17 Best places to stay in Cape Town

Branded hotels aren’t often known for their stellar location, but this is one that bucks the trend, with a seafront position that puts the ocean just metres from your balcony, with the popular V&A Waterfront just a five-minute walk away.

The 177 rooms are spread across a range of categories, from budget-friendly doubles to spacious self-catering apartments ideal for longer visits.

There’s a sizeable wellness spa on-site, and along with the seafront restaurant and unforgettable rim-flow pool there’s a breezy resort-style feel to the property making it ideal for family travellers and those looking for some serious R&R.

A dose of Mediterranean glamour comes to Camps Bay at this stylish boutique hotel on the palm-lined beachfront.

The contemporary suites, some with private terraces, gaze up onto iconic Table Mountain or out over the Atlantic.

A highlight is the Baptiste Rooftop, where residents enjoy privileged access to the rooftop pool, bar and lounge. With DJs playing and glamorous locals flocking, expect stellar sunsets and a taste of Ibiza in Africa. The rooftop café alongside offers an excellent, seafood-focused menu.

The Marly is in the heart of the Camps Bay strip, so you’ll find bustling bars and a wide range of restaurants and shops right on the doorstep.

The central location is ideal for getting out and exploring, with excellent access to public buses and taxi services. It can be noisy though.

Ask for a mountain-facing room if you’d like a little more peace and quiet.

Set on one of the Western Cape’s most respected wine estates, the luxury suites at Jordan offer contemporary comfort and an authentic taste of winelands living.

The spacious rooms and suites offer panoramic vineyard views, complemented by all the modern conveniences you could ask for, from free Wi-Fi to percale linen. 

Sip the complimentary bottle of estate wine on your private verandah while you contemplate your next culinary adventure: acclaimed chef George Jardine has a signature restaurant on-site, or take it easy over lunch at the laid-back bakery cafe.  

Sheltered by ancient milkwood forests, and perched just yards from the Atlantic Ocean, this luxurious lodge enjoys an unrivalled location on the shores of the Table Mountain National Park.

The 10 suites are each named for iconic islands, with unique decor inspired by the namesake. The separate two-bedroom villa is ideal for families, offering additional privacy. The lounge, spa and pool-deck all offer superb sea views.

The on-site Chef’s Warehouse restaurant is a destination in itself, serving up flawless, contemporary tapas – local oysters, risotto, zingy salads – that draws gourmands from across the country.

The dramatic location on the shoreline of the national park comes with a downside: the lodge is fairly remote from many of the city’s attractions. It’s a 15-minute drive to the nearest suburb, while the city centre and most popular beaches are 45 minutes away.

But, for a second visit to the city, or a few days of secluded relaxation after sightseeing, the castaway charm make Tintswalo Atlantic hard to beat.

Design and luxury combine seamlessly at the Silo, one of Cape Town’s – if not Africa’s – most striking design hotels. Offering the last word in contemporary luxury, it’s one hotel that’s worth the splurge.

Bespoke suites are filled with contemporary African art, while the over-sized geometric windows offer glorious city vistas. Dreaming of a bath with a view? You’ve come to the right place.

There’s a large on-site spa and restaurant, while pre-dinner cocktails in the Williston Bar are a must. Sunset is best enjoyed from the remarkable rooftop pool.

Set in the heart of the Silo District, the bustling V&A Waterfront – Cape Town’s restaurant and retail heart – is right next door.

The ‘Nellie’ is the grande dame of Cape Town’s hotels and a much-loved local landmark, offering a wide range of rooms and suites.

Located at the top of the Company Gardens, it rests in its own nine-acre estate, yet the charming colonial heritage belies its up-to-date amenities, including the chic Planet Bar, and top-notch adjoining restaurant.

The grand Afternoon Tea served in the lounge or on the terrace is a much-loved local tradition.

The botanically themed Librisa Spa harnesses the healing, hydrating and anti-ageing powers of South Africa’s indigenous plants.

This elegant country hotel, set on a working wine farm, is a quietly luxurious base in the gorgeous Constantia wine region, and from which to explore the city.

The late 17th-century Cape Dutch building (Steenberg is one of the original wine farms in the valley) evokes an authentic sense of history, while an award-winning golf course, bevy of beautiful restaurants and bars, and mini-spa makes any stay complete.

Discover Steenberg’s award-winning wines at the modern tasting centre, before dinner at Tryn, or lighter fare at Bistro Sixteen82.

The hotel offers a daily complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront.

A sybaritic retreat in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Breathtaking views, David Collins interiors and private pool decks define the experience of checking into one of the estate’s exclusive lodges.

On-site you’ll enjoy two acclaimed restaurants, and a refined tasting experience in the Wine Lounge.

And, art-lovers take note: the Delaire Graff Estate showcases owner Laurence Graff’s superb private collection of contemporary South African art.

Ellerman House revels in the grandeur of travel, from the private art collection to 13 luxurious rooms decorated in a discreet old-money style.

If your pockets are deep, the two opulent villas offer perfect privacy and perhaps the city’s best sea views.

There’s a spacious in-house spa, glorious pool terrace and an impressive wine cellar, while celebrated chef Peter Tempelhoff oversees the menu of South African-inspired cuisine.

Throw in panoramic ocean views and you’ll soon see why this is one of the most exclusive hotels in Cape Town.

The oldest, continually-running hotel in South Africa, the Oude Werf began life in 1686 as a church, before being converted into a hotel in 1802.

Its 21st-century incarnation combines antique pieces with modern touches; exposed brick and vibrantly-patterned fabrics and furniture.

Don’t miss afternoon tea in the eclectically-furnished (including numerous clocks) lounge; Oude Werf’s cheesecake is legendary, and it’s a great spot to people-watch after a morning exploring Stellenbosch.

The hotel is located in the heart of town, with art galleries, wine emporiums, boutiques and restaurants all within easy strolling distance.

The world-class vineyards of the wine region are all around and close by. Cape Town city centre and the picturesque coastline, however, are a 45-minute drive away.

You can expect location with a capital L at this boutique guesthouse set within walking distance of trendy Kloof Street’s restaurants, bars and boutiques.

A listed national monument, the 19th-century Georgian-Victorian townhouse is romantic and boho-cool, referencing the hedonistic Oscar Wilde (it’s named after one of his fave London haunts). Rooms are light and airy spaces with great bathrooms.

There’s a complimentary cocktail hour each evening, along with transfers to the V&A Waterfront.

Hidden away in a large forested nature reserve with its very own secret waterfall, this intimate boutique property offers easy access to the glamorous Camps Bay strip as well as a welcome retreat from the crowds.

Rooms are split between the historic manor house, dating to the 1920s, nature suites with wood-fired hot tubs, newly built wings and a villa. Expect contemporary décor and private terraces that make the most of garden and ocean views.

Camps Bay Retreat features three swimming pools, an on-site spa, a tranquillity walk, a mountain pool and a private pathway leading to the nearby beaches. The excellent restaurant, Bella’s, dishes offers up a variety of dishes with local, organic and quality ingredients, and the whole package is nothing short of a hidden gem.

What’s the main attraction at this boutique hotel on the fringes of Camps Bay? The clue’s in the name, and from each of the luxurious suites you’ll enjoy panoramic views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain from your private terrace or balcony.

Alongside the spacious suites are a pair of gorgeous self-catering apartments are ideal for longer stays, with the larger Oasis apartment boasting a private plunge pool.

The ocean itself is just 10 minutes’ walk from Bakoven Beach, something of a local secret. The hotel is less than a mile from the glamorous sands of Camps Bay, providing offers easy access to its trendy restaurants and bars, yet sufficiently removed to ensure welcome peace and quiet.

The hotel has bikes to borrow for exploring further afield, and a massage room to soothe any aching limbs when you return.

It has been called Cape Town’s ‘coolest bolt-hole’, and it’s easy to see why; edgy interiors blend handpicked designer furniture and African art, all wrapped up in seamless hospitality.

Hidden in the suburb of Higgovale, just below Table Mountain, this hotel is close to all the city offers, from nightlife to beaches.  

Each thoughtfully designed suite has a unique identity and reflects the well-travelled owner’s meticulous eye for detail. 

Breakfast is served when you want it, so there’s no need to watch the clock, and room service is 24 hours too. 

The setting is sublime. Table Mountain rises up behind it and it has views of the Lion’s Head to the left and the city below. 

A century-old seaside mansion forms the heart of this charming guesthouse in the bohemian suburb of Kalk Bay.

There’s an excellent range of bright and airy rooms on offer, catering for couples and families alike.

The facilities are more impressive than you’d expect, and include a spacious garden, large swimming pool and wide terrace with glorious ocean views. The (included) breakfast is superb, but you’ll also find dozens of great restaurants nearby.

Hands-on owners ensure service is always on-point, from arrival to the morning tea and coffee wake-up service.

Despite its size, The Vineyard offers the charm of a boutique property, with the 211 rooms spread across eight acres of indigenous gardens.

The heart of the hotel is a manor house dating to 1800, but the rooms deliver contemporary comfort. The facilities are impressive, from a choice of swimming pools and a well-equipped fitness centre to the gorgeous Angsana Spa.

A highlight for both guests and locals is the sweeping garden terrace, where the popular afternoon tea can be enjoyed while admiring the massif of Table Mountain.

Be sure to seek out the riverside walking trail, and ask about the hotel’s tiny vineyard, hidden amid the gardens.

Hidden away in the quiet leafy suburb of Newlands, it’s ideal for those wanting a quiet central location more than city sights and nightlife on the doorstep. There’s easy access to freeways for sightseeing day trips further afield.

On the edge of a marina in the V&A Waterfront, close to the buzzing CBD, this feels more like a glamorous urban resort than a city hotel. Contemporary in style, it works equally well as a base for families as it does for honeymooners and first-time visitors who want quality and variety.

The facilities are excellent. There’s a choice of three restaurants on site, including world-renowned Nobu, alongside a spacious spa and popular kids’ club.

Wine-lovers shouldn’t miss the glass and steel wine loft, housing over 5,000 bottles from around the world, including many local treasures.

It’s ideally positioned alongside the Two Oceans Aquarium and adjacent to the V&A Waterfront, with its bustling restaurants, bars and shops all within reasonable walking distance. Table Mountain and the city’s best beaches are a short taxi ride.