Review of Kensington Place, by Brian Johnston

As you head up the stairs at Kensington Place, a photo of a fat woman's bum in a bathing suit catches your eye. We're glad this place doesn't take itself too seriously, even if it is featured in many a coffee table book and design magazine. The place is chic and resolutely modern, but also surprisingly comfortable, with a lot to like about it. The walled garden is neat and tidy, and the small pool has a terrific deck with white sofas and animal-hide stools, surrounded by fragrant potted plants. Lounge in the sun, gaze up at Table Mountain, and congratulate yourself on finding this secluded place to stay - even if it's actually just a short drive into town. Inside, a funky variety of sofas, quirky photos and rows of purple orchids compete for attention. Candles, lit in the corridors at night, are just one of the thoughtful little touches that bring charm to chic. Only the breakfast room disappoints a little - it's a bit small, so you might end up rubbing elbows with your neighbour, but you can't fault the outlook over the garden. Kensington Place has an affiliation with a local gym if you need to burn off the magnificent breakfasts. This isn't a place for those on a tight budget, but it's worth every penny.

The rooms

Large rooms come in soothing browns and whites, with olive highlights. The lines are clean, crisp and modern, the only bit of whimsy some huge cushions on the bed that look as if they're made from polar bear fur. (We assume not, but they are white and fluffy). There is a good sofa and comfortable mattress. In the morning, you can hear the birds cheeping and the sun comes through the windows - perfect for a lie-in. The large flat-screen TV (with DVD player) swivels towards bed or sofa, and the biggest bonus for an email-addicted world is the room laptop. Curiously, though, there is no desk, just a narrow ledge topped by a mirror that looks more like a dressing table. Bathrooms have good, deep baths and Molton Brown toiletries, and benefit from a window. There are just seven guestrooms, and only one is standard, differing from the others in lacking a seating area. Views depend which level you're on. The lowest look out over the garden, the mid-level ones the treetops, and the top floor rooms the city. All have balconies with tables and chairs; the city centre lights twinkling through the trees at night are marvellous. You can smoke on the balconies if you wish, but not in the guestrooms.