59 LongSantos South Africa: Unveiling the Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t your average hotel review. We’re diving headfirst into 59 LongSantos in South Africa, and trust me, it’s more than just a place to crash after a day chasing sunsets. This place… this place is an experience. Forget the perfect brochure photos; I'm gonna spill the REAL tea.
59 LongSantos: The Unfiltered Truth – A Hotel Review You Can Trust (and Probably Laugh At)
First off, let's get the basics out of the way. You came here for the good stuff - the nitty-gritty, the secret sauce. So, here’s the lowdown, category by category, plus a dash of my personal, slightly-too-honest opinions, the kind you won't find on TripAdvisor:
Accessibility (or, The Maze of Stairs and Elevators - Let's Pray!)
Okay, accessibility. I think they're trying. The website says they've got facilities for disabled guests. But honestly, navigating the property felt like a treasure hunt. There’s an elevator, which is a massive win, considering the hills of Cape Town. [Missing Data: Specifics on ramps, grab bars, etc. are vague. Call ahead to confirm your needs.] I’m a relatively able-bodied person, and I still found myself huffing and puffing at times. So, if you're relying on a wheelchair or have mobility issues, please PLEASE call ahead and question them about the specifics. Don't take my word for it because I'm just guessing.
Wheelchair Accessible: Potentially, but verify, verify, verify.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: They offer it. Thank GOD. After those long flights, you NEED a ride, especially with the winding roads.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! Huge bonus. Parking in Cape Town is like finding a unicorn.
- Car park [on-site]: Also yes. More unicorns!
- Taxi service: Available. Because, you know, sometimes you just don't want to drive.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Oh, the Food… the Food)
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. Let me just say this: I'm a foodie. I live to eat. So, when a hotel says "culinary experience," I hold them to it.
- Restaurants: Yes!
- A la carte in restaurant: YES! I like choices.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, and it was decent. Not mind-blowing, but solid. [Missing Data: Specifics on variety and quality would be helpful.]
- Breakfast service: They offer breakfast!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential. I'm fueled by caffeine.
- Coffee shop: Didn't spot one, which is a crime against nature.
- Poolside bar: Woohoo! Cocktails by the pool are a MUST.
- Room service [24-hour]: Praise the heavens. Late-night cravings are REAL.
- Snack bar: Probably should’ve been a coffee shop, but hey, snacks work too.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Unclear. I didn't see a dedicated one, but they should cater to vegetarians (I'm guessing).
- Western breakfast: Yep. Standard fare.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Mostly.
My Personal, Slightly Obsessive, Focus: The Poolside Bar. (It Deserves a Novel, Honestly!)
Look. I'm not even a huge pool person. I like the beach. But the poolside bar at 59 LongSantos is a game-changer. It’s not just about the drinks, although the cocktails were divine (try the Passion Fruit Mojito - trust me). It’s the vibe. The sun setting over the mountains, the gentle breeze, the friendly chatter from other guests… It’s pure, unadulterated bliss. I spent a solid three hours there one afternoon, forgetting all my worries and just…existing. That feeling, my friends, is worth the price of admission. They also had some killer tapas. I remember the patatas bravas… crunchy, spicy, perfect. Okay, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Here's the imperfection: The service at the bar could be a bit… hit-or-miss. Sometimes, you'd get served instantly, other times… well, you'd have to flag someone down. But honestly? The view, the drinks… I'd wait all day. And did I mention the view?!
Rooms, Glorious Rooms (Mostly… with a Few Quirks)
Okay, let's talk living space.
- Air conditioning: YES! Essential, especially in those summer months.
- Air conditioning in public area: Also yes, because sweating isn't glamorous.
- Alarm clock: Standard.
- Bathrobes: Luxurious touch!
- Bathtub: Included! Time to relax.
- Bathroom phone: Is that even a thing anymore?
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleeping off the delicious daytime cocktails.
- Closet: Plenty of space for all your outfits (or, in my case, the same two outfits).
- Coffee/tea maker: Bless. Morning caffeine is non-negotiable.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes. Made my bed a little less messy.
- Desk: Useful for your work… or ignoring it.
- Extra long bed: Good news for the tall people.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key, people!
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- In-room safe box: To protect your valuables.
- Internet access – wireless: Praise be!
- Ironing facilities: wrinkles begone.
- Laptop workspace: They include a laptop workspace, so you can pretend you work from home!
- Mini bar: They have drinks!
- Non-smoking: No smoking, which is a good.
- On-demand movies: YES. Movie marathons, here I come!
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Good for reading.
- Refrigerator: For your precious mini-bar loot.
- Satellite/cable channels: Variety is the spice of life.
- Seating area: Chill zone.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
- Towels: Soft and fluffy.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Gotta stay connected.
Okay, the "Quirks" (Because No Place is Perfect)
- Soundproofing: It says it's soundproof, but I could still hear the occasional party happening down the hall.
- The Decor: It's stylish, but a little minimalist. If you're into stuff, this isn't the place for you.
- Water pressure: It was great.
- The Internet: Good, but not lightning-fast. I managed to stream Netflix just fine, but don’t expect to be downloading huge files.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone (Or, Where I Pretended to Be Zen)
- Body wrap. Body scrub: Yes!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't use it. I was too busy by the pool, but they have one.
- Massage, Foot bath: Yes!
- Pool with view: Yes!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Yes!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes!
I did indulge in a massage. (Okay, maybe two.) The spa area is lovely, honestly. The masseuse was fantastic. I was a puddle of goo by the end of it. However, here's the real scoop: the spa is small. It’s not a sprawling wellness resort. It’s a nice, intimate space.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, you know, pandemics and all)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They are using them!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere you look.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good.
- Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: All essential for your peace of mind.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: They are watching!
Services & Conveniences (Because Sometimes You Need a Little Extra Help)
- Cash withdrawal: (Yes!)
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a win.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Helpful.
- Elevator: A godsend.
- Facilities for disabled guests: (Potentially, but verify.)
- Ironing service: For those who do not wish to iron.
- Luggage storage: Definitely a plus.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Smoking area: Don't smoke inside,
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because you're about to experience my completely unreliable and gloriously messy itinerary for 59 Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa. Let's be clear: this isn't some perfectly curated Insta-feed, sponsored-by-a-travel-agency kind of thing. This is real-life travel, warts and all. And trust me, there will be warts.
59 Long Street: The "Adventures in Caffeine, Chaos, and Coastal Dreams" Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coffee Hunt (a quest I take VERY seriously)
Morning (7:00 AM - whenever I manage to peel myself out of bed):
- Arrival at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). Ugh, airports. They always feel like you're stuck in a giant, poorly lit purgatory. Pray the immigration line isn't a mile long. (Spoiler alert: it probably will be).
- Taxi/Uber to 59 Long Street. Check-in. Pray the actual room looks like the pictures on the website. (It almost never does.) Maybe… MAYBE… unpack. Probably not. The lure of caffeine is strong already.
- The Great Coffee Hunt Begins: Seriously, this is the most important part of the morning. My survival depends on it. Scouring Google Maps for the perfect first cup. My initial plan is to head to Truth Coffee Roasting (yes, I know, touristy, but I'm a sucker for steampunk).
- The Reality Check: I get hopelessly lost. Wander into a dodgy alley. Panic briefly. Find a tiny, slightly intimidating cafe with a barista who looks like he hasn't slept since the dawn of time. His coffee… AMAZING. He makes the best caffeine I've ever had. I instantly forgive the questionable alley.
Afternoon (Post-Caffeine Buzz):
- Wander Long Street. Soak up the atmosphere. It looks like a crazy, colorful, cacophony of humanity. Observe the street performers. The sheer confidence of some of them! I'm jealous.
- Maybe find a shop or two. Look for some local souvenirs.
- Lunch: Find a place to eat there. I'm open to anything!
- The Great Regret: I'd probably skip the National Art Gallery. I’m not much of an art person. I'd rather experience life than look at art.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Cape Towners are generally friendly and can definitely help me.
- The Mess-Up: I intend to do a walking tour, but I slept through the start time. Oh well. More time to wander aimlessly!
Evening:
- Dinner: Found a local restaurant. Probably a very casual one, with a great view. Order way too much food.
- Drinks: Find a bar. (59 Long Street has plenty, naturally.) Laugh, chat, and hope to meet at least one interesting person. Stay out way too late.
- The Emotional Breakdown (maybe): Realize I'm in a new country, alone, and feel slightly overwhelmed by everything. Quickly consume another glass of wine. Vow to be more adventurous tomorrow.
Day 2: Coastal Bliss and the Ghost of My Budget
Morning (Late Start, as per usual):
- Breakfast: Probably grab something quick and street food. The aim of the day is to experience the beach.
- To the Beach! The plan is to travel to Camps Bay. Probably via Uber. I can't wait for the sea!!
- Cape Town's best beach: Head to Camps Bay. Find a spot on the sand. Feel the sun on my skin. Forget all my worries.
- The Emotional High: Spending a couple of hours near the coast is the best thing ever.
Afternoon:
- The Reality Check: I’m probably getting sunburnt. And I’m definitely judging all the ridiculously perfect-looking people on the beach.
- To Table Mountain!! Travel to Table Mountain. Buy tickets. Take the Cable Car.
- The Great View: Enjoy the view. Drink it all in.
- The Emotional Whimper: Realize I didn't bring enough cash for souvenirs. Sigh. Budgeting is hard.
Evening:
- Dinner:
- I'd plan to eat at a restaurant. Something with a sea view or on a rooftop. Hopefully I have enough money.
- Drinks:
- I'd plan to drink at a fun outdoor bar to unwind. Maybe find a new friend.
- The Emotional Meltdown: Worry about how much money I'm spending. Decide to switch to water. Fail.
- Dinner:
Day 3: Robben Island and the Weight of History (Then Pizza, because life is all about balance)
Morning:
- The Robben Island Tour:
- **Book a Robben Island tour ** (well in advance, because those things sell out fast!)
- Ferries to the island: Travel to the mainland to where the boats depart from.
- The Tour: Listen to the tour and learn the history of the island and Nelson Mandela.
- The Emotional Weight: I'm not going to lie, I'll probably cry. It's a powerful experience, seeing the prison, hearing the stories. It'll probably wreck me.
- The Take Away: The stories can stay with me for the rest of my life.
- The Robben Island Tour:
Afternoon:
- Recover from the emotional rollercoaster:
- Lunch: After Robben Island I'd need comfort food. Pizza is my go-to.
- Relax:
- Head back to the hotel for a bit of downtime.
- Shopping:
- Visit the Oranjezicht City Farm Market (if it's on) for some local goodies.
- Recover from the emotional rollercoaster:
Evening:
- Dinner: Find a nice pizza place. Eat as much as I want.
- Drinks: Maybe, or maybe I will head to bed early.
- The Emotional Reflection: Process everything, journal a bit, and try to appreciate what I've experienced.
Day 4: Bo-Kaap and a Farewell (Maybe with a Tear or Two)
Morning:
- Bo-Kaap:
- Visit the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap.
- Walk around and take lots of photos.
- Eat some local food.
- Get Lost: Get lost in the streets, but find a way back!
- The Coffee Quest Continues: Find a local coffee shop.
- Bo-Kaap:
Afternoon:
- Shopping:
- Buy souvenirs.
- Relax:
- Head back to 59 Long Street.
- Prepare to leave:
- Slowly pack.
- Shopping:
Evening:
- Dinner: Final dinner in Cape Town.
- Drinks: Toast to a wonderful trip
- The Emotional Gut Punch: Say goodbye to the place.
- Early night: Get some sleep, as the plane leaves early the next day.
Day 5: Departure (And the Post-Travel Blues)
- Morning:
- Wake up.
- Get to the airport.
- Wait in line.
- Fly home.
Important Notes:
- This is just a rough guide. Things will definitely change. I'm a terrible planner.
- Embrace the chaos! That's where the real adventures happen.
- Be open to new experiences. Try the weird food. Talk to the locals. Get lost (it's the best way to find things).
- Don't be afraid to fail. It's all part of the journey.
- Most importantly: Have fun. Life's too short to take everything seriously.
So, there you have it. My utterly ridiculous and probably completely inaccurate itinerary for 59 Long Street. Wish me luck! (I'm going to need it.) And if you see a slightly frazzled, coffee-fueled person wandering around Cape Town with a bewildered expression, that's probably me. Come say hi!
Escape to Luxury: Van der Valk Hildesheim Awaits!
Okay, Seriously... What *IS* 59 Long? And Why Should I Care?
Alright, alright, settle down, folks. 59 Long Street in Cape Town, South Africa... it's a whole VIBE, okay? Think hidden courtyard, think cobbled pathways, think history oozing from every single brick. It's not just some fancy address; it's a feeling. And why should YOU care? Because you, my friend, deserve a break from the tourist traps. You deserve to stumble upon something REAL. Something authentic. And trust me... 59 Long delivers.
It's a mix of stuff. Art galleries, studios, shops… it's like a mini-village. Seriously, I went in expecting, I don't know, a boring old museum or some over-priced coffee. What I found was... well, keep reading.
Tell Me About the Cool Stuff *Actually* *Inside* 59 Long... Like, Is There Anything Beyond Just a Street Address?
Absolutely! Right, think of it as a rabbit warren of awesomeness. My brain felt like a pinball machine navigating the courtyard when I went. You've got art galleries showcasing some seriously talented, and I *mean* seriously talented, local artists. Forget the postcard landscapes – we're talking raw emotion, political commentary, and explosions of colour. Don't be afraid to chat to the artists. Half the fun is hearing *their* story.
Then are some seriously quirky shops, selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. I bought a necklace there. It's the most beautiful and weirdest thing I've ever owned. But it's not all retail therapy, thankfully. There are also things to do too! Sometimes live music spills into the courtyard, which is a seriously cool scene. The atmosphere is just... electric. Trust me, if you like things a bit different, it’ll blow your mind.
Okay, Let's Talk Food. Is 59 Long a Good Place to Get a Bite? Because I'm Always Hungry.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. YES. Listen, I am a FOOD PERSON. Like, my relationship with food is... complicated. Let's just say I’m always in the mood. Okay, there's this one little... *thing*... hidden in the courtyard. Literally, you could walk past it and not realize it was there, like a culinary secret. It's got these amazing, wood-fired pizzas. Like, the kind of pizzas that actually *melt* in your mouth. Thin crust, fresh toppings, all that. Seriously, the best I've had in Cape Town, and I've had a LOT. I'm starting to salivate just thinking about it.
The first time I went, I ordered the Margherita. Simple, right? WRONG. It was so good, I had to order another one. And then I had a slice from my friend's pizza. And then, yeah, I ate basically ALL the pizza. And yeah, I was uncomfortably full for the rest of the day. But totally worth it. The next time, I went for the one with the mushrooms and truffle oil. Oh. My. GOD. Pure. Bliss. See? Told you I'm a food person. Forget the fancy restaurants on the waterfront; go to 59 Long. Seriously, you HAVE to. You’ll thank me later. Or maybe hate me for getting you addicted. Either way, pizza!
How Do I *Actually* Get There? And Is Security Okay? Because, you know... Cape Town.
Okay, logistics. 59 Long Street is right in the heart of the city, so you've got options. Uber is your friend, especially at night. There are also buses, but honestly, they can be a bit confusing if you're not used to the routes. Walking is fine during the day, but be aware of your surroundings – just like any city. Don't flash expensive jewelry or wave around wads of cash. Basic common sense, you know?
Regarding safety, there's usually security around in the courtyard, and the area is generally well-lit. I went there several times during the day and late afternoon, and I felt reasonably safe. But just be vigilant. Keep your wits about you. Honestly, just trust your gut. If something feels off, move on. It's better to be safe than sorry. I did see a couple of sketchy characters around, but that can happen anywhere.
Oh, and wear comfy shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking. Trust me. Especially if you're planning on hitting up that pizza place...
Anything I Should Know Before I Go? Like, Are There Any... Negatives?
Okay, full disclosure, it's not ALL sunshine and rainbows. The parking situation... is a nightmare. Seriously, prepare to circle the block for a millennium. Consider public transport or an Uber. Seriously. My advice? If you're driving, arrive early to beat the parking craziness. Or just be prepared to walk a bit. And carry water. It’s always hot in Cape Town.
Also, sometimes the courtyard can feel a little... crowded. Especially on weekends. It's a popular spot, so expect to jostle a bit. And honestly, some of the shops can be a bit pricey. It's not budget-friendly if you're on a tight budget. But the experience itself is usually worth it. And of course, remember to pack tissues – you might shed a tear of joy after that pizza. Okay, maybe that's just me...
So, Overall... What's the Vibe? Will I Actually Enjoy Myself?
Look, I'm not going to lie. I *loved* 59 Long. It's got this cool, laid-back atmosphere. It’s a little gritty around the edges, which I love. It's not trying to be pretentious. It's REAL. You can feel the history in the air, and the energy is just buzzing. I left with a sense of pure childlike wonder. And a full stomach. Always a bonus.
Will you enjoy yourself? Probably! Unless you're allergic to fun, good food, and amazing art. Or maybe you're just a grump. In which case, maybe stick to the tourist traps. But if you're open to adventure, to seeing something different, to experiencing a bit of Cape Town's soul... then YES. Absolutely go. Seriously, go now! I'm already planning my next visit. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to call that pizza place…
