When you’re travelling with kids, a holiday doesn’t always mean relaxing. It means snack runs, early wake-ups, forgotten dollies, and hoping someone else cleans up the mess. So when we find a hotel that genuinely gets family travel, not just tolerates it, we take note.
On a recent staycation (because let’s face it travelling for long distances in cars or planes with kids simply isn’t fun), we checked into the President Hotel in Sea Point and honestly? It ticked all the right boxes. Here are 10 reasons why we’d happily go back (and why our little one keeps asking if we can “live there now”).
1. The location is perfect for families
Just across the road from the Sea Point Promenade and an easy walk to a bunch of playgrounds, tidal pools and ice cream shops — you’re in the heart of it all without being in the chaos. We pushed a stroller and chased a bicycle everywhere. The vibe is safe, beachy, and buzzing without being overwhelming.
2. The pool is kid (and parent) heaven
It’s cold but huge, and there’s a shallow section where our toddler could splash with glee. We spent hours here, even in winter. The loungers are comfy, there’s food and drink service poolside (yes, you can get a bottle of rose and a sharing platter without ever leaving your seat), and there’s plenty of shade. Honestly? We could’ve spent the whole holiday at the pool.
3. The rooms just work for families
We stayed in a two-bedroom family suite with a separate lounge area, so once the kids went to bed, we could hang out, order room service and catch up on some series. There was a fridge for milk, space for toys, a nifty QR code for setting the music and even a pillow menu. And of course, the decent complimentary coffee was gold for us sleep-deprived old folk.
4. There’s a jungle gym
Right next to the pool. Genius. While we sipped our drinks and simply kicked up our feet for what felt like the first time in forever, our princess went up and down the slide and made an obstacle course out of soft play blocks with newfound friends. It made you feel like someone on the hotel team has definitely travelled with kids before.
5. Special activities on holidays
Depending on when you stay, the hotel runs extra activities for kids. We were there over Father’s Day, and a mini golf set up with games complimented the braai buffet which even had a mini-VIP section with special treats and kid-friendly food. Other holidays might welcome pizza-making, face painting or Easter egg hunts. It’s not every weekend, but if you time it right, it adds a little something extra to a special celebration.
6. A breakfast spread to impress
The variety at breakfast was really impressive with something for everyone including fresh fruit, pastries, made-to-order eggs, and even health-conscious options. You can eat clean or go full on pancakes with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. It was a fabulous way to start the day with full tummies all round.
7. Kids are treated like VIPs too
This was a highlight for our little ones. She got her own mini-VIP welcome bag with snacks and a colouring in book. Plus there is also a Kids Club which operates during school holidays.
8. Room Service = Sanity
When dinner-time tantrums strike or post-beach exhaustion hits, there’s something so comforting about being able to order a pizza without leaving the room. Bonus: the food was fast and surprisingly good and you can also decide to enjoy your breakfast in the room if you want to.
9. Everything you need is walkable
Need nappies? There’s a shopping centre up the road. Craving asian or pasta? Take your pick. Want to push the pram until someone falls asleep? The promenade is your friend. It’s city-living by the sea, and super convenient for a family that doesn’t want to keep jumping in the car. And when you do want to venture a bit further afield the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain and Beaches are right there too.
10. It’s casual, comfortable and just easy
This is not one of those places where you feel like your kids need to whisper or dress up for dinner. The vibe is relaxed, beachy, and genuinely welcoming to families. There’s even a kids colouring in table in the check in lounge to keep busy bodies entertained while you get the formalities down. You’re not on edge. You don’t feel out of place. You can actually enjoy yourself.
Final verdict?
If you’re after a low-stress, well-located, family-friendly Cape Town base, without sacrificing comfort or decent coffee, The President Hotel totally delivers. It’s not over-the-top or “kiddie-themed,” but it is thoughtfully geared towards families in ways that matter.