Dock House at V&A Waterfront from 48 Hours.
I’ve been spoilt. The kind of hotel experience I’m looking for is one that is entirely personal, where my preferences, as oblique as they may sometimes be, are luxuriously entertained.
Dock House is one such hotel. Like its sister, The V&A Hotel, it holds court over a section of the historic waterfront and Dock House is famous for its iconic time ball tower. Now it is a luxury boutique hotel that in time will rival the title for exclusive boutique hotel held by Ellerman House, just a few mountain curves to the West in Bantry Bay, for so long.
A handful of excellent hotels ask guests for their preferences before arrival. I find filling out forms an incalculable bother - much more arduous than the physical rigour required (probably as a result of my poor personal admin) but when it comes to registering what type of pillow I prefer, or which magazine I’d most like to read next to my bed, I develop an almost frenetic energy with which to comply.
Samantha, who checked us into our room had sensibly filled out the registration form with information from the reservation process that just required a signature. Pointing out the elements I’d requested: Dry Lemon in the complimentary bar, Vanity Fair magazine next to the bed, a trouser press, bananas and naartjies in the fruit bowl and, an extra-large robe, I knew I was in a special hotel.
Dock House is a NEWMARK Hotel but managed by Horizon. Real VIPS, for example will want free reign of the six-bedrooms and demand that their entourage be sufficiently quiet as the rooms are regrettably not soundproof.
Dock House was initially built as the grand residence and offices for the Harbour Engineer in the mid-1800’s. Most notable, perhaps, is the elegant décor by Francois du Plessis and architecture by Gabriel Fagan Architects. Taupes, soft greys and whites form the palette for the interior which is sexed-up with glorious chandeliers and silver Venetian mirrors. The pool-side bar will be a major attraction in summer.
Early morning coffees were individually made and brought to the room by a kurta-pyjama clad butler on a silver tray. Just as we mused another cup wouldn’t go amiss, the phone rang with the offer of another. Service continued in this delicious vein all through breakfast where, to my delight, the wonderfully retro, sweetly smoky fragrance of haddock made me order it.
It was sunshine on a plate. Two perfectly poached eggs, delicate Haddock fillet (in SA Haddock is smoked Hake but in the UK it is a species of its own) on wilted spinach with a delicious Mornay cheese sauce. We sometimes had haddock at home but then it was so overcooked it nearer resembled biltong.
JP’s scrambled eggs with smoked salmon looked delicious.
Artworks include local South African artists Johan Louw, Daryl McGregor, Garth Erasmus and Kevin Mackintosh and add to the experience of being here.
Room Five has a wonderful balcony from which to survey the waterfront. As elegant as the design is, some practical considerations such as height of the dais upon which the tub and loo stand, requires two steps rather than one. A bidet is missing - an oversight in a newly completed property. The bathroom window should also be frosted as having the blinds closed is a pity. The book-matched marble wall in the shower is exquisite.
Some of the great touches include a lighting consol that effectively manages what seems to take me a long time usually - switching off every lamp individually.
Rooms from R4500. For reservations and enquiries call 021 421 9334, email info@dockhouse.co.za or visit www.dockhouse.co.za.
[17-Oct-08]
Brian Berkman
Add your comment: |
|