There are two fleeting moments that stood out during my overnight stay at Antrim Villa because while the moments were routine, it was the consideration and thoughtfulness of Antrim Villa’s staff that showcased the caring effort of their service.
One involved the need for a lighter and other had to do with a beach towel.
The Antrim Villa is located in Green Point, and falls under the Antrim Collection which was born in 2021 out of a dream to further build on and develop the award-winning Antrim Villa offering. It includes a sister property, apartments and a restaurant, The Eatery @ Antrim House.
Antrim Villa was built in the late 1800s, where the old English Victorian house was originally a family residence. The high ceilings and well-kept stucco finish give this guesthouse a natural charm and light.
During my overnight stay at Antrim Villa, the staff and managers were mindful in explaining the ins and outs of the guesthouse.
Sometimes one can get lost in all the exciting offerings, and lose touch with the human connection, but that was not the case at Antrim Villa.
When my partner was in need of a lighter, the manager, Charl, kindly sacrificed his without much of a second thought. Though we made sure to return it before our departure.
The other was a foreign visitor who was going to go to the beach, when one of the guesthouse staff offered her a beach towel to take instead of risking her own.
These two seemingly mundane moments show the attention that was paid to the guest.
Stays at hotels and guesthouses can become impersonal and an increasingly insular experience if you do it often enough, but what made the stay at the villa noteworthy was how it managed to foster the feeling of community, and doing so with speed.
Antrim Villa offers something for a traveller seeking a different experience and something more communal.
It’s appeal is that the Antrim Villa is not limited to one type of traveller as we saw several families, as well as couples, staying at the guesthouse.
Families looking to budget economically without compromising on safety and comfort, should definitely consider the Antrim Villa.
This would also be the perfect stay for businessmen visiting Cape Town for a couple of days but doesn’t want to overpay for their accommodation during that time, and are also seeking a stay with more chances of interaction.
The Antrim Villa was a new experience for me, especially the highly-touted breakfast with a large table where multiple guests can sit down and enjoy breakfast together.
For a shy person, it may be daunting, but after the initial awkwardness, it again manages to foster community as striking up conversation becomes fairly easy.
Located within 10-minute walking distance of the villa is the Sea Point Promenade, which is a wonderful blend of encouraging healthy activity and scenic relaxation.
Also found nearby is Sea Point with its plethora of dining choices, but not far in the other direction is also the V&A Waterfront.
Found on the walls of the Antrim Villa was its Vision, Mission & Goal Statement: “Our mission is to provide our guests with an exceptional hospitality experience. We strive to understand guest needs, listen to their requirements and respond to them. We are committed to exceeding their expectations and our guiding principles, mission and brand statements underpin everything we do... We are committed to a caring, motivating and rewarding environment, always maintaining integrity and respect for our colleagues. We are committed to making a difference every day; continually growing and learning from each other.”
It’s a bold mission to live up to, but if I noticed anything during my time at the Antrim Villa, it is that they did just that.