The Upper Eastside Hotel
You have to see it to believe it. Because I didn’t believe it. In the midst of up-and-coming Woodstock, at the end of a small and seemingly inconsequential street lined with factory shops, lies the fabulous four-star Upper Eastside Hotel – a plush and brilliantly lit, 183-bedroom boutique haven. Says the hotel’s general manager Francois Steyn, ‘Over the past few years, Woodstock has been the focus of an urban regeneration project. Their results have attracted many creative and corporate companies to the area. The Upper Eastside Hotel is the next phase in this revival and will meet the resident’s demand for stylish and well-priced accommodation.’
On entering the sliding doors we walked towards reception up a winding bridge-walkway, all the while passing restaurants, a spa, a hairdresser, a Vida e caffè – an entire community constructed around the hotel, like a small neighbourhood, buzzing with locals and foreigners alike. As we entered the lobby we were left breathless at the site of the exquisite winding glass staircase in the centre, the surrounding hanging crystals and the smooth, seductive lighting. Suffice it to say the ‘glam-with-a-touch-of-funk’ interior truly contrasts with the industrial vibe of surrounding Woodstock.
We were promptly taken to our own fifth-floor humble abode for the evening . What we weren’t expecting was a startlingly gorgeous loft suite. It was enormous and beautifully decorated – simple yet stylish; modern, clean and fresh. The downstairs came complete with kitchen, bathroom, dining-room table, couches and flat-screen TV. The upstairs consisted of a vast bedroom (and magnificently large bed), another flat-screen (much to my delight) and a stunning bathroom boasting both spacious bath and shower, tiled in gentle colours and with soft lighting.
After settling in, we began a wonderfully insightful tour. The hotel prides itself on its business facilities – eight fully equipped conference rooms and meeting venues that can be configured in various ways and can accommodate up to 350 delegates for a function. We were then led to the Health Club – a gym and indoor swimming pool. In addition to this, there is a small gym within the hotel. We were also lucky enough to be shown all the different types of rooms, such as the standard double room, a superior room and an executive room – each one equipped with all amenities, cosy, with ensuite bathroom, stylish décor and great views. We loved that each room had a hairdryer installed right in front of the mirror; and special lighting round the bathroom mirrors for applying make-up!
After the tour we settled down in the hotel’s eStreet Bar and Lounge. I felt like I’d been transported to New York! The bar is trendy and chic – high ceilings, dazzling chandeliers and bursts of bright turquoise, pink or yellow in the chairs add to a dapper, elite ambience. Here, we enjoyed some mouth-watering canapés prepared for Marie Claire especially by the lovely executive chef Simon Kemp of the hotel’s Liberty’s Restaurant. He explained that these delectable treats – such as a parmesan pinwheel with coriander chicken, avocado, pepperdew and Danish feta; or sesame and coconut tempura prawns with sweet and spicy dip – were just some of the many culinary delights he will make for functions. The hotel has already held a number of functions, which Simon lavishly described to us over our snacks. He also informed us about the weekly food and wine pairing specials at Liberty’s – three courses including selected wines for only R185. As we chatted away, the bartender enthusiastically whipped up a selection of colourful cocktails, and we sipped on scarlet-coloured cosmopolitans as we learnt just how much preparation goes into each meal time in the hotel.
Later that evening, we came down for dinner in Liberty’s Restaurant. Having recently launched a new four-star menu ‘that appeals to a variety of tastes and situations’, we couldn’t wait to see what was on offer. We started out with the ‘Melting Camembert’, deep fried and served with a wild berry compote. This was followed by a Thai chicken and prawn curry. The food was delicious and excellently prepared to say the least – a perfect fusion of flavours, and stunning presentation. We ended of with a Double Chocolate and Rasberry Lava Cup, and rolled back to our room satisfied and full to the brim, to enjoy TV in bed and a good night’s sleep.
Breakfast the next morning was a veritable spread of temptation. We wanted to try everything – from pastries, fruits and cereals, to a full English breakfast, omelettes and French toast. It proved a great ending to a fantastic weekend.
I would go back. In a heartbeat. The food is fabulous. The atmosphere is great. The staff are warm, friendly and hospitable. It’s a great venue for meetings or conferences, big functions or events, or just dinner and drinks with friends. Or take a break from it all and spend a weekend in the lap of Upper Eastside luxury staring out over Table Mountain from your bed.
A four-star hotel offering three-star rates and five-star service.
Upper Eastside Hotel, Brickfield Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 404 0570 | Fax: +27 (0)21 404 0571 | e-mail: reservations@uppereastsidehotel.co.za
Uppereastsidehotel.co.za
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Sounds like a definite visit! Even if just for drinks!
D