De Waterkant Villas

We booked four nights at De Waterkant House for four people, checking in on 25/04. During the night of 27 April, someone got into the house without breaking in, entered one of the bedrooms, badly attacked our friends, and stole a handbag with valuables, including a phone, cash, credit card, and watch. After our stay, we emailed management about what happened. We believe it points to an inside job and shows that basic safety measures were lacking, which is shocking for accommodation at this level. The entrance used two codes, and both were left unchanged after the theft, so we remained at risk for another 24 hours after the attack. That was completely unacceptable. Our friends were deeply shaken and still had bruises and marks from the assault, but no compensation was offered. The incident was traumatic, and we were extremely disappointed and shocked by how De Waterkant handled guest safety. Given our friends’ costs and trauma, financial compensation would have been the least decent response. We didn’t even receive an apology or an email.

There was no water in my room, and I got plenty of excuses. They suggested I shower in another unit across the street, which was an impossible solution. After a very hot day and night, I couldn’t even take a hot shower, and they didn’t offer any refund, not even a small one. That would have been the right thing to do.

De Waterkant village feels like a quiet, secure little corner of cosmopolitan Cape Town, with the benefits of a big city close by. Staying there showed me a laidback, distinctive way to enjoy urban life. The residential feel is earthy and cosy, with a real sense of luxury.

The area is lovely and cosy, and the flat had plenty of room. Some lamps didn’t work, which didn’t leave a good impression, but I’d still stay here again.