A stylish, friendly, affordable hotel without the unnecessary frills

After staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cape Town's Woodstock, Brian Berkman readily admits that the savings are worth more than the absence of robes and slippers in the room. And the staff are five-star, anyway!

- Brian Berkman

Hilton Hotels, founded in the US by Conrad Hilton in 1919, has over 640 hotels in 52 countries, including South Africa. That's an astonishing 145 800 rooms worldwide.

In Cape Town, Hilton is represented by their no-frills DoubleTree brand, which delivers excellent value for money.

Located in a mixed-use development of apartments, retail stores, and food outlets in Brickfield Road, Woodstock, the property is a short walk away from the Neighbourhoodgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill and the many up-and coming shops and eateries in the area.

The buildings and quality of life in Woodstock continue to benefit from the presence of trendy businesses and those focused on art and design, but the area remains edgy, and in some parts, downright seedy.

Still, with some of the most affordable rates near the inner city, the Doubletree by Hilton offers outstanding value, as well as excellent and friendly service. A signature 'treat' for guests upon arrival, for example, is nut and chocolate chip cookies, still warm from the oven. As with most hotels, check-in time is at 2 pm, but Farmer's Weekly arrived a full 90 minutes early. Expecting to be told to wait until 2pm, we were pleasantly surprised to be offered a complimentary beverage while the cleaning of the hotel room was being finalised. We didn't have long to wait, either: access was granted before 1 pm, without additional cost. (And the following day we were allowed an extra hour, at no additional cost, to check out.)

This kind of service is expected at a five-star level, but to receive it at a no-frills hotel was very welcome indeed.

The pleasant efficiency of the service is mirrored in the modern and stylish decor. The reception is large and elegant, with long-cushioned seats, plush, red, high-back armchairs, and other eye-catching features.