Budget Getaways Review
Constantia Cottages isn't typical of the places we feature on Budget Getaways. However, it's a very good-to-know option if you are looking for a comfortable, friendly, flexible and fairly reasonably priced option in Cape Town's leafy southern 'burbs.
So whether you're coming for the Argus, Two Oceans or a quick escape from hell-up-north to the world's number one holiday destination - that's according to a recent Tripadvisor survey - Constantia Cottages should be considered among your Cape Town options.
What we have here is a private property with three self-catering units, all sporting an AA endorsed Highly Recommended status as well as a TGCSA three-star grading. The units are dotted around an immaculate garden of trees and flowers, and a solar-heated pool as the communal centrepiece.
And let us tell you something: great effort has been taken at Constantia Cottages to make our valued Gautenger visitors feel right at home... The entire property is illuminated by "lots of lights", it's alarmed inside and out with high tech beams and sensors that not even Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible would be able to breach, and secure parking is provided for all cars in double-garages. You get the picture…
So, strolling hand in hand with your loved one after a slap-up sirloin at the local Spur, breathing in the salty sweet Cape air and the taste of garlic you open the front door to your comfortable weekend pad and reach for the light switch... which turns out to be the panic button. But not to worry, it's a quiet night and ADT has nothing much to do, besides attending to yet another false alarm.
Back to reality, Cottage Cabernet is under-floored heated throughout, has two bedrooms upstairs and a shared bathroom. With a queen, a double and a single bed it can sleep five total. The granite-top kitchen and open-plan living area is downstairs. Quality appliances and every gizmo you can imagine are part of the deal.
Cottage Chardonnay is described as a "beautiful and cosy one-room apartment". It sleeps two on a queen bed - there's also a sofa bed for two kids. Again, luxury touches come in the form of underfloor heating in the bathroom, DSTV and a well-equipped cooking area. The unit leads out to a private patio with small garden and braai area.
And then, next door, there's something called Junior Suite Pinotage, that sleeps two on a double bed. Large sunny windows overlooking the garden and pool, underfloor heating, ADSL access, new bathroom, are among the features.
To end, ladies and gentlemen, a few words from a happy someone who has actually been there: "Fantastic! I will definitely be back again and again!"