DORP is an extraordinary hotel located high on Signal Hill in Capetown, with sweeping views of the city below, which is dwarfed by the imposing bulk of Table Mountain and Devils Peak beyond.
The hotel can best be described as colonial-meets-quirky, the buildings themselves a traditional colonial design with high ceilings, wooden floor boards and large arched windows. The surrounding grounds are like a fairy tale garden, with gravel paths meandering through overgrown thickets of wild flowers.
To set the scene (and indeed mood), as you enter the restaurant (or Salon as it is called), high on the wall in enormous letters, DORP is explained as; D for Decency, O for Originality, R for Respect and P for Psycho; which gives you an idea of what you’re in for. (Actually dorp is Afrikaans for village.)
Built on several levels descending Signal Hill, there are plunge pools dotted throughout the property and saloons that look more like gentlemen’s clubs, trays of gin, whiskey and vodka on the bar for guests to help themselves to.
Decor is eclectic, with antique-like mismatched furniture, Persian rugs (and the odd sheepskin), framed botanical illustrations on the walls and piles of books on bedside tables. The walls of one saloon are decorated with a series of black and white photos, and a couple of framed newspaper articles from the 1950s about ‘Moffies’, Capetown’s community of drag queens. Another has an enormous blackboard.
The hotel even has its own poem, written by hotel creator Gail Behr:
Our doors sometimes rattle
and the windows can leak .. look over the puddle and not at your feet .
If you want to be happy we’re here to help .. it only requires the tiniest yelp ..
Please don’t be unpleasant or come here to complain .. it’ll only result in being thrown out in the rain ..
Money isn’t everything but kindness does count
So let’s all agree that this is paramount ?
You feel like a boogy ? Get up and have a dance
You feel a bit lonely .. give friendship a chance ..
It’s not a hotel, nor a house nor a pub. It is instead a sort of oddballs club ..
You’ll know if you fit the moment you arrive
And if you don’t simply reverse down the drive ..
We want everyone to be happy or as happy as they can be. And that applies to the staff here and to me ..
Rooms
There is a range of room types, from Bijoux Rooms and View Rooms to Balcony View Rooms and Kitchen, Family and Premier Suites, each with its own unique design and personality.
There are a few Premier Suites to choose from, including the delightful Rose Cottage, a freestanding cottage with kitchen, fireplace and a large dining table, bedroom with king-size bed, two bathrooms, one with a fireplace, and a narrow swimming pool that runs the length of the bedroom and bathroom. Plus your very own roof garden with the most wonderful views over Cape Town.
The Rooftop Suite has possibly the best view in Cape Town. A private sitting room that opens onto a private (enormous) section of the Salon roof garden, his and her bathrooms (hers with a bathtub and his with a wet room shower), bedroom with a king-sized bed, and shuttered doors.
Then there are cheaper, self-catered options in the Onderdorp Wing (which translates to lower village), which range from the delightfully named Dinky Rooms which have a small kitchenette, to Kitchen Rooms and Kitchen Suites which have a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area.
I’m in a Gallery Suite, overlooking Table Mountain, with high ceilings and large French windows leading to a small balcony. The throw on my bed is identical to the one my grandmother used to have and at its foot, a chaise lounge with a sheepskin thrown over it.
On the walls, black and white photos from 1950s nightclubs and a large botanical illustration and on each bedside table, large piles of books. The bathroom has a large bathtub, separate shower and wash basin, with gorgeous smelling toiletries and the softest bath towels I’ve ever experienced.
Dining
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the ‘Salon’, a large space that reminds me of a colonial country club, high ceilings, ceiling fans and mismatched tables with few sofas in the centre and a grand piano by the bar. Large, arched windows frame Table Mountain and the city – at night a valley of twinkling embers below, illuminated by candles and soft pools of light.
The menu is traditional English, with Cape Malay fare, with roast chicken, cheese souffle, fillet steak bearnaise, as well as lamb bobotie, vegetable curry and samosas.
Top Tip
At time of writing the hotel is not licensed, so cannot charge for alcohol, however wine is served with dinner, and guests are encouraged to tip generously.
Booking
Most room types can be booked on Expedia TAAP, with Premium level commission.
- Phone: +27 21 612 0298
- Email: reservations@dorp.co.za
- 273 Longmarket St, Schotsche Kloof,
- Cape Town, 8001
The writer stayed at Hotel DORP as a guest of the property. These opinions and words are a true representation of their experience and have not been endorsed.
Author: Deborah Dickson-Smith
An award-winning publisher, travel writer and travel trade journalist, Deborah’s editorial specialities including sustainable travel, nature-based travel, marine conservation and diving. A passionate eco-warrior, Deborah has been campaigning for better protection for our oceans and wild spaces for over 20 years.
Email – deborahzoe42@gmail.com
