Mountain Marina Luxury Apartments

We had an enjoyable and memorable week-long stay in Kylemore 106. After a wonderful voyage to Cape Town on the Queen Mary 2, our accommodation at the Waterfront exceeded our expectations. Check-in was a breeze thanks to Faith who showed us around and how to reach the V&A without dodging the traffic. The comfortable apartment was very well equipped with all the mods cons, housekeeping did regular servicing and the security team was most helpful when we had visitors. We also requested Mountain Marina to arrange our early morning transport to the airport; not only was it on time but far better value than some other operators we used in Cape Town. The worst part about our stay? Having to leave Kylemore 106.

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this property at all. We specifically booked this apartment because it was advertised on Booking.com as having 180 m². The apartment we were given is clearly nowhere near that size. We did not book a specific unit number — we booked an apartment that matched the description and specifications stated in the listing. If the apartment does not have 180 m², it should not be advertised that way. This is misleading and unacceptable. The cleanliness was also not adequate. The carpet was heavily soiled and in need of a deep clean. Underneath the seating furniture, it was clearly dirty as well. Since we were traveling with a baby, this was especially concerning and not something we could accept. A cleaning appointment on Monday was suggested, even though we were leaving on Tuesday — which was not a meaningful solution. Regular housekeeping would not have solved the issue anyway, as the carpet required proper deep cleaning. Eventually, we were offered a refund. However, even the handling of this was unprofessional. We were told to wait 30 minutes for the contact person, but in reality we had to wait for more than an hour. The only positive aspect was that Anthony, who showed us the apartment, was very friendly and polite. Unfortunately, friendliness alone cannot compensate for false advertising, poor cleanliness, and unprofessional handling of the situation. All in all, this was a very frustrating experience, and we can only strongly advise others to avoid booking this property.

Would probably do 3.5 stars if I could. Full breakdown below. Second time to Cape Town and both the hotels I would typically look into stopping were full, so I was intrigued by this complex. Positives - the cost was half of local V&A hotels in the same area. - Security of the complex was super high and you felt secure. - Facilities and grounds (gym was great, adequate sunny pool, coffee shop on site). The canal setting was lovely. - Proximity to V&A. Short walk through safe areas such as the One and Only hotel. - The apartment space and contents within it. Instead of one smallish hotel room and bathroom we got a kitchen area, dining table, living room, bathroom, wardrobe area, and big balcony with chaise and dining table. - Ubers right to your building (security have to let them on site) Cons - unsure if it was just our apartment but despite there being lots of lights and lamps the bulbs used were sooo low, that it was so hard to see in the apartment at night time. It got very frustrating. The kitchen area was bright. But unsure why those bulbs were not used elsewhere. No way could you do your make up once dark. - Blinds are slatted and have large gaps so bring an eye mask if you need darkness when the sun comes up. - Sockets. Most sockets were in use by things in the apartment and non by any mirrors in the room or bathroom to get ready, I.e dry your hair. Only one socket in the bedroom so you’d have to unplug the socket that was connect to the three lamps to charge your phone overnight. - No luggage storage. Wouldn’t even offer suggestions. A local hotel kindly offered for us to keep our luggage there for a few hours after we checked out. - Check out time. Their website says 11am. Security and reception near the gate say 11am. Reception via the phone number you’re given push for 10am. Rang up and asked for later check out and the man we spoke to said 12pm was fine, anything later than that was a charge so we just asked to get back to us on how much that would be. Next day we rang to find out to have all the above revoked and the lady tell us 10am, despite me sending a screenshot of the FAQs on their actual website that says 11am. - Apartment was well equipped. Except for pool towels. I just assumed they would have been in there, so might be worth expressing this more explicitly in the booking as we brought none as places we stop now always seem to supply them. Overall, I rated it 3.5 stars just because the cons really impacted our use of the apartment and our experience, but the cost really was great and that was a significant bonus. I would have been more annoyed had we paid a lot more. Hope future travellers find this useful.

Excellent location. Very safe. Friendly staff. Spotlessly clean. Well equipped apartment good shower quiet night good sleep. Would highly rate and recommend