Calico Cats of Cape Town: The Purrfect South African Adventure
Calico Cats of Cape Town: My South African Adventure - A Purr-fectly Imperfect Review (and Why You NEED to Go!)
Okay, friends, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the Amarula cream – my god, that stuff is dangerous!) on my recent trip to Cape Town, and more specifically, my stay at the infamous, and utterly charming, Calico Cats of Cape Town. Forget those clinical, sterile hotel reviews. This is real life. This is me, unfiltered, after experiencing a truly unique, and sometimes utterly bonkers, slice of South Africa.
(Pacing Note: Ready? Let’s go. We will get lost in the weeds sometimes, embracing the chaos. You have been warned!)
First Impressions: Purrfectly Cat-titude (and Maybe a Minor Hiccup!)
Right off the bat, you see the name – Calico Cats. I mean, come ON! How can you not be intrigued? I was expecting a place overrun with actual cats (which, let’s be honest, would have been amazing), but alas, no feline overlords. Still, the vibe? Immediately chilled. The check-in was efficient (thank you, contactless check-in/out – always a win), and the staff? Utterly lovely. Now, I arrived at like, 2 AM after a hellish flight. My shoes were practically melting to my feet, and I was a walking zombie. But even at that hour, staff got me checked in the room, and the room key. They did provide a bottle of water, which, after two cross-continental flights, was the literal elixir of life.
Rooms: Cozy Nests (and the Battle of the Blackout Curtains)
My room? Lovely, spacious, and with a view that almost made up for the jet lag. (Okay, the view did make up for a lot). The bed was comfy, the pillows… divine. I've been travelling a lot, and it’s safe to say, the bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever had. There's a desk space of which my laptop was happy. The internet access was speedy which was a major win! Oh, and a coffee/tea maker? Essential. A mini-bar with a small selection of cold beverages? Yes please! However…the blackout curtains were a bit of a struggle. I am not sure, I maybe could not pull them, or they were just not good, I woke to the sun in my eyes. But let me tell you, waking up to the Cape Town sun is not the worst way to start a day, right?
(Emotional Reaction: Minor grumble about the curtains, quickly overridden by the pure, unadulterated joy of being in Cape Town!)
Food Glorious Food (Mostly!)
Okay, let's talk grub. Breakfast at Calico Cats? Mixed feelings. The buffet, a glorious spread of international and Western breakfast options. I am not much of a buffet person, but I was in Cape Town, so I had to partake. The eggs were cooked to perfection. The bacon… crispy. My verdict? Delightful. The Asian breakfast options… still trying to wrap my head around it, but I commend the effort! The Coffee shop was delightful, and I might have spent hours there working.
Now here's the kicker: the dinner at the restaurant. This is where it gets interesting. Calico Cats offers a la carte service, including international cuisine. I tried the steak. It was not the best steak I've ever had (sorry, Calico Cats), but the atmosphere was incredible. The bar was fantastic and the poolside bar was the place to watch the sunset.
(Quirky Observation: The soup. They served soup, which, in the Cape Town heat, seemed a bit… ambitious. But hey, they offered it!)
Poolside Paradise (and the Spa Temptation!)
The outdoor swimming pool? Gorgeous. The Pool with a view was worth the wait! Clean, glistening, and the perfect place to waste away an afternoon with a cocktail. The poolside bar was a necessity, I found myself visiting it daily.
And then the Spa. Oh, the Spa. Body scrub, body wrap, sauna, steamroom… all the usual suspects. I am not much of a spa person, but I felt like I needed to detox from the flight and the wine. And I gave in and did a massage. I am happy to say that was the best decision.
(Stream of Consciousness: Imagine me now, sprawled on a massage table, listening to soothing music, and briefly forgetting my to-do list. Bliss. Absolute bliss.)
Things to Do & Ways To Relax (Beyond the Obvious)
Calico Cats had me thinking, “What more could anyone possibly need?” But yes, I am writing an online review, what do you think I could need. Anyway, the hotel offers bicycle parking and car parking free of charge. On-site event hosting is available, as well as meetings and seminars. Cleanliness, Safety, and the Covid Tango
This is a big one, especially in the current climate. I felt incredibly safe and comfortable at Calico Cats. They were all over the safety protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, individually-wrapped food options, and physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The staff were trained in safety protocol. It's clear they took it seriously, and that made a huge difference.
(Anecdote: I saw a staff member meticulously wiping down a table in the common area. It was reassuring.)
Accessibility & Getting Around
I am happy to report that the hotel takes accessibility seriously. Facilities for disabled guests and an elevator were present. They also offer an airport transfer – DO IT. Seriously, after that flight, do not even think about navigating Cape Town traffic on your own. And they have a car park on-site.
(Honest Assessment: Getting around Cape Town is generally easy, but the airport transfer sealed the deal for me.)
The Verdict: Purr-fectly Recommendable
Look, Calico Cats of Cape Town isn't perfect. No hotel is. But it's got heart. It's got charm. And it's got a location that puts you right in the thick of everything Cape Town has to offer. It's a place where you can relax, indulge, and recharge.
(Opinionated Language: I LOVED this hotel. I truly did. The imperfections only added to the charm.)
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- Internal Linking: Link to other relevant pages on your website (if applicable).
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Dara Al Rayan Riyadh: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Saudi Arabia
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Cape Town, South Africa, and trust me, we're going to get messy with it. And by messy, I mean: honest, opinionated, and probably fuelled by too much Rooibos tea. Let's do this!
Day 1: Arrival and Holy-Moly-Look-at-That Views (and Terrible Jet Lag)
- Morning (Or What Even Is Morning?): Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Oh god, the flight was a nightmare. The guy next to me snored like a chainsaw symphony. Customs was surprisingly breezy, though I did have a mild panic when they asked me about "fresh produce." (Spoiler: I had a questionable apple in my bag. It survived).
- Lunch (Assuming I Can Consciously Chew): Uber to my Airbnb in a trendy area called… well, somewhere I forgot. It's got a killer view of Table Mountain, but the "fully equipped" kitchen only has a slightly-brown-stained frying pan. Fine. We'll survive. Grab some biltong from a local shop - I swear, it's like beef jerky but on crack!
- Afternoon: Okay, the jet lag is real. Think I'll just sit on the balcony with a book and that aforementioned apple (still questionable). Maybe a sneaky nap. Maybe two.
- Evening: Dinner at a place called "Bree Street" – everyone raves about it. Hopefully, it's good, because if it's not, I'm resorting to instant noodles and a silent sob. Fingers crossed. Anecdote: I tried to order a beer, but apparently the waiter understood my accent and I ended up with a "local" beer, which happened to be absolutely delicious. Score!
Day 2: Table Mountain Angst and Penguin Perfection
- Morning: Okay, today is THE DAY. Table Mountain. People say it's amazing. People also say it's often covered in clouds. Let's pray to whatever mountain gods are out there. Head up via cable car, and if I'm being honest, kinda terrified myself, the cable car is slowly moving with us, and I don't like heights. The views are supposed to be epic… and they are. Holy mother of views! The city sprawls below, the ocean shimmering. It’s postcard perfect. And then the wind hits. Dear sweet Jesus, the wind. Can almost blew away the backpack I was holding. The wind is strong and the table mountain almost got me like the titanic.
- Lunch: Picnic on top of Table Mountain (assuming the wind doesn't hurl me off the edge). Sandwiches and overpriced, but worth it, snacks because, you know, views.
- Afternoon: Boulders Beach. Home of the adorable, waddling African penguins. Prepare for an overload of cuteness. I swear, I could've stayed there all day, just watching them. They are even little clowns playing around. I felt like a paparazzi trying to get the perfect pictures. (Spoiler: I took like a million.)
- Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Kalk Bay. Fresh fish, the salty air, the sunset over the harbor… Pure bliss. And another glass of wine. Why not? Life is short, the penguins are cute.
Day 3: Cape Winelands - Wine, Wine, Glorious Wine (and Regrets)
- Morning: Hire a car for the day. Big mistake. I'm a terrible driver. The roads are different. I nearly ran over a sheep. Twice. Eventually, made my way to the Winelands. First stop: Stellenbosch!
- Lunch: At a winery. And the wine tasting begins. I don't even like wine, I like that sweet juice. Then the food comes. The cheese, the olives, the bread. I suddenly love wine.
- Afternoon: More wine. More vineyards. More of that sunshine. I went to Franschhoek. It's a charming town, and the wineries… glorious. The people were so welcoming. I tried a few different varieties, by the end I was feeling like I could do anything.
- Evening: A very questionable drive back to Cape Town because I was being a little bit drunk. I made it back in one piece. Dinner at a place I can't remember the name of, but the food was alright, I guess.
- Later that night: Woke up at 3 am with a raging headache and a vague sense of shame. Never again.
Day 4: Hout Bay, Coastal Drives, and a Touch of History (and More Regret)
Morning: After a rough night, I drag myself out of bed. Hout Bay. Chapman's Peak Drive. The scenery is stunning. The ocean crashing against the cliffs. I feel like I'm in a movie. I bought some souvenirs.
Lunch: At a place called the "Hout Bay Market". Delicious food. Good vibes. But I still felt like a walking zombie.
Afternoon: A visit to Robben Island. Nelson Mandela's prison. Powerful, humbling, and a damn good reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. The tour guide (former prisoner) was incredible. I felt a wave of emotion I didn't expect. The place felt silent and yet, full of the sound of history. Definitely a MUST DO.
Evening: Dinner at a place on the waterfront. The place felt fancy. I was still hungover, so I ordered boring food. Big mistake. Should have gone for the grilled fish! Had a glass or two of wine, but kept it light. It's over.
Later that night: I think I might have overdone it a little with the souvenirs.
Day 5: City Exploration, Street Art, and the End of the Road… (Almost)
Morning: Exploring the city center. I found some street art in the Bo-Kaap. The colorful houses! The vibrant murals! It's like a giant, beautiful hug.
Lunch: In the Bo-Kaap. I tried the local food - some kind of curry thing. Delicious!
Afternoon: Wandering through the Company's Garden. A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. And then shopping. I bought too many things. I really hope my suitcase holds.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view of the city lights. Reflecting on the trip. It was a brilliant experience.
Day 6: Departure
Morning: One last view of Table Mountain. A final cup of Rooibos.
Afternoon: Head to the airport. The long flight home.
Evening: Arrive back home. Exhausted but full of memories. And a suitcase overflowing with souvenirs. South Africa, you were a whirlwind of beauty, chaos, and deliciousness. I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe.
So, like, what *is* it, exactly? Is it even worth it?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Let's say it's… well, *[Topic Here]*. It's trying to… you know… *[brief, general description of the topic]*… It *sounds* simple, which is the first lie. Is it worth it? Ugh. Depends. On a good day, after a strong cup of coffee and a sprinkle of optimism? HELL YES. You're practically glowing with the possibilities! On a Tuesday at 3 pm, after accidentally running the dishwasher twice? Maybe not. The truth is somewhere in between. It's HARD sometimes. It’s frustrating. There’s that moment when you think, “Why did I even start this?!” But then… then you get to… *[a specific, positive consequence of the topic here]*. And then you remember, "Oh yeah, *that's* why."
Where do I even *begin*? 'Cause frankly, I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it.
Oh honey, I feel you. Overwhelm is my middle name (not really, it's Karen, but you get the point). For me, it usually involved a panicked Amazon search for the "best" *[related item]* (spoiler alert: there *is* no "best" – it's all just marketing). Then, procrastination would rear its ugly head. We've all been there, right? My *actual* beginning, the one that *actually* worked, was… *[Anecdote: Describe your real, probably imperfect, start. Include a funny mistake or early failure. Be specific.]*. The key is small, manageable steps. Don’t try to be perfect. You *won't* be. That's the fun part, actually.
Help! I’m stuck. Everything seems… impossible!
Impossible? Yeah, I get that. That moment when you just want to throw your hands up in the air and scream into the abyss? Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt (probably on Amazon). When I hit a wall, I always did *[Your strategy: Example: "Took a break, walked away, and then came back with fresh eyes."].* Sometimes the best thing you can do is *nothing*! Just… step away. Watch a terrible reality TV show. Eat ice cream. Vent to your cat (they're great listeners, and will never judge your questionable choices). Then, when you're ready (and hopefully less stabby), try again.
Are there any common pitfalls or mistakes I should avoid? Asking for a friend… (it's me).
Oh, honey, the rabbit hole of mistakes is DEEP. I’ve practically built a castle down there. First, *[Mistake #1: E.g. "Don't overthink it! I spent weeks researching 'the perfect' ukulele before even strumming a chord. "].* Second, *[Mistake #2: E.g. "Don't compare yourself to others! That Instagram ukulele prodigy? They've probably been at it for years, and they're probably using a filter."]* And finally… *[Mistake #3: E.g. "Don't give up! There will be days you sound like a dying whale. Embrace the whale! It's part of the journey."]* I swear to you, embracing the whale is key.
Okay, but like, what about the *details*? (e.g., *[specific minor category related to the topic, such as "buying the right tools," or "dealing with traffic," or "managing your time"]*)
Aha! This is where the fun *really* begins! The devil is ALWAYS in the details, right? So, let's say we're talking about… *[specific minor category]*. Ugh. That's where it gets tricky. I remember when I needed to… *[Anecdote: Rambling, stream-of-consciousness story about a specific detail, full of tangents, imperfections, and emotional reactions. Include a moment of realization.].* And after all of that, the real trick is... *[practical tip or solution related to the specific minor category]*. Don't overthink it!
What about resources? Where can I find help? I'm a beginner!
Oh, the internet is a *blessing* and a curse in this regard. On the one hand, you have access to practically endless information. On the other hand, you have… endless information. It's a paradox! My go-to place, for *[Specific resource related to the topic – eg, "ukulele tutorials"]*, is… *[Your preferred resource, be specific].* Also, *[another resource]*. The best resources are the ones you actually *use*. Don't get bogged down in the "perfect" resource. Start *somewhere*. And ask questions! (That's how I learned!) I'm not always good at responding, because, like, life, but, you get the idea.
Okay, so, like, the *hardest* part? What's the one thing that almost made you quit?
Oh, *[Topic Here]*. The hardest part? *That* moment. The *one* moment? For me, it was… *[Doubling Down Anecdote: A long, detailed story focusing on a specific, difficult experience you had with the topic. Make it personal. Make it emotional. Make it messy. Include specific quotes and details of what you said/felt. This is where you really let loose.].* Looking back? It was ridiculous. But at the time? I was ready to… *[describe over dramatic action*]. But then I did... *[What you did instead]*.
And the *best* part? When did you feel the most… accomplished?
Oh, there are *so* many good parts. But the *best* part? The moment… *[Describe the best, most rewarding moment related to the topic. Make it specific, and full of positive emotion].* I remember the feeling, and it was… *[describe the feeling]* I still get shivers thinking about it. It’s whatCity Stay Finder
