Pod
3 Argyle Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Why We Like It
A cool, friendly property with relaxing natural vibes and plenty of hidden extras, Pod is the perfect example of a beachside boutique hotel done right.
Fodor's Expert Review
This sexy little designer boutique hotel enjoys a great location on a quiet corner just a block from Camps Bay's main drag (although still with gorgeous ocean views from the bar, lounge and pool - keep an eye out for dolphins at breakfast). A perfect blend of modern sleekness with accents of stone, rough wood, and slate creates a peaceful Zen ambiance in the rooms and public areas. Clever design makes use of every view available, as seen in unexpected windows placed to enjoy slivers of Lion's Head and Table Mountain, and attentive staff are keen to make sure that guests don't miss out on any of it.
Tip There are great perks: the complimentary minibar in your room, free DVDs and popcorn, an iPad for public use, a well-stocked beach bag to take over the road in summer and hot water bottles in your bed for the winter. Cute.
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Room
Rooms are spacious and have a beach house meets bachelor pad vibe, with wooden and grey tones. The smaller, cheaper mini mountain rooms are good value considering the rest of the hotel's amenities, and the luxury rooms--either with sea view balconies or private pools--are lush. Plump for the balcony option here, though, as the hotel's infinity pool on the deck with great ocean views and loungers is a preferable place to splash around anyway.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are large, black and open-plan in the rooms (although still completely private), which is unusual and, in our books, attractive.
Lobby
The hotel reception desk, in front of the chilled out bar and pool areas, is staffed by young and enthusiastic staff who leap to help out guests, from carrying bags to recommending good bars.
You Should Know Older travelers may feel a little out of place among all the bright young things working and staying here.
Pool
The hotel's beach-view infinity pool is not large, or warm (in common with most of Cape Town's unheated pools), but it is in a beautiful setting.
Dining
There's no restaurant, but the buffet breakfast served in the cool nature-inspired bar and lounge area is fresh and delicious, with fluffy pancakes and other options cooked to order and good juices.
Drinking
The hotel bar has a good range of drinks and that wonderful view to feast your eyes on as you sip.
Tip Don't miss the hotel's social hour with free wine and cheese, held in the bar as the sun sets.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel could barely be better placed for enjoying the beach and scene-y bars and restaurants of Camps Bay. It's also a quick drive into the city center (15-20 minutes) or out to other attractions along the Cape peninsula on awe-inspiring roads between the sea and the mountains.
Restaurants
Hot new opening Salsify (5-minute drive) delivers divine food in a cool, historic setting not far from the hotel. Or Codfather Seafood and Sushi (2-minute drive, 9-minute walk) is a great seafront seafood joint in Camps Bay.
Bars
Join the cool cats for sundowners at Cafe Caprice (3-minute walk) or Chinchilla Rooftop Bar and Cafe (8-minute walk) - if you can tear yourself away from similar views at the hotel itself, that is.
Quick Facts
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