Urban Elegance…Experience the vibrant energy of Cape Town in sophisticated style…

Managing Director Abilio Frazzitta has created a contemporary and up-market oasis in the heart of the mother city, in the midst of the bustling melting pot that is Long Street, attracting corporate clients from the advertising and film industries as well as advocates from nearby Keerom Street to its sleek-lined interior.

The result of Abilio’s vision is a breath of fresh air for the city. It’s an intimate hotel for tourists or corporate clients, with the hallmark comforts of a guesthouse and the combined status of a top-notch hotel. Elzanne, Abilio’s life partner, is the charming General Manager.

Stepping into Urban Chic’s foyer from the busy street is an experience that instills a sense of calm as cool contemporary touches blend with classical lines. A Bottocino marble staircase with a balustrade in stainless steel, wood and glass sweeps immediately up to the Gallery Café.

But just below, overlooking Long Street, the relaxed Cigar Bar perches above the thronging crowds… the perfect watering hole for the weary traveler wanting to refresh, watch sport beamed in by satellite on the plasma screen or discuss the day’s events over a thirst-quenching cocktail with attitude, while watching the passing parade! If you have business in mind, take advantage of the complimentary wireless connectivity linking you, via your laptop, with the pulse of the world.

At the mezzanine Gallery Café, hotel guests and patrons alike enjoy a culinary symphony of note among an eclectic selection of local art, with a percentage of the sales going to charitable organisations. The Gallery Café is a wonderfully cosmopolitan and alternative venue for a chic corporate lunch for up to 100, or, with the enclosed terraces hived off for intimacy, you can celebrate any occasion privately, with your own choice of music wirelessly beamed to you, to complement the fine Italian-inspired cuisine.

For guests staying over, there’s a choice of twenty individually appointed bedrooms – each with its own en suite bathroom. The décor is a subtle combination of honeyed Spanish marble, warm textured carpets, African mahogany furniture and crushed linen curtains complemented by the contemporary artwork of Alexander Krenz. Some rooms have Zen-like sliding screens so that views of the city, Table Mountain, Lion’s Head or Signal Hill can also be appreciated from the comfort of one’s bath.

Each room has a broad-band ADSL connection, a mini safe, air conditioning and double glazing to mask the exuberant buzz from the sidewalk below. There’s a range of specially formulated toiletries, from bath salts to hand creams, for self-pampering. Courtesy branded snacks such as dried fruit and nut selections are on hand, including refreshments from the mini bar – hidden from sight to complete the aura of restfulness.

Urban Chic has underground parking and VIP protection for those that desire added peace of mind. Stepping into the ambiance of vibrant Long Street, you find yourself among a myriad of arts and craft stores, booksellers, restaurants with cuisines of all persuasions, bistro-cafés and colonial architecture reminiscent of the New Orleans’ French quarter.

Whether you’ve come to the city for some serious shopping, to sample the pulsating nightlife, or for a touch-down business trip, and seek the luxury of a home from home – close to the action – with a king-sized bed and goose down pillows after a long, long day… then Urban Chic on Long is the haven that you deserve.

www.urbanchic.co.za