I spent $317 a night to stay at the Taj Cape Town. The mountain views weren't even the best part of the 5-star hotel.

The Taj Cape Town has 176 individually decorated rooms, many of which have expansive views of Table Mountain and the city center.Prices for most rooms and suites are available on the Taj's website, but guests must call the hotel to inquire about club rooms and one-bedroom suites.I booked the luxury-tower room with a mountain view for six nights, which cost $1,900. This rate also included a breakfast buffet at The Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill, a dining area inside the hotel, and high-speed WiFi.I loved looking out our window and seeing Table Mountain, a major landmark in Cape Town. Each morning, I made a cup of coffee and opened the balcony door just to enjoy the views.According to the hotel's website, all accommodations have LCD TVs and high-speed WiFi. Our room had a flat-screen TV facing our bed.Our room also had a desk, which was helpful when I needed to get some work done.I also enjoyed the spacious closets in our room, as my friend and I could hang our clothing without it touching the floor.I loved the bathroom, which had marble detailing, a rainfall shower, a bathtub, and several toiletries. Before we arrived, the staff even laid out robes and slippers for us in the bathroom.Taking a bubble bath while sipping a cosmopolitan from the lobby lounge made me feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.We started most days with a satisfying breakfast at The Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill. I usually stuck to the English breakfast buffet, which included fresh pastries, waffles, pancakes, yogurt, and fruit.I loved the berry yogurt because it was drinkable, like a high-end version of Danimals. The pastries tasted fresh, and I noticed the staff swapped them out with a new batch almost every hour.The restaurant also offered an Indian-inspired breakfast buffet. This included a drink station where a staff member prepared fresh masala chai, a spiced tea, for guests.It was made with a spice mixture called karha, which consists of ground ginger and green-cardamom pods.We ate our lunches on the patio and watched as the meat used in our orders was grilled right in front of us. One day, I ordered a particularly memorable brisket sandwich made with savory meat, chimichurri, and peach preserves.I never would have thought chimichurri and peach preserves would be a good combination, but the flavors paired well and complemented the glazed brisket. The citrusy preserves and herbaceous yet mild chimichurri made the brisket's already-sweet flavor stand out.We had to try the Taj's afternoon-tea experience, which cost about $15.The afternoon-tea basket included one of the tastiest slices of red-velvet cake I've ever had. The moist cake was frosted with vanilla buttercream instead of cream-cheese icing.I was told the pastries in the afternoon-tea basket vary daily, so guests may receive red velvet, vanilla, chocolate, or another cake flavor.My friend and I were surprised by how fast the room service was. Whenever we craved cake or another pastry and called room service, a staff member came to our room almost immediately. We also loved the attentive housekeeping staff. In addition to cleaning our room, the staff always asked if there was anything we needed, like an extra blanket.The fitness center had barbells and plates, treadmills, and a Concept2 Rower, a rowing machine I usually only see at CrossFit classes or luxury gyms. I rarely see equipment like this at hotel gyms, so I was excited to use it.The hotel's indoor pool was located behind the gym. The area had several lounge chairs, which made me feel like I was hanging out at a rooftop pool.The locker room, which had several shower areas and wooden lockers, was completely spotless. It made me feel like I was at a luxury gym like Life Time Fitness or Dogpound.On the last day of our trip, my friend and I went hiking on Table Mountain after our check-out time. Even after checking out, the staff allowed us to return to the hotel to shower in the locker room.I didn't have time to visit the J Wellness Circle, the Taj's spa that offers massages and scrubs. However, I found the pool and its accompanying sauna to be incredibly relaxing.Overall, my stay at the Taj was worth the money. I thought the $1,900 stay was a great value, especially since the breakfast buffet was included.The staff was a highlight of the trip, as the housekeeping and room service teams were attentive and prompt. If you're headed to Cape Town and want an elegant stay, I highly recommend the Taj.

I spent $317 a night to stay at the Taj Cape Town. The mountain views weren't even the best part of the 5-star hotel.

Our room felt elegant and had a beautiful view.

I loved seeing Table Mountain from the comfort of my hotel room.

I enjoyed the perks and amenities in our room.

The desk and closet were some of my favorite parts of the room.

The bathroom, complete with marble detailing, made me feel like a movie-star.

The food was a highlight of the trip, too.

I grabbed masala chai from the Indian-inspired breakfast buffet as well.

Lunch at The Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill's outdoor patio was delightful.

Afternoon tea felt like a great value, and the cake was delicious.

The room service and housekeeping staff were great.

I also went to the gym during my hotel stay.

I swam and lounged in the pool area.

Guests who used the gym or pool had access to a locker room.

I didn't visit the spa, but there were plenty of other ways to relax at the hotel.

Overall, the Taj Cape Town was one of my favorite travel experiences.