The first thing you should know about the Hilton is that it’s halal. But you shouldn’t let that dissuade you from staying here if you’re not Muslim — to the contrary, everyone should stay here; it’s an excellent hotel. But if you’re counting on dipping into the in-room minibar and sipping a glass of wine at the restaurant, you won’t find it here. What you will find is a well-located, cosmopolitan establishment with a bevy of amenities and singular style.

The hotel’s 137 bright, airy rooms face either Table Mountain or the city, so wherever you’re located you’re bound to have a great view of something. The décor doesn’t follow the usual hotel rules: richly colored hardwood floors are accented with boldly patterned area rugs, while the crisp white 300-thread-count linens provide a nice contrast with the gold and brown color scheme. Bathrooms are particularly special, offering granite countertops, separate shower stalls, huge freestanding soaker tubs, slippers, bathrobes, and complimentary designer toiletries. My favorite feature though, was the retractable laundry line, a thoughtful touch that most other hotels forget. Rooms also have lots of high-tech amenities, such as 32-inch LCD TVs, laptop-compatible safes, clock radios with mp3 ports, and free Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi speed left much to be desired, but apparently you can get bumped up to a faster level if you are willing to pay for it.

Fitness buffs will love the spacious gym area, which features a unisex sauna and steam room. There’s also a smallish outdoor pool which offers great views of Signal Hill. Working travelers can avail themselves of the business center, which looked well-maintained and fairly comprehensive from the outside, though I didn’t have occasion to use any of the equipment personally. There is also a small prayer room for observant Muslims.

Breakfast and lunch are served in Bistro 126, while dinner is available at the traditional Indian restaurant, Mezbaan. A wide variety of dishes are served here, with an emphasis on meat (minus pork), but there are a couple of veggie options. And although the hotel is halal and officially alcohol-free, there is actually one hidden refuge for those who want a cocktail or a nightcap: Signal Hill Terrace, which is tucked away in a corner of the mezzanine level, by the pool. This casual outdoor café offers drinks, Mediterranean fare, and aromatic shisha (tobacco smoked from a traditional Middle Eastern water pipe). Though Cape Town can get chilly in winter, the café is usable year-round, thanks to strategically placed heat lamps.

You really don’t need a car if you stay here, because the Hilton’s location can’t be beat. It’s situated right at the edge of the colorful Bo-Kaap district (Cape Town’s Muslim quarter), and the shops and restaurants of trendy Bree Street are literally one block away.