
Cape Town's BEST Kept Secret: 3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel!
3 On Camps Bay: My Secret Slice of Paradise, or Just a Really Nice Hotel? (Spoilers: It's Both!)
Okay, people, listen up! I just got back from a stay at 3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel, and I'm still buzzing. "Best Kept Secret" they call it, and honestly? They're not wrong. But before I wax lyrical about THAT pool (oh, the pool!), let's get down to brass tacks because I'm a detail person, and you probably are too. Let's break this down!
Accessibility: Not Perfect, But Definitely Thoughtful
Alright, so, accessibility. This is something I genuinely care about, and while 3 On Camps Bay isn't a 100% accessible hotel (it’s not a purpose-built facility), they've clearly put some serious thought into it. There's an elevator, which is HUGE - the property is built on a hillside. Some areas are definitely easier to navigate than others, but I didn't find it to be an insurmountable issue. They do have facilities for disabled guests. Unfortunately, they have no information about wheelchair-accessible rooms. However, they do have an elevator.
Internet: Praise the Wi-Fi Gods!
Okay, Internet. We Live and Breathe it. And thank goodness the internet is good! Free Wi-Fi in ALL THE ROOMS! Praise be! And in the public areas, too! Wi-Fi for special events? I didn't throw a party, so I can't test that. Internet access [LAN]? Yup, it’s there if you're that old-school. And when you're chilling in your room, the included Internet access – wireless is key.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe? Heck Yeah!
Look, I'm a bit of a hygiene freak. COVID messed us all up, am I right? But, 3 On Camps Bay nails it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? You betcha. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and there’s a doctor/nurse on call. They even sanitize the kitchen and tableware items, which is reassuring. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. They do offer a room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Paradise!
Now, THIS is where 3 On Camps Bay really shines. The A la carte in restaurant is delicious! And they have International cuisine in restaurant because, you know, South Africa! The Poolside bar? Chef's kiss. A Happy hour is a must, right? There's a Coffee shop, and of course, Restaurants.
Breakfast: The Real Winner!
The Breakfast [buffet] is what legends are made of. I'm talking eggs cooked exactly how you want them, a feast of fresh fruit, and the coffee? Oh, the coffee! It's a must-try. And if you’re feeling lazy, they offer Breakfast in room!
Things to do, ways to relax: Spa Time!
Pool with view? Yes, please! Their Swimming pool [outdoor] is incredible. And the Spa/sauna are divine. I didn't get a massage, but the facilities looked amazing.
Services and conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Concierge? Absolutely. Daily housekeeping? You bet. Laundry service? You got it. They’ve got a Convenience store, and there is Currency exchange if you need it. The Airport transfer? Seamless. And they have Car park [free of charge]. Bonus!
Rooms: My Happy Place
Okay, let's talk rooms. Firstly, Non-smoking rooms? Thank God! Air conditioning? Yup. Alarm clock? Sure. Bathrobes? Yes! Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker? Essential! The Hair dryer? Check! I also loved the Mini bar and Refrigerator!
My "Oh My God!" Experience: The Pool, The View, The…Everything
Okay, I could write a novella about the pool. Seriously. It's perched on the edge of the property, overlooking Camps Bay Beach. The sunsets there…I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. It's an outdoor pool, with a view. I spent a whole afternoon floating, sipping a cocktail from the poolside bar, and just. Being. That's where the "Best Kept Secret" really clicked for me. It felt like I'd stumbled into someone's ridiculously stylish and generous home. It didn’t just feel like good service – it felt like genuine hospitality.
The Quirks and the "Eh" Bits:
Now, it's not perfect. There were moments where the service was a little…slow. And while I loved the view from my room, the initial climb up to it was a bit…taxing. But those are minor quibbles.
Is 3 On Camps Bay Right for You?
If you're looking for a luxury experience that's still laid-back and relaxed, with stunning views and genuinely warm staff, then, YES.
The Offer (Because I Want You to Go!)
Here’s the deal: Book your stay at 3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel using code SECRETESCAPE and get:
- 15% off your stay
- A complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival
- A free sunset cocktail (for each person) at the poolside bar
But Hurry! This offer is only valid for bookings made within the next 30 days! Don't miss out on your own slice of paradise. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Just…don’t tell everyone? 😉 And let me know if I missed something!
Sydney Harbour Views! HUGE 2BR Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're not just visiting Camps Bay, we're living it. Or, at least, attempting to. My sanity? Questionable. My tan? Hopefully existent. Here's the battle plan, subject to change, and probably will.
Camps Bay Chaotic Capers: A Very Unpolished Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bliss (or, the Day My Luggage Went to Narnia)
- Morning (or, the Time My Body Clock Decided to Veto All Plans): Land in Cape Town. Pray to whatever deity controls baggage that my suitcase actually arrives. (Narrator voice: It did not. Cue despair and a frantic spree at a tiny airport shop for a toothbrush and emergency sunscreen. Important note: South African sun? Brutal. Don’t skimp on the SPF.)
- Afternoon: Finally, FINALLY, check into the 3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel. Oh, the views! Seriously, the ocean glitters right there, practically begging you to dive in… once you've unpacked (which, remember, has been delayed due to luggage-gate). I took a moment to just breathe and drink it all in. The air is different here! It's… hopeful. Also, I probably smelled like airport deodorant.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Camps Bay beach. Okay, I’ll admit, it's crowded, but in a good way. People are laughing, kids are building sandcastles that’ll be gone in five seconds, and the mountains loom in the background like majestic, judgmental parents. I grab a gelato (pistachio, obviously) and try to pretend I haven't spent the last 12 hours smelling like airplane peanuts. Anecdote alert: A rogue seagull tried to steal my gelato! We locked eyes, there was a moment of understanding (I think he was judging my choice of flavor, honestly), and then, WHOOSH, gone. The gelato, mostly. The seagull, triumphant.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant (name withheld because I can’t remember it and the wine blurred the details, but it was yummy). The sunset? Mind-blowing. I’m pretty sure Africa invented sunsets. Just saying. Back at the hotel, I’m forced to actually unpack - a chore that turned into a comedy of errors when I realised I’d packed five pairs of the same black socks, but no actual clothes. Good thing I bought a sarong at the shops.
Day 2: Adventure and Angst (or, Why I Shouldn't Hike Before Coffee)
- Morning (aka the most important meal of the day): Breakfast at the hotel. Eggs, coffee, and plans. The hotel's breakfast is chef's kiss. Fresh fruit that ACTUALLY tastes like something and perfect eggs. I needed that fuel.
- Mid-Morning: Table Mountain Hike (mistake??): I heard it was a MUST-DO. So, fueled by ambition and minimal caffeine, I set off. The trail?! Steep. The views?! Pretty spectacular, when I wasn't gasping for air and regretting every single decision that led me to that point. I'm not an athlete. I'm a person who enjoys a good nap. This hike almost beat me. Almost. Emotional reaction: Pure, unadulterated relief when I finally reached the top. And the view… worth it. Maybe. Ask me again when my legs stop screaming.
- Afternoon: Lunch (that I desperately deserved) back down in Camps Bay. Needed carbs. All the carbs. I found a little café with amazing fish and chips, which I devoured with the guilt-free abandon of someone who’d just climbed a mountain (ish).
- Late Afternoon: Beach round two! This time, with REAL clothes. I sat and stared at the ocean for WAY too long. The waves are mesmerizing! Pure bliss.
- Evening: Cocktail hour at a bar overlooking the sea. The hotel staff suggested a great place with a chill vibe. We sat there for hours, eventually stumbling back to the hotel, feeling on top of the world. The world should probably be made up of these cocktails.
Day 3: Culture, Cold Drinks, and the Beginning of the End (of this trip… or is it?)
- Morning: Explore. Head into Cape Town and check out the Bo-Kaap district — that vibrant neighborhood packed with colorful houses. I feel like everywhere you look is photo-worthy. The colors are so beautiful! The food is amazing! The people I spoke with were incredible.
- Afternoon: A bit of shopping. Some souvenirs. The prices are awesome! I could spend more time here. But there wasn't enough time.
- Late Afternoon - Early Evening: Back to Camps Bay. Quick change. Before dinner, let's just relax on the beach with a book. Take a final look at the ocean. It's beautiful.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Watching the sunset. Feeling all the feelings. It was a magical place. I will be back.
Important Notes & Rambling Thoughts:
- The Hotel: 3 On Camps Bay? Excellent choice. The staff is unbelievably friendly, the rooms are stylish, and the location is unbeatable. Book it. NOW. (No, I'm not getting paid to say that.)
- Traffic: Cape Town traffic can be a beast. Plan accordingly.
- Safety: Stay aware of your surroundings. Common sense stuff.
- The People: The South African people are incredibly warm and welcoming. Don't be afraid to strike up conversations.
- My Luggage: Still MIA, but who cares? I’m in Camps Bay! (Okay, I still care. A little.)
- The Food: Eat EVERYTHING.
- The Wine: Drink EVERYTHING. Responsibly (maybe).
- Impulsiveness is Key: Go with the flow. Don’t be afraid to deviate from your plans. Some of the best moments are the unplanned ones.
- Final Thoughts: Camps Bay is magical! It's a vibrant mix of relaxation, adventure, and sheer beauty. It is messy and beautiful and everything I hoped it would be. I'm leaving a piece of my heart here. And, honestly, I'm already planning my return, luggage or not. Now to be real. This trip? 10/10 would recommend. Just pack your own clothes. Your luggage, I feel, will arrive late.

3 On Camps Bay: Spill the Secrets! (Or at Least, TRY To...)
Okay, so... what *IS* this "3 On Camps Bay" everyone keeps whispering about? Is it actually *good*?
Is it, like, crazy expensive? Because my budget is basically "instant ramen and regret"...
What are the rooms like? Are they… Instagrammable? (This is important.)
But here's the thing: Not all rooms are *created* equally. Some have better views than others. Do your research and try to get the highest floor/best view. Trust me, it's worth the extra expense (you'll thank me later, probably on your Instagram feed).
Is there a pool? Because lounging is a major life goal.
What's the food like? Are we talking gourmet, or just "hotel breakfast buffet"?
Is it good for families? Or is it more of a romantic getaway kind of place?
And the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or, you know, aloof and pretentious?


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