A City Within a City: Check-In to Urban Square Hotel
Where Business Meets Leisure in Century City
Cape Town may be synonymous with mountains and coastlines but tucked between it all lies Century City – a polished urban enclave where everything you need is just steps away. Here, Century City’s Urban Square Hotel becomes more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to a seamless, city-style experience, with an ocean view.
The Rise of Century City: Cape Town’s Modern Playground
Once considered simply a business district, Century City has evolved into one of Cape Town’s most dynamic mixed-use precincts – where corporate convenience meets lifestyle appeal.
Set just minutes from Cape Town CBD, the area is designed for ease: walkable pathways, canals, curated green spaces and a seamless blend of work, retail and leisure. From the sprawling Canal Walk Shopping Centre to tranquil escapes like Intaka Island and Ratanga Park, Century City offers a curated, almost self-contained experience of Cape Town living.
What makes it particularly appealing – especially for the modern traveller – is its versatility. You can attend a conference in the morning, kayak along the canals in the afternoon, and end the evening with cocktails just steps from your hotel. And, it’s this “bleisure” balance that defines the precinct.
First Impressions: Urban Energy Meets Effortless Sophistication
Located in the heart of the Bridgeways precinct, the Urban Square Hotel immediately sets the tone for a stay that feels both elevated and easy.
The design leans into industrial chic with a contemporary edge, softened by tree-lined walkways and a lively square atmosphere. The hotel spills out into a vibrant urban plaza – creating a social, almost European-style energy that feels at home in Cape Town.
When we arrived, the staff were friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. As they were doing the final touches to our room, we sat at their public workstation, sipping on ice cold orange juice and charging up our devices, excited for what was to come.
The Rooms: Designed for the Modern Traveller
With 125 rooms ranging from Superior to Suites, the hotel caters to both business travellers and leisure seekers.
Expect clean lines, functional luxury and thoughtful details – from king-sized beds and workspace-friendly desks to smart TVs and high-speed WiFi. The rooms strike that ideal balance of polished without feeling overdone.
For longer stays or those wanting a little more space, suites offer separate lounge areas, while family suites bring a more residential feel with interconnected rooms.
We set up home for the next few days in an Urban Square Suite, complete with a comfortable bed, workspace, ensuite bathroom with a double vanity, and a separate lounge area with another television. There was also a tea and coffee station with a mini fridge for ease and convenience. Our curtains opened to create a glass corner filled with eagle-eye views of Century City and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Dining & Social Spaces: Where the Hotel Comes Alive
At the centre of it all is Urban Umami, the hotel’s Asian-fusion restaurant that flows seamlessly into the square.
Open from breakfast through dinner, the menu blends local ingredients with global flavours, making it just as suitable for a quick morning bite as it is for a long, indulgent dinner. There is also 24-hour room service available for when the midnight munchies strike.
Beyond the hotel, the surrounding square becomes part of the experience. Within minutes, you’ll find everything from Tiger’s Milk to casual cafés, all contributing to a lively, social atmosphere right on your doorstep.
Location, Location, Location
One of the hotel’s strongest assets is its unbeatable positioning.
Set just steps from the Century City Conference Centre, it’s a natural choice for business travellers; but, its appeal doesn’t end there. Within walking distance, you’ll find shopping centres, nature trails, fitness facilities and cultural attractions, all easily accessible without needing a car.
Even better, Cape Town’s major landmarks – from the V&A Waterfront to the Winelands – are just a short drive away, making this a strategic base for exploring the city.
We had a busy weekend ahead of us, and Century City Urban Square Hotel was great to make our home base. From driving to Sea Point for dinner, and then heading to the V&A Waterfront for a late-night amble, to going to Kenilworth Racecourse for the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met, driving back to Urban Square Hotel was like returning home.
The Urban Square Hotel delivers exactly what the modern traveller is looking for:
- A central, well-connected location
- Contemporary design without pretension
- A vibrant social atmosphere
- And easy access to both business and leisure experiences
It’s the kind of place where a quick work trip can effortlessly turn into a lifestyle escape, and where everything you need is quite literally on your doorstep.
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