Conceived back in 2019, the Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof was a long-anticipated addition to the city's vibrant lifestyle scene, finally opening its doors in June 2025. With years of planning invested, the question lingered: does this stylish new property truly deliver on its promise to offer a contemporary, local-focused sanctuary? During my 5-night stay, I set out to discover if this modern hotel, set against the historic Longkloof backdrop, could feel like a genuine home base in the Mother City.
The Neighborhood
The hotel is perfectly positioned, tucked just off the bustling Kloof Street in an alley that offers a quiet escape while keeping you central to everything. This location in the City Bowl felt incredibly convenient. A modern shopping complex right across the street meant effortless access to essentials like Woolworths(high-end grocery store), and Clicks(pharmacy). Plus, stepping out to find dinner was a delight, with so many excellent restaurants nearby. Importantly, walking around during the day felt secure and comfortable.
Arrival And First Impression
The hotel immediately makes you feel safe, being gated and protected by a security officer at the entrance. The striking red brick façade is a beautiful nod to the 112-year-old Longkloof history, blending the old with the new.
Inside, the lobby is designed to feel like the neighbourhood’s living room. It’s spacious, bright, and stylish, with warm orange accents and lovely local artwork. Check-in was an effortless affair, defined by the friendly staff and a warming glass of dessert wine that truly set a welcoming tone.
Rooms
We booked two different room types, and both demonstrated thoughtful attention to detail.
King Room With Sofa
The room felt refreshingly generous—even with our luggage open, we never felt cramped. The bed provided a perfect rest—firm yet yielding. A personal touch I loved was the heartfelt welcome gift of a jar of delicious cookies. The high ceiling made the room feel open and airy, featuring a chic green and white aesthetic and an elegant mural.
Storage was handled by a modern 'uncloseted' system of open racks, which felt both practical and contemporary. Amenities were all there: still and sparkling water, slippers, a fridge, Nespresso machine, and a clothing steamer—a great change from a clunky old iron! Every night, the turn-down service left a small, comforting chocolate on the pillow, which was a lovely way to end the day.
King Junior Suite With Mountain View
This suite was a joy. Natural light poured in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the spacious living area with a curved, comfortable sofa. The design felt distinct, featuring a bold, raw concrete ceiling balanced by warm wooden floors. The charming balcony was the real prize, looking out over a small floating garden with the mystical slopes of Table Mountain forming an incredible, ever-changing backdrop.
The ensuite bathroom truly felt like a retreat, featuring dual sinks and a contemporary walk-in shower area that ingeniously includes a luxurious, free-standing bathtub.
Ongetem Restaurant
The hotel's signature restaurant, Ongetem, is located on the ground floor and immediately impresses with its airy ambiance and high ceiling. We had the pleasure of trying both breakfast and dinner here. The staff were consistently attentive and friendly, and the exposed kitchen area added a dynamic energy, hinting at the fantastic food being prepared.
Breakfast
Breakfast is semi-buffet style. We chose one à la carte option (from options like Full English or Chicken and Waffles) from the hot breakfast menu, supplemented by a high-quality buffet of fresh pastries, fruits, and charcuterie. After five mornings, I can confirm every dish I tried was consistently fresh and excellent, though getting the cooked item could sometimes take a moment.
Dinner
This spot is quite popular. I highly recommend booking in advance, as it was almmost full every night we visited! We were lucky to snag a table this time, possibly because we were guests of the hotel. The dinner menu, in contrast to breakfast, is a culinary adventure, focused on locally inspired flavours that elegantly blend African, Asian, and European influences. We sampled a few dishes like the smoked aubergine flatbread, wood-fired sirloin, and pasta. The food genuinely lived up to the buzz, and it was easy to understand why locals dress up to dine here.
Communal Spaces And Guest Perks
The Library
This was my favourite space in the entire hotel. Located behind the reception, this beautiful retreat features a stunning wall of tall wooden bookshelves, comfortable seating, and a fireplace. It felt like a sophisticated, calm extension of the living room, perfect for unwinding or enjoying a quiet drink after a long day of exploring.
Gym
The gym is surprisingly large for a boutique hotel and packed with modern equipment. It has a fun, aesthetic design, including a great feature wall—you'll have to check the photos for the amusing, motivational message!
Guest Perks
For neighbourhood exploration, complimentary Canopy Bikes are available. The hotel also hosts a complimentary evening tasting on Thursdays, serving a refreshing Gin and Tonic. I was invited, but sadly had to turn down the offer, having already committed to a full-day wine tasting. That's a mistake on my end!
Final Verdict
The Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof delivered far more than just comfortable accommodation. It provided a secure, stylish, and genuinely welcoming home base in Cape Town. The comfortable, stylish rooms, the exceptional service, and the high-quality in-house dining make this a highly recommended and relaxing stay in the heart of the city.
| Stay Details | |
|---|---|
| Time of Stay | August, 2025 |
| Duration | 5 Nights |
| Room Cost (King Junior Suite) | 409.24 AUD/night |
| Room Cost (King Room) | 177.10 AUD/night |
| Inclusions | Breakfast included |
| Book through | Trip.com (8% off with VISA card) |
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