Dorp recently held a summer celebration to relaunch the hotel to a collection of friends, old and new. Guests were given a peek behind the doors of what has often been described as Cape Town’s best kept secret, a hidden gem perched at the top of Signal Hill in the colourful and historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood on the fringe of the city centre.
Dorp (meaning “village” in Afrikaans) is a nostalgically-designed haven that blends into its natural landscape, with its size and complex layout unimaginable from the unassuming, whitewashed Georgian frontage. It is a delightful variety of rooms, suites, studios and cottages clustered around indigenous, bird-filled gardens, terraces and courtyards. Magical nooks, stairways and whimsical details abound, both inside and out. Guests can soak in the ambiance resting on a bench below old trees or marvel at the incomparable panorama from the rooftop terrace and Victorian-inspired glass house. The 360% views encompass Signal Hill, Table Mountain, the harbour, Atlantic Ocean and the city below that transforms into a sea of twinkling city lights after dusk.
The hotel fuses Georgian elegance with quirky eccentricity. The hillside haven exudes old-world charm, decadence and luxury. Each corner of the hotel is thoughtfully curated, with astonishing attention to detail. It is a simultaneously grand yet unpretentious place to stay.
Dorp has a collaborative space called The Salon that forms the heart of the hotel. The double-volume space is filled with Persian rugs, plush sofas, bookshelves, objets d’art and tall leafy potted palms that create cosy and inviting nooks, and a sense of privacy. Georgian arched windows frame Table Mountain and the city, and sunlight streams into the room. The Salon is Dorp’s lounge, library, dining room and café, where you can curl up with a book, meet for coffee or just spend time gazing at the view and feeling at home. The atmosphere is infused with a spirit of creativity and intrigue. Gold stencilled letters on one Salon wall add a joyful touch of whimsy and fun: Decency. Originality. Respect. Psycho (DORP).
The essence of Dorp is the staff who all display a spirit of genuine warmth and hospitality. It is one big happy family where there is constant friendly banter between staff and guests.
The hotel is split into two wings, Dorp (27 rooms and suites) and the Onderdorp below which offers accommodation in a collection of 15 rooms. Each dreamy bedroom, every enchanting suite or alluring studio-style apartment is unique and individually decorated. They are all charmingly eclectic with personal touches like the layered choice of fabrics on every bed and bespoke perfume-infused Dorp toiletries. There are three shared plunge pools, perfect for relaxing in the sun on long summer days. Access between Dorp and OnderDorp is via a long staircase or a steep walk up the hill. OnderDorp also has two venues which are perfect for group events and meetings.
The kitchen is a lively, open space with a long patio. Food is served in the gorgeous Salon or al fresco in the foliage-filled courtyard. Meals are unfussy, generous and classic – more homestyle than hotel. The chefs have perfected dishes that have been on the menu since the hotel opened, like the twice-baked cheese soufflé, the famous rotisserie roast chicken and Dorp’s take on an iconic South African favourite, Milk Tart. The Salon is open for lunch and dinner to hotel guests and locals; booking is essential.
