The Emotional Breakdown Before the Flight)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Packing. Sigh. The dreaded packing. I am convinced I'll never be able to fit everything back in my suitcase. I also needed to clean the room, and the laundry was piling up. The usual end-of-holiday panic.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Last-minute coffee, last look at the view from the apartment patio, and a teary farewell to my little oasis.
- Departure The flight was a blur of exhaustion, replaying all the amazing moments of the trip, and vowing to return.
Quirky Observations & Rambles:
- Seagulls. Vicious, food-loving, pooping machines. They are the true rulers of Cape Town.
- The friendliness of the locals. Seriously, everyone was so lovely and welcoming.
- The light! The light in Cape Town is something else. It just gives everything a glow.
- Never trust a map. Ever.
- The coffee is strong. And delicious.
- I'm pretty sure I left my socks at the penguin beach. (Probably.)
Emotional Reactions:
- Joy: Penguins, hikes, the wine, the scenery… Cape Town is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
- Sadness: District Six. Heartbreaking, but important.
- Exasperation: The overpacking, the lost luggage, the seagulls.
- Overwhelm: Cape Town is a lot. In the best way possible.
Opinionated Language:
- Don’t miss Table Mountain. Seriously. Do it. Even if you have to crawl.
- Franschhoek is gorgeous, but book that Wine Tram in advance, you fool.
- Boulders Beach? Mandatory. Penguins are therapy.
- Don't even think about avoiding the District Six Museum. It's a must.
In Conclusion:
Cape Town, you magnificent beast. You challenged me, exhausted me, and utterly captivated me. And that Cheviot Place Garden Apartment? Home base, sweet home. Thanks for the memories, and the sanity.
P.S. Still don't know how to work that coffee machine. But hey, the sun still got in, you know?
Hope you have a blast!
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Cape Town's Secret Hideaway: Cheviot Place Garden Apartment – Ask Away! (Seriously, Ask!)
Okay, Okay... Where *Exactly* is This Cheviot Place Place? And Is it Even Safe?
Alright, so Cheviot Place… It's nestled in a kinda-sorta-hidden corner of the real Cape Town. Think, a whisper away from everything, but tucked away like a secret stash of the best biltong you've ever had. It's in Camps Bay. It's gorgeous! But… I'm not going to give you the exact address, because, well, that’s part of the (whispered) allure. (Plus, you'll find it eventually. Part of the fun, right? It's an adventure!)
And safety? Look, Cape Town, like any major city, has its moments. But this place... it felt *secure*. There’s a gate (electronic, thankfully, because I am *not* hauling myself out of the car in my pajamas), a lovely, friendly gardener who seemed to always be pottering about (a good sign!) and you get a sense of peaceful living, honestly. I mean, I never felt uneasy, even walking back from the shops after dark – though I confess, I kept my phone handy and my wits about me. Better safe than sorry, right? Cape Town is stunning, but you still need to be street smart. (And don't flash your Rolex, people!)
What's the Apartment *Actually* Like? Is It Instagrammable? (Because, let's be real…)
Instagrammable? Oh, honey, YES. I mean, I'm guessing it's gotten better, I stayed there a few months ago, so, the photos may be a little better now. Think: "Minimalist-Chic-Meets-Tropical-Paradise." Lots of sunlight streaming in (perfect for those selfie-lighting situations!), a private garden bursting with lush greenery (birdsong to wake up to? YES, please!), and a view of the mountain (that will literally take your breath away... especially after a long hike).
The interior? Well, it’s not *perfect* (and that’s the charm!). It has wooden floors, that creak a little at night - like the house is softly telling you stories, a modern kitchen that has *almost* everything you *need*, and a comfy bed that you can snuggle into. (I would have liked another blanket, but I didn’t ask! Note to self, pack a blanket next time!) The little details - a carafe filled with fresh flowers, some stylish little touches – are what really make it feel special. Oh, and the bathroom? A decent size, I wish it had a better water pressure, though… I have thick hair. The shower *looked* amazing, the pressure could have been *better*. But the bath? *Chef’s kiss*. Seriously, soak in that after a day of exploring and you're in heaven.
Okay, The Garden. Is It *Actually* Private? Because I Hate Nosy Neighbours…
YES! This is where that "Hidden Gem" tag comes in. The garden is a *sanctuary*. Imagine this: you, a morning coffee, a comfy chair, and nothing but the calls of the birds and the gentle rustle of leaves. There's something magical about it.
And yes, it felt private. There are walls and foliage that create a sense of seclusion, like your own little world, separate from the bustle of the outside. I spent hours out there, just reading, sipping wine (don't judge!), and generally feeling like I was on my own private island. Though, one morning, I did *think* I saw a cat sneaking through the bushes. (Possibly a hallucination? I'd had *a lot* of wine the night before.) But yeah, pretty darn private. So bring that bikini or those speedos, whatever floats your boat (and the occasional cat, I guess).
About That "Location, Location, Location"... How Easy is it to Get Around?
Alright, the burning question! Getting around... well, it’s Cape Town. You *need* a car, or be prepared to rely on taxis or ride-sharing (Uber is your friend!). The apartment itself is a bit off the main roads, which is great for quiet but means a short drive is needed to get to the main attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Parking at the apartment? Easy-peasy. Parking at the beach? Can be a nightmare, depending on the time of day (and your patience levels!). Camps Bay beach itself is close enough for a quick drive, but prepare for crowds. Consider a walk on Clifton 4th beach, that's slightly more secluded, or even better, plan to go a bit further to Llandudno beach, the drive along the coast is beautiful. Just… avoid peak season if you have a pulse (or enjoy crowds). And always, ALWAYS factor in traffic. Traffic in Cape Town is real.
The Dark Side: Any Downsides? Be Honest!
Okay, *whispers*, here’s the truth, warts and all. NO place is perfect.
The internet was… sometimes a bit wonky. (I’m probably being generous.) My first day there? Couldn’t work. Which, I guess, forces you to relax, right? But still, if you *need* blazing-fast internet (for work, or, uh, streaming shows), maybe double-check this before you book. The kitchen, it's well-equipped, but maybe a little *too* minimalist for a serious cook. (Though, I ate out most nights, so... not a major issue for me!).
And look, this is a personal thing, but the soundproofing is not excellent. You might hear the occasional car passing on the road, or distant laughter through it. But honestly? It's part of the charm. It's a small price to pay for a little slice of heaven! Just bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Consider this a gentle reminder that absolute perfection is, thankfully, rare, and imperfect is often MORE memorable.
Would You Stay Again? And, if Yes, When Can I Book? (Kidding... mostly.)
Absolutely. A thousand times, yes! If it wasn't so popular, I would move in full-time. I mean, it's the perfect base for exploring Cape Town. A lovely spot, a good sense ofLuxury Stay Blog
