A Wes Anderson-inspired sanctuary in the heart of Cape Town

Why settle for The Grand Budapest Hotel when you can stay at The Trade Boutique Hotel instead? Brian Berkman discovers a delightful hotel in the Cape Town CBD inspired by the set of the classic film.

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Stepping into The Trade Boutique Hotel (Trade) on the Cape Town CBD's Shortmarket Street is like stepping into a Wes Anderson dreamscape.

The film director behind such classic films as The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel has, in recent years, expanded into creating interiors, such as those for the prestigious vintage Belmond British Pullman Train.

A COLLABORATIVE VISION

A triad of businesses have made Trade the success it is today. Rawson Developers, Bone Studio, and TPF Hospitality were inspired by Wes Anderson's ethos: centre-framed shots, pastel and saturated colours, a storybook or diorama-like appearance, and signature costume looks.

In their homage to him, the team behind Trade and The Wes Bistro & Bar restaurant on the ground floor of the building, have created a witty and distinct hotel which is an absolute delight to stay in.

AMBITIOUS CITY ASPIRATIONS

Morné Möller, a director of Rawson Developers, tells Farmer's Weekly that Cape Town is “currently the only working city that has the potential to turn into an Amsterdam, London, or New York. We have taken it as our duty to assist the city to get Cape Town CBD to that place by supporting the mayor to make Cape Town as good as all the international, well-known, and appreciated cities”.

He says that Trade is one of the best-located hotels in the Cape Town CBD, with all the amenities required for a boutique hotel, with a European feel to make tourists feel at home in 'our' home.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY