If you’re looking for a lively Cape Town stay, the Victoria Junction is perfectly positioned. It’s a short walk from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with its array of shops, bars and restaurants, and even closer to the buzzing Cape Quarter, an upmarket shopping mall with a range of bistros and cafes. Somerset Road is also lined with well-known eateries, with the lively El Burro (Mexican food, micro-brewed beer), Beefcakes (burgers, drag queens and topless waiters) and Beluga (sushi and cocktails) all a short walk away.

Rooms are simple but have everything you need. Try to get one with a balcony overlooking Somerset Road – you can stock up with drinks and snacks from the Cape Quarter and indulge in some superb people watching. Better still, join the throngs on the pavement below and take a walk north towards Cape Town’s World Cup Stadium or south into the city centre. The hotel is ideal for those opting out of car rental since there’s so much within walking distance. And if you feel your feet beginning to ache, there are scheduled shuttles offering free rides to and from the Waterfront. If you are arriving on wheels, be aware that the hotel charges guests ZAR45 per night for parking.

As in most cities, space is at a premium in central Cape Town, so the swimming pool at first seems to have a slightly odd location across the car park and surrounded by residential buildings. But it’s surprisingly quiet back there and the long, skinny pool allows guests to realistically swim laps rather than just cooling off when the sun shines. There is a gym on-site too, if you feel the need to work off the calories piled on indulging in Cape Town’s decadent dining scene – and much like the Mother City’ entertainment options, the gym stays open 24/7.