We [two adults and a twelve year old boy] are looking for an upmarket self catering apartment/small villa to stay in cape town area for circa a week from August 18th. We would like to be in safe walking distance of restaurants and with a balcony/outside area. Can pay up to around 1500 rands per night or a maybe more if very special. Can anyone recommend anywhere really nice ?

I always recommend Camps Bay because it's one of the loveliest areas in Cape Town, but the accommodation there is a bit more pricey than in other areas. You could have a look at Blouberg Strand(approx. 15 mins to city centre)or Hout Bay (approx 20 mins to city centre) where the prices are a bit less and they have nice self-catering options. Have a look at www.southafrica-stay.com for accommodation in those areas. Good luck!

You might also want to take a look at www.wheretostay.co.za

Google search self contained apartments - there are some nice private ones in and around the harbour - easy access

Try www.capsol.co.za or capsolelite.com. We have used them before and they are very good.

I'm sure you know that August is our winter and though we do still have nice days, its rather cold at night.

Apartments around the harbour is a good idea as it is a safe are - part of the waterfront complex. Please be aware that unfortunately we do have a high crime rate so be careful walking around

Take a look at Seaspray in Simon's Town. Highly recommended by a friend of mine who recently stayed there.

http://www.capestay.co.za/seaspray/

I know this topic has probably been abandoned a while ago, but, for future reference a great site for upmarket self catering accommodation in Cape Town is www.capetownvillas.net. They have an impressive collection of vacation rentals ranging from studio flats to massive houses in suburbs like Clifton, Camps Bay, Waterfront and Constantia. I think it's really worth having a look there.