The Planner Guru delivers the lowdown on what makes Vïb Cape Town stand out.
Embarking on a new venture during a pandemic takes guts but to see through the opening of a hotel that has been in the pipeline since 2016 takes inspiration from a very special place. Just ask Muslim Jaffer, the owner of Vïb Cape Town.
“We have been working with Best Western International on this project since 2016 and are confident that our long-term vision and investment in the first Vïb by Best Western in Africa is the right decision. Now that we’re open, we’re thrilled to be welcoming guests!” he says.
Vïb Cape Town officially opened its doors for business on 21 December 2020 and its amenities are definitely not typical of your standard hotel stay – in fact, far from it! Setting itself aside from the rest, the Vïb hotel is home to the Jaffer Modern Art Gallery. Occupying the whole seventh floor, the gallery aims to promote established and aspiring pan-African artists to both the local and international markets.
“Visitors will be able to enjoy a spectrum of works of various genres and media, from painting through to sculpture and ceramics. Being situated within one of Cape Town’s most vibrant global hotel brands will guarantee an audience for the art displayed,” enthuses gallery owner Shafina Jaffer.
EYE-POPPING
As the first Vïb by Best Western in the southern hemisphere, with Signal Hill as its backdrop and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean lapping the shores of Robben Island, the hotel is a dazzling structure that lacks no aesthetics. Situated conveniently close to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, V&A Waterfront and all major freeways, getting around is a breeze, which is made even easier with Vïb’s complementary shuttle service*.
Rising eight storeys from the ground, Vïb Cape Town can be found in the cosmopolitan suburb of Green Point and comes complete with a rooftop pool that cantilevers out from the building across a distance of 25 m and overlooks Main Road. The aquarium-grade portholes at the bottom of the pool and plexiglass facade add both a safe and beautiful finishing touch to this attractive feature.
For those curious to see what the hotel is about, pop in at Eye Bar – a stylish new foodie go-to with a contemporary menu. Located on Vïb Cape Town’s ground floor, Eye Bar comprises a cocktail bar, grab ‘n’ go coffee station, an indoor restaurant and open-air terrace. The venue is open daily to members of the public and guests of the hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served, as well as tapas-style sharing plates.
Outside of lockdown restrictions, the bar serves signature cocktails, wine, spirits and soft drinks.
MORE THAN A HOTEL
With 76 eco-friendly rooms across six floors, Vïb Cape Town amenities cater for both locals in need of a change of scenery and for businesspeople on the move. Designed by Robert Silke, a well-known South African architect, the technology-centric hotel has been specifically created to meet the needs of today’s urban traveller.
“Our goal has been to identify and cater to every requirement of today’s busy, connected traveller, enhanced by one of the world’s most beautiful settings.”
“Our rooms are designed specifically to provide our guests with every necessary comfort and convenience tailored to their specific requirements, including no less than an extra-length queen-sized bed, large-screen TV, generous bathroom with a shower, Nespresso machine, individual workstations with Herman Miller task chairs, and dedicated Wi-Fi access points in each room,” says Niall Bruyns, GM for Vïb Cape Town.
“Our goal has been to identify and cater to every requirement of today’s busy, connected traveller, enhanced by one of the world’s most beautiful settings,” he adds.
For those requiring additional IT security, individual ethernet cables are also standard across all 76 rooms – ideal for those in the techpreneur or start-up space. And with the ever-growing trend towards staying fit and healthy, Vïb has also built an on-site gym that sports the latest fitness equipment such as digital treadmills and ellipticals, as well as a weight-lifting bench and dumbbells. As part of its commitment to supporting all things local, the hotel’s South African guests will receive a local rate for bookings made directly through Vïb Cape Town.
Exceptional health and safety measures
In accordance with the local regulations set out by the South African government – together with Best Western’s stringent health and safety standards – Vïb Cape Town adheres to the most rigorous hygiene and cleanliness protocols.
Based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Health Canada, the We Care Clean programme addresses everything from guestroom and common area cleanliness to streamlined processes that minimise contact between guests and associates, while maintaining the customer service you expect from a Best Western-branded hotel.
This includes sanitiser dispensers that are provided in every room as well as contactless QR menus in the restaurant – extra additions over and above the required to add to each guest’s safety.
