A top-rate hotel in a pleasant Cape Town suburb steeped in history and tradition

Southern Sun Newlands is a good place to stay, and not just because of the mountain views, says Brian Berkman.

- Brian Berkman

There is something greenly grand about Newlands, the leafy Cape Town suburb and home to many important buildings and venues. Groote Schuur, the historic presidential estate, is on one side, and the Newlands Rugby Stadium on the other. Sandwiched between the two is the site of the first Spur steakhouse (although no longer there) and, perhaps more important to many, the South African Breweries Newlands brewery (originally Ohlsson’s Cape Breweries). All of these are in easy walking proximity of the 162-room Southern Sun Newlands in Main Road, the location of which has been a hotel and restaurant for many years.

Newlands Cricket Ground is a few kilometres away. Cape Town’s central business district can be reached in under 15 minutes outside of peak traffic, and the University of Cape Town and the Baxter Theatre Centre are in a neighbouring suburb. The glorious Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Montebello Estate with its charming Gardener’s Cottage Restaurant are there too.

The choice of location for the Newlands brewery was probably based on cooler summer temperatures, plenty of winter rain, and the sweet spring water gushing from the earth. Many consider that spring water from this area makes the best beer.