Perched on the dunes of Kommetjie’s famed Long Beach in Cape Town’s southern peninsula, Last Word Long Beach feels like it might be Cape Town’s best-kept secret. Once the seaside home of the founder of the Last Word hotel collection – which includes boutique properties in Franschhoek, Constantia and upcountry – Last Word Long Beach brings all the laid-back charm of a private beach house, with the service and facilities of a boutique hotel. And with every suite gazing straight onto rolling Atlantic swells and the white sands of Long Beach right on the doorstep, this intimate hideaway offers an effortless seaside escape in the ‘Deep South’.
Why stay at The Last Word Long Beach?
In a word? Location. If you’ve been to Cape Town before and want to discover a different side of the city, or are looking to bookend your Cape exploring with a few days of R&R, look no further. And for locals looking for a staycation close to the city, it’s perfect. Although the hotel was just 35 minutes from my own front door in the suburbs, it felt like a complete escape.
The setting is certainly what will first hit home, with the sands of Long Beach stretching out right in front of the hotel. The view is framed by superb vistas of Table Mountain National Park, and if you look closely, you can see clear across to the Upper Cableway station. If you’re active, the (chilly) waters here are home to some of the city’s best surf breaks, so you can fit in a sesh before breakfast.
Step indoors, and that homely feel quickly puts you at ease. The upper floor is mainly dedicated to communal space, with a cosy lounge and adjoining dining area. And because there are only six rooms, the hotel never feels crowded. Chances are you’ll end up getting to know fellow guests, whether it’s around the pool or admiring the sunset on the fantastic terrace. It’s a delight in summer, but when winter storms roll in, the lounge will be fabulous too, with a fire roaring and rain lashing the floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
But of course, the hotel really comes to life in summer, and there are plenty of thoughtful touches here, from cooler boxes in the room ready to be filled, and picnic mats on hand.
What are the rooms like?
All six rooms and suites at Last Word Long Beach are sea-facing, decorated in a breezy coastal motif – think a soothing neutral palette, handmade ceramics and woven rugs – and are designed for lazy seaside days. Expect plenty of private space, with rooms opening onto private terraces or balconies with fantastic coastal views.
There are plenty of creature comforts befitting this five-star property, from the well-stocked minibar and snack station to the espresso and tea setup and fast Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are spa-spacious, with deep tubs and walk-in showers… some with a sea view!
What is the service like?
In sync with the laid-back setting, the staff here were warm and welcoming from arrival to farewell. It’s a small team, so stay more than a night and you’ll all be on a first-name basis.
What is the food like?
Given the far-flung locale, a serious highlight of a stay here (not to mention bumping up the value-for-money) is that most room rates are on a half-board basis, meaning that breakfast and dinner in the hotel’s cosy restaurant are included.
Breakfast is suitably relaxed, served from 8am to 10am, with a private continental buffet on the table and a menu of larger plates if you’re hungry. The toasted sesame bagel with cream cheese and salmon hit all the right notes.
Come evening, the hotel has a well-earned reputation for seafood, and the à la carte menu (again, usually included in the rate) ranges from line fish of the day to delicious West Coast mussels in a fragrant Thai-style cream. I loved the addition of a proudly South African peppermint crisp tart for dessert!
Along with included meals, another plus is the extensive honesty bar included in the rate. It means you can kick back with an afternoon G&T or an evening whisky without fretting about the cost. Also included are the Last Word house wines, including an especially good white blend from Agulhas vineyards.
If you’re not out exploring somewhere for lunch, head for the famous food truck in the Long Beach parking area for a light bite and excellent coffee.
What activities are available?
The hotel itself is pretty compact, so beyond enjoying the view, booking an in-room spa treatment or taking a dip in the pool, there’s not much in the way of activities on-site. But there’s no end of things to do right on the doorstep. Surfing is hugely popular in the Deep South, and Long Beach is an iconic city break. Board hire and lessons can easily be arranged. And of course, a lazy wander on the beach is an excellent idea at any time of day.
What is nearby?
Borrow a bike and explore the quiet streets of Kommetjie, from the Slangkop lighthouse to epic coastal rides along the Atlantic. Imhoff Farm, with shops, restaurants and Padel courts, is a few minutes away, while Cape Point is a scenic 30-minute drive.
Noordhoek Farm Village is also close by (15-minute drive) for coffee, craft and dining at The Foodbarn, while Cape Point Vineyards is worth a visit for a sip of coastal Sauvignon Blanc. Chapman’s Peak Drive remains one of the world’s great scenic routes.
Why you should book a stay at Last Word Long Beach
This understated beachfront hotel is an absolute gem in the Deep South, offering a true seaside escape within easy reach of all that the city has to offer. But don’t stay here and spend your day driving back and forth to town. Instead, plan your stay so that you can turn up, tune in, and chill out. If you’re anything like me, you’ll arrive with good intentions to explore the area… and find it surprisingly hard to leave your terrace.
Need to know:
Address: 1 Kirsten Avenue, Kommetjie
Price: Rates vary by season. From approximately R5900 per room per night, half-board
Book: Book a room online now.