The Village Lodge by Brian Johnston

Full marks for location: the city centre is ten minutes one way, the V&A waterfront ten minutes the other, lively Green Point beckons, and we all know that gay villages have good cafés, nightclubs, and townhouses painted in pretty pastels. The area has a great vibe no matter who you are: enjoy. The main Lodge has a tiny Thai restaurant (and wireless hotspot) with a lively outdoor terrace where locals come for coffee; the coffee bar inside is presided over by a Buddha and a retro lampshade. The restaurant doubles as the breakfast room and has black floor, purple walls and gold ceiling tiles – Madonna would find it perfect as a dance floor. There's also a rooftop bar and small pool with great views over the city. A short walk away lies the Villa and various luxury Cottages with a confusing variation of pools, fireplaces, and courtyards, though all with full kitchens.

The rooms
If you're going to stay at the Village Lodge, go for the fancy options. The Villa has five bedrooms all with ensuite, a garden with infinity pool and an open-plan living area just fabulous for families or groups of friends. Cottages are also great, varying quite a bit in size and style, but all with living and dining rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and daily cleaning service. They all have outdoor areas, some more private than others, which range from courtyards to roof decks. The main Lodge, in contrast, has thirteen rather unimaginative rooms, which somehow manage to squeeze in flat-screen TVs, a safe and a phone. Don't expect much more – not even room to lay your suitcase flat. Some of the rooms have a tiny, private roof space with lounge chairs to work on your tan or perhaps gaze at the stars.