Located in the heart of the VA Waterfront, Cape Town, The One and Only hotel is the latest addition to Sol Kerzner’s elite portfolio of resort style hotels. And it most certainly is the epitome of glamour and style – without the air of pretentiousness. The hotel atmosphere can be best be described as a mix of glitzy Hollywood coupled with laid back bohemian Cape Town friendliness; a fine combination of humble Africa partnered with first world New York.

The hotel feels like an extension of Table Mountain due to its close proximity to this famous landmark. Last time I felt this close to Table Mountain, I was inside a cable car!  If you have the funds, the One and Only is well worth a stay (you’re looking at roughly R5100 for a standard room per night). I was fortunate enough to wrangle a complementary stay for one night. I donned my ( fake) name brand handbag, brushed my hair and put on my guess jeans to eminate the look of a high profile guest.

I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed, welcoming and almost homely the One and Only hotel was – my faux name brand outfit was not entirely necessary. A big thumbs up to the One and Only for greeting their guests with welcoming smiles synonymous with South African culture. The One and Only hotel has mastered the art of space. Upon arrival you’ll notice the open plan bar area, large windows that let in a generous amount of light and a well designed, somewhat breezy reception area. I love space – space to me means oxygen, harmony and induces an instant state of relaxation.

Through the windows you’ll notice a moat surrounding an island oasis connected to the main hotel via a wooden bridge walkway. The island is where the poolside restaurant, rim flow swimming pool, the spa treatment rooms and the exclusive island suites are located.

The calming effect of the water contributes to the overall serenity of the One and Only and gives it that resort feel creating a holiday feeling before you’ve even explored Cape Town. The decor of the cocktail bar area and lounge has a dazzling casino opulance about it; probably down to the gold dangly light tubes suspended from the ceiling. They’re meant to be in the shape of Africa, but I think you need to have more than one chocolate pinotage cocktail to see the shape.

Located on the right of the cocktail bar is the Japanese restaurant, Nobu. Designed with minimalism in mind, this restaurant is one of the top sushi jaunts in town. It boasts exceptional reviews and of course, world class sushi. If you’re not staying at the One and Only, then I recommend you have a sunset cocktail and stylish evening of sushi at Nobu! After sampling the delights of the cocktail bar and taking in the sites and sounds of the hotel, I made my way up to the room.

I stayed in one of the entry level rooms – room 417. Burnt oranges, hues of red and cheap (looked cheap..) African art work adorn the walls of room 417, and architecture has a slight 70′s feel with geometric lines.  The balcony of room 417 overlooks the swimming pool, moat, and spa area. The views of the majestic Table Mountain are also spectacular. I felt I could literally touch the top of the mountain with the stem of my wine glass! The scenery, the crisp air and the entire One and Only experience made me feel all tingly inside, just like the batch of Mexican amphetamines I illegally smuggled across the border las year.

Blanketed by opulant luxuries and humbled by the magnificent views,I decided I could there were still a few things that I felt needed improving, namely: There were 2 people staying my room, yet the turn down comprised only one set of slippers and chocolates The rates are pretty high, which led me to thinking that a nice little welcome basket (or anything) would have put a smile on my face. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the Kruger Park supplied beautiful welcome packs. There’s something special about those kind of finishing touches. The glass sink in room 417 is placed too close to the spout of the tap. Water went everywhere and onto the wall plugs. Maintenance needs to fix this. In terms of bathroom amenities there could have been more. A huge, beautiful bath but no bath salts or bubble bath? The wine on top of the bar fridge is not complementary, although it was located adjacent the the complementary items. And the very sweet guy showing us the room told us it was “on the house”. Apart from those minor details, I was suitably impressed with everything else. The One and Only hotel often has accommodation specials and other exciting events. Current specials: For travel through Dec 24, 2010 : 40% off when you stay 3 nights or more * For travel from Jan 4 through March 31, 2010: 25% off when you stay 4 nights or more * *Applicable to NEW bookings only. You cannot combine this offer with any other offer. Child policy applies as per existing contract. One&Only Cape Town reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time. Cancellation and No Show policy as per existing contract. Other terms and conditions apply as per existing contract. Above offer is subject to availability at the time of reservation. This offer is not applicable to group bookings (10 rooms or more)