The Queen Victoria’s regal name reflects the theme established by its location, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, with shops, restaurants, boat tours and trips to Robben Island, the Waterfront is named after the British monarch and her second son, who began construction of this harbour area in 1860.

The hotel itself is located in a complex of well-preserved 19th-century buildings, with a crown-topped logo, royal purple chairs in the lobby and portraits of Victoria in the rooms. Apart from these flourishes, this 35-room hotel reflects its aristocratic ambitions through discreet service and tasteful décor. Colourful canvases and bronze sculptures by South African artists overlook the thick grey carpets; a Bonsai tree stands beneath a curvy white staircase and cocoon-like chandeliers in the lobby; and Dash bar-restaurant is adorned with bevelled glass panels and mirrors, serpentine lightshades and a marble fireplace. Dash’s terrace has a sweeping view of Table Mountain, with the Waterfront’s cranes and converted warehouses in the foreground, and the breakfast served here is fit for a decadent king. The buffet features cold meats, cheeses, figs and smoked salmon; a bottle of Cap Classique sparkles temptingly next to the fruit juices; and my wife wanted to take the barista home with us.

Rooms are creamy affairs with pure Egyptian cotton bedding, laser-cut artwork, chandelier and minibar. Bathrooms have local Charlotte Rhys toiletries, low lighting, mirrors with sandblasted patterns, two-headed shower and bath. The in-room business and media facilities are impressive, with foreign electric sockets and wall-mounted a/v connections to the flat-screen TV. Most have waterfront views and the premium rooms and suites have balconies. My only criticism would be the housekeeping, which was slow and inefficient on a few occasions; the hotel also lacks a pool and spa, but guests can take a dip at neighbouring Dock House. On the plus side, guests can have breakfast and use the facilities at both Dock House and the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, also nearby.