City hotel and apartments at The Barracks on Bree

With a wellness centre, juice bar and rooftop pool

Last updated: Monday, 12 August 2024 

This sleek silver structure on Bree Street, which floats on top of an 18th-century building, looks like something out of Architectural Digest. It’s The Barracks, a chic aparthotel where you can start your weekend with yoga on the rooftop terrace, or grab a lazy Saturday brunch at the Italian café downstairs. 

The Barracks has a "stay longer and save" special (valid for stays from 1 August to 30 September 2024). See more info below and make a reservation on The Barracks website.

The Barracks is not a high-rise development, making it more intimate. Image: The Barracks

ONE OF CAPE TOWN’S HERITAGE BUILDINGS

While many refurbished buildings in the city are ripped down, brothers and co-owners Casey and Mike Augoustides wanted to preserve the original building’s heritage. 

Dating back to 1767, it was first used as a warehouse that formed part of the Lutheran Church before becoming a military barracks (hence the name). 

Today it looks like a museum of modern art.

Inside, you can still see some of the original building’s decor, like ceilings made of yellowwood beams from the 1700s. They contrast nicely with the chic modern feel of the apartments, which are finished with brown leather couches and decorative artwork.

The 18th century warehouse and new building are physically separated by a parapet line (that acts as out-of-sight parking deck). Image: The Barracks

CITY CENTRE ACCOMMODATION

Sunlight pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows in each apartment, with views of Bree, Strand and De Waterkant streets. Each apartment has an en-suite bathroom, open-plan living area and engineered wood flooring. 

The studio and one bedrooms are a great choice for business travellers – they come with speedy unlimited wifi and spacious desks. There’s two bedrooms for family stays. 

And each apartment also has a smart TV and functional kitchenette. Private balconies overlooking Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are a feature of the more high-end units.

Of course, there’s air-conditioning too. Image: The Barracks

QUICK WALK TO LOOP STREET AND DE WATERKANT

Bree Street is one of the most bustling strips in the city with an eclectic mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs, practically next door to Shelflife and Villa47.

Boma, Fable, and Aperitif are hot after-work cocktail spots. Or you can be wowed with dinner at Nikkei, a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant that specialises in sushi and sake. 

If you’re in town with friends, a 3-minute walk will take you to Loop Street, where you’ll find popular bars and nightclubs, like ANTHM, a Japanese cocktail bar, and HALO, a nightclub filled with 3D lights, lasers, and holographs. 

The Barracks is also within walking distance from trendy De Waterkant village and a 6-minute drive from Oranjezicht City Farmers Market, where you can get fresh produce daily. 

The Barracks is great for a midweek retreat or a weekend getaway. Image: The Barracks

ROOFTOP POOL, YOGA STUDIO & JUICE BAR

If you’d prefer to stay in, there’s plenty to do at The Barracks (as a day visitor too, not just a hotel guest). The rooftop terrace and garden, with its uninterrupted views of Lion’s Head, is gorgeous in summer. Shaded tables and cream couches run along a salt-water lap pool. 

There’s a wellness centre on the sixth floor, Light House Holistic, where you can join yoga, pilates and cacao ceremonies. The wood floors and beige walls make it a warm and welcoming space. Pre-booking for wellness sessions and access to the pool is essential. 

The rooftop pool is operated by Light House Holistic and membership fees apply. Image: The Barracks

You’ll spot remote workers getting a productive start to their day at the café and juice bar, and friends catching up over coffee after yoga. 

MiCaffé, the Italian coffee bar and eatery, is downstairs and opens at 7am, which is great for early work mornings. Light lunch options include tramezzini sandwiches like The MiCaffé (prosciutto, avo, grana padano and rocket), and of course, gelato, sorbet, and tiramisu for dessert. 

This place is a good bet if you’re looking for an apartment or a staycation in the city.

Complimentary housekeeping is included in your stay. Image: The Barracks

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

The Barracks is offering guests a discounted rate if they book four consecutive nights or more. The offer is valid for stays from 1 August to 30 September 2024. 

To make a reservation, visit The Barracks website. 

Or you can email res@thebarracks.capetown.

There’s a separate specials tab on The Barracks website. Image: The Barracks

STAY OR SPEND THE DAY AT THE BARRACKS

The Barracks is open: Daily, 24hrs
Find it: 50 Bree Street | Cape Town
Book: Via The Barracks website
Contact on: res@thebarracks.capetown, 064 816 6715, @thebarracksapartments

By Khadeeja Adams

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MORE TO DO ON BREE STREET

Discover 10+ free, secret and new places on Bree Street. 

Try smashburgers and animal fries at Burgers and Brew. 

You’ll find Jaffles, Lucky Packets, koeksister negronis and more at Boma on Bree.

There’s always 7+ things to do this week(end).

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