Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge

Close to waterfront. Room was very good (harbour suite). Had issues with thermostat that they couldn’t fix while I was there (first it would not warm room at all, then after”fixing it it would con’t warming regardless of room temperature and had to be switched off in middle of night as it got to almost 30 degrees!)

We stayed at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Breakwater Lodge for 7 nights and had a wonderful experience. Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary room upgrade and a few days later I requested a late check-out, which worked out perfectly with our flight schedule. Our room was very spacious and comfortable, making our stay extremely pleasant. The hotel is currently undergoing some renovations, but this did not impact our stay at all. The front desk staff were always attentive, helpful, and available whenever we needed assistance. One of the best aspects of the hotel is its proximity to the V&A Waterfront—just a short and safe walk away, both during the day and at night. On a few nights when we returned tired from day tours, we ordered room service. The food was very good, though the menu is quite limited, offering mainly sandwiches and pizzas. The only downside was the bathroom design—the shower doesn’t have a door or enclosure, so water would spill onto the floor quite a bit. Overall, we had a great stay and would definitely consider coming back!

The people in 1024 the first night were horribly loud repeatedly after 10 pm (high school or college age I think). Coffee and to-go coffee cups not set out in the front lobby until after 0645, seems way too late, especially in a weekday. Otherwise all good. Staff were excellent in their manner and effort!

An absolute disappointment at every level. Check in was tedious with very unwelcoming and stoned fced staff. The room had no hot water to shower on our first morning. The toilet door handle fell off. The food Baines was not replenished . A disservice to the beautiful city of Cape Town. Will not return . A downgrade of Protea Hotels High standards

As Bonvoy Titanium members, we’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge three times now (as the Protea brand is Bonvoy-affiliated), and each visit continues to impress us. What makes this hotel truly special is its rich history and unique setting. Originally a prison dating back to the mid-1800s, the property has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use space that now includes a hotel, a university, restaurants, and bars—all spread across several distinct buildings. This blend of heritage and modern functionality gives it an unforgettable character that’s rare to find anywhere else. Most recently, we stayed for five nights in July 2024, when our family flew into Cape Town to meet us. We booked a corner suite with a fantastic view, and it made our stay even more memorable. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, offering both relaxation and charm. The location itself is unbeatable—right on Portswood Road, just steps from the V&A Waterfront, the aquarium, and all the major attractions the Cape Town waterfront has to offer. Everything you need is within walking distance, making it a perfect base for exploring the waterfront and the greater city. The breakfast buffet is a standout. South African breakfast spreads are known for their quality, but this one is exceptional—fresh, varied, and absolutely delicious. It’s a real treat and something we look forward to every morning. One minor hiccup is the spa authorization process. In order to charge spa services to your room, you need to go from the spa back downstairs and get them pre-authorized, which adds a bit of unnecessary friction. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it does feel like a step that could be streamlined for a smoother guest experience. That said, the positives far outweigh this small inconvenience. We’ve stayed at other nearby hotels like the Commodore, which are excellent in their own right, but the Breakwater Lodge stands out thanks to its historical charm, ideal location, and consistent service. It’s a place we genuinely look forward to returning to again and again. If you’re looking for a stay that’s both convenient and filled with character, you won’t find a better option in Cape Town.

We were disappointed with our initial rooms. However after talking to management we were moved to another room which was very nice.

Great location near the waterfront but it’s such a disjointed hotel with a very odd layout Rooms are basic but clean and comfortable enough Room was available early which is always a bonus and staff were courteous enough, but I just felt the place lacked attention to detail with most areas looking a little tired and in need of a spruce up

The staff waa SUPER SUPER helpful the front desk and African Eagle ladies in particular. Only downside was lack of outlets esoecially one by night stand to charge cell.

Great hotel with very nice rooms and free car parking. The hotel is located 3 minutes walk from the Waterfront. The hotel is perfect for a holiday in Cape Town with easy access to the amazing sights on the peninsula. I have stayed in this hotel several times and it is my preferred hotel in Cape Town.

Good location. Friendly staff