Ellerman House, Cape Town

Ellerman House was one of the most helpful, attentive, and distinguished places my wife and I have stayed. It is the embodiment of elegance and sophistication at every turn. HOWEVER, the true measure of a hotel is not how they treat you when everything goes smoothly - but how they react when circumstances go awry. Due to some minor personal misfortune, we tested Ellerman House and they further distinguished themselves as no hotel we've stayed before or since. It is rare that a hotel with a view as extraordinary as theirs, such fine food and such great facilities, can be out-classed by their staff. Ellerman House accomplishes this. From half-way around the world, my wife and I still recall how great our stay was even when contrasted to our first safari at places like Londolozi. Simply put, it would be a shame to go to Cape Town and not stay here: even among Relais and Chateaux properties (and we have had the extraordinary good fortune to stay in several), Ellerman House is a stand out.