Tucked beneath the grey skies of a rainy Cape Town weekend, the Canopy by Hilton in Longkloof proved that gloomy weather can’t dull a luxurious getaway, especially when your suite comes with a breathtaking view of Lion’s Head and a gourmet experience to match.
We checked into one of the hotel’s plush suites for a one-night stay, joined by my plus one, and what followed was a blend of comfort, elegance, and indulgence that turned a cold weekend into something warm and unforgettable.
Our room was modern yet cosy, with an expansive window that framed Lion’s Head like a living postcard. The rainy weather only made the experience more magical. The cityscape glistened beneath a soft mist, and the mountain could be seen behind the clouds. It was the kind of scene that makes you want to wrap up in a fluffy robe, order room service, and let time slow down.
But we had other plans first: a three-course dinner downstairs at the esteemed Ongetem restaurant, and it was nothing short of phenomenal.
For starters, my plus one opted for the curried mussels, served with a Malay pickle vetkoek and crisp onions ‘ala Jardine’. It was a fusion of Cape heritage and fine dining. The mussels were tender and bathed in a spiced, creamy broth, while the vetkoek provided a tangy-sweet counterpoint with its pickled edge and airy texture. The crunch of the onions elevated the dish with a bold finish.
I went for the confit beef ribs with soy au jus, and it was love at first bite. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, falling apart with the gentlest nudge of a fork. The soy au jus added a rich umami depth, tying the dish together with a silky finish that lingered in the best way.
Mains followed soon after. My plus one was served a 300g sirloin steak with Furikake-dusted chips. The steak, cooked to medium perfection, was juicy and full of flavour, while the Japanese seasoning on the chips added an unexpected but welcome twist.
I went for the home-ground cheeseburger, stacked with emmentaler and cheddar, a slathering of burger mayo, and nestled in a pillowy homemade bun. The burger alone would have been a standout, but it was the sweet potato side, glazed in orange and topped with candied pecans, that stole the show. It was like a side dish and dessert all in one.
We both sipped on Rose Garden mocktails, a refreshingly floral and slightly citrusy concoction that was as photogenic as it was delicious.
And then came dessert. My plus one had the Basque cheesecake, perfectly caramelised on the edges with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth centre. Meanwhile, I indulged in the crackling bun, drenched in a decadent hot chocolate and cardamom sauce.
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel’s dining space, still soaking up the moody winter atmosphere through the massive windows. From fresh pastries and fruit to a hearty cooked selection, the breakfast mirrored the dinner experience.
Even with the rain drumming against the glass, Canopy by Hilton Longkloof felt like sunshine. The staff were friendly and attentive without being intrusive, the interiors chic yet welcoming, and every element, from the food to the linens, was carefully curated for comfort.
It wasn’t just a stay; it was an experience. A perfect blend of Cape Town charm, culinary excellence, and modern luxury. Rain or shine, Canopy by Hilton Longkloof delivers a top-tier stay that I’ll be recommending to everyone looking for a city escape with soul.
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