This sleek little designer hotel exudes modern minimalism and a sense of the outdoors. It is, however, anything but rugged. With its smooth contours, clean lines and natural aesthetic, the POD Camps Bay encapsulates the beauty and diversity of the Cape. Aged mountains, wild oceans, tranquil beaches, all rolled into one magical destination. 

It makes for a lovely Zen retreat after a hot morning on the beach. While the timber finishes and underfloor heating also make the POD feel warm and cosy all-year-round. Nice to know, is that the hotel’s green policy includes utilising its water supply.

Out & about

The hotel is located just behind the hip Camps Bay strip, in the heart of the Cape’s ‘Riviera’. The area is known for its on-trend beach bars, cafes, restaurants and theatre, and not to mention its golden stretch of beaches up to Clifton Fourth. It is the place to ‘be seen’ and admittedly great for people-watching too.

The coast on either side, however, is more laid back, private and a haven for surfing. Pinched between mountain and sea, the stretch from Clifton First to Llandudno makes for the most scenic walk or run imaginable. Whether it be for hiking or riding in the mountains, or beach hopping, this locale couldn’t be more fitting. That’s if you don’t mind the colder Atlantic ocean temperatures which could take some getting used to.

Services & facilities at POD Camps Bay 

The staff is young, eager to assist or advise on the area. Perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, especially for older folks. But they do give great tips on getting around. Overall, there is a nice personable laid back atmosphere, with no eyebrows raised at your trudging in a bit of sand or bringing home your take-out. They’ll even set up a table for you or deliver them plated to your room. 

Rooms 

The more affordable Mountain rooms are compact but have all the comforts you need including a comfy king bed, TV and DVD player, iPod docking station, complimentary minibar, air-conditioning, underfloor heating and free wifi. There is an open-plan layout to maximise the space and clever zoning of the rooms using raised floor levels. All the natural finishings and accent lighting add warmth and softness to the minimalist decor.

En-suite bathrooms are slate and partially protected for privacy with a frosted glass panel. They are serene spaces from which to enjoy the walk-in rain showers and soaking tubs. Glimpses of Lion’s Head or Table Mountain can be seen through conveniently placed slivers of window.

While in the Classic and Luxury rooms, views can be enjoyed from timber balconies. On the top-end, the Deluxe suites offer preferential views and a private patio plus pool. These rooms are also decked out with double showers and bathtubs big enough for two.

Dining 

The buffet breakfast included in your charge is a healthy spread of cheeses, meats, fresh fruits and delicious smoothies, followed with a hot meal of your choice. The service is casual and set up in the bar lounge or breakfast room. Breakfast is the only meal served. For your other meals, you can choose from scores of top-rate eateries all within walking distance of the hotel. The staff will give you pointers on where to go for sit-down meals or good take-out options.

Drinks

The chilled-out cocktail bar up on the deck is a stylish and convenient spot for sipping drinks at sunset. An open plan leads out onto the pool patio and this is where you will mostly find the other guests sunning themselves and lounging around the inviting lap pool. A nice perk is the hotel’s loungers set up on the beach with a bar service that delivers drinks all day long.

Bars & restaurants

You’ll find plenty of tapas bars and eateries along the Camps Bay strip. The Codfather and Bungalow Bar are our top choices for seafood; the terrace-top Bilboa has a delicious menu with an excellent beach view; and Chinchilla Rooftop Bar and Cafe or the Bungalow Bar terrace towards Clifton 4th are perfect for sundowners. A little way up the hill, the  Lawns at the Roundhouse is rated, and has a gorgeous view of the seaside and the Twelve Apostles. While Salsify at the same location is an absolute must for modern fine-dining.

Nice perks 

DVDs, popcorn and other nibbles brought to your room if you stay in for the night; limitless tea, mineral water and good coffee, and a minibar stocked with great South African wine, also complimentary, are nice touches. The all-day beach bar service a real boon.

Worth noting  

The pool is not heated so may be unusable in winter. Not all of the rooms have unobstructed natural views, only some of the more expensive ones on the upper floors. Children under age 12 are not allowed.

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