I stayed this hotel during my trip to South Africa. Over all, I enjoyed my stay. Every hotel staff was very friendly and helpful. My room was quite spacious and well decorated for the price. Unfortunately, the bathroom was not cleaned properly and I needed to request to clean it. I asked to change my room and the room they showed me was much smaller than what I had so I kept my room. The bed room was cleaned well though. One thing I didn't like was the noise. They had band played till 1am but it was on Friday. Another thing I didn't care was the area where the hotel is located. Didn't feel safe and I was told from taxi driver and my guide not to walk alone around the neiborhood. The breakfast was quit nice and well served. If I go back to Cape Town, I will stay somewhere more vibrant in the night so that I will feel safer but if you don't mind coming back to the hotel early and stay here for the rest of the evening (for your own safety), this place provides comfortable room and hip atomposphere.

Stayed at the Cape Diamond for three nights in May 2007 on the 7th floor.

Overall a solid three star hotel in the middle of Cape Town. Close to street shops, markets, train, restaurants, and pharmacies.

Location: Location is central to get around the city; however it is not adjacent to any of the major tourist areas so you must find your way around.

Noise: The hotel rooms themselves are quiet but noise travels up from the street level. The adjacent building is tall and creates a canyon which buffets street noise up the side of the building. Also as mentioned previous the elevator is a little loud.

Service: Service is polite and prompt.

Food: Breakfast buffet is limited but definitely adequate. Dinner prices are R69 ZAR and quite large and tasty. Most of the restaurants in the immediate area closed by 5pm when we were there which left limited options for dinner but the Patat Restaurant is good.

Electricity: Adapter is “E,” South Africa adapter.

Bathroom: There is only a bathtub and there is no partition between the bedroom and bath.

Laundry: Very affordable and returned same day.

In –room Security: There are no in-room safes, but they will put items in the hotel safe for you at the front desk, however they accept no liability. We purchased a PacSafe 100 before we left which allowed us to secure our valuables ourselves.

Outside-hotel Security: There are men hanging out on the corner everyday near the convenience stores but did not have any issues. There is also a plain clothes security guard at the hotel 24/7.

Money: ATMs and banks are everywhere.

This art deco hotel is excellent, the staff extremely helpful , especially a great girl receptionist called Nefema. It is very clean and tidy and the beds are firm and very comfortable. The aesthetic design of the hotel is tasteful but the functionality of some things in the room design is poor. Small wardrobes, lighting and mirrors is awkward positions etc. They are aware and intend to improve.
Shady characters who frequent the street immediately outside give a poor impression. and found that walking in the city centre after dark a bit nervous. Having said that, we had no trouble however as we walked in a streetwise manner.
The city is being improved as they are encouraging the development of high quality apartments and this should ease the concern of visitors when it is progressed further.
OVERALL - VERY GOOD VALUE.
RESTAURANTS
There are great restaurants in this city and the prices are 'give-away' Try 'Five Flies' and 'butchers' in the centre, 'Theo's' and 'Paranga' in Camps Bay. 'Jewel of India' 'Den Anker', 'Table Bay Hotel Restaurant' in thw Waterfront. The posh ones are inexpensive. All are great food.
GETTING AROUND
Use 'Marine Taxi's' They are reliable and clean

I was a little doubtful about staying in the City Bowl (downtown) as I ridiculously gave in to fear mongering and hearsay about dangers of the city leading up to my recent trip to S Africa. This place is a gem! I really felt like I was in the heart of a vibrant up-and-coming city. Small scale, friendly, and renovated only a year ago, one's first impression is of a slick, smart urban retreat. My room was very comfortable, clean, and simply but tastefully appointed. If air conditioning is a must then consider elsewhere; I was so happy to escape an English winter that the heat and effective ceiling fan were fine. There is a delightful small roof terrace and jacuzzi, offering an excellent view of Table Mountain and the city centre. The buffet breakfast served in the ground floor Patat restaurant, included in my room rate, was massive and was a cheery way to start the day; the terrace doors onto the street were open whcih provided great people watching. Patat does an excellent Afro-centric buffet lunch and dinner which represents excellent value. As a bonus, the entire property is NO SMOKING... hooray! Overall, staying here is a superb way to enjoy the richness of central Cape Town.