After what has felt like a manic few weeks, I jumped at the chance to spend the night at an iconic Cape Town property, and experience a new hotel group that has recently landed on our shores.
Casablanca-headquartered ONOMO Hotels has entered the South African hotel management arena, with the acquisition of three properties: the iconic Inn on the Square in Cape Town, the Signature Lux Hotel and brand in Sandton, and a newly constructed ONOMO Hotel in Durban due to open in March this year. The group is actively expanding through Africa, currently standing at 10 properties across Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali, Togo, Guinea, Rwanda and South Africa.
As I didn’t quite know what to expect from the brand, I chatted to the General Manager of Inn on the Square, Mynhardt Dejongh, about what the ONOMO experience means for guests. “ONOMO staff and management dares to be creative, and are always trying to surpass ourselves. Guests will feel the difference between ONOMO hotels and other hotels, as they will feel the care and attention we provide to guests by always valuing talent, initiative, and the retention of both staff and guests. ONOMO Hotel is a new brand to South Africa, but the impact it has had throughout West Africa and now South and soon East Africa is felt all over”.
As it was my first time visiting the property, I’m not able to compare it to the previous owners, but, can say that if you’re looking to rest your head in one of the most central and beautiful places in the Cape Town CBD, then look no further.
The rooms are perfectly comfortable – great bed and good linen – ONOMO Hotels Inn on the Square definitely punches above its 3* rating, with a luggage rack, tea and coffee facilities and modern TV all standard. However, it is the location and views that eclipse all else. With vibrant Greenmarket Square and the Gothic Central Methodist Mission visible from my window, and a pool and deck area under the shadow of Table Mountain, it was a treat to see my beautiful city from yet another angle.
While the location of my room did give me incredible views, I was concerned about the potential noise levels – with a window that faced Greenmarket Square on a Saturday night. But, I was pleasantly surprised, not hearing any noise disruptions and sleeping very soundly. Thanks to particularly effective black-out curtains, I woke after 8am, not knowing what the time was, and was almost instantly blinded by bright sunlight when I tried to glimpse the outside world. So, you can be quite confident in the knowledge that you’ll get a good night’s rest.
The hotel does have a restaurant and bar downstairs, that looks out onto the square. I took a wander downstairs for some photographs, but was a little uninspired by the breakfast offering, so decided to skip it and just have a cup of coffee. Considering how many great food options you have in the centre of town, you’ll likely find something delicious to start your day on every corner – or, if you really want a treat, take a wander up to Jason Bakery on Bree Street for a doughssant as you watch the city wake from slumber.
Easy walking distance from the City Sightseeing Red Bus Stop – barely 100m from their front door, Company’s Gardens, Planetarium and more, it’s the perfect choice for visitors to the city who want to try and pack in as many attractions and activities as possible, without spending hours commuting.
I enjoyed my stay as a guest of ONOMO Hotels Inn on the Square. Photograph of the hotel’s exterior was supplied.
What do you think?