43 Best Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa

Built in 1906 for shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman, what may be Cape Town's finest hotel sits high on a hill up from Sea Point in Bantry Bay, graced with stupendous views of the sea and an art collection that puts the National Gallery to shame. Broad, terraced lawns fronted by elegant balustrades step down the beautifully landscaped hillside to a sparkling pool, and farther on, to a contemporary art gallery (which, as with every feature at Ellerman, is for guests only). Decorated in an updated Regency style, the drawing room, living room, and library are sumptuously elegant, yet not forbiddingly formal. Guest rooms flaunt enormous picture windows, high ceilings, and exquisite bathrooms. The hotel accommodates only a handful of guests, and a highly trained staff caters to every whim. In the kitchen chefs prepare whatever guests request, and all drinks except wines and champagne are included in the rates. If you're traveling with a group, or want absolute privacy, the adjacent (and even costlier) Ellerman Villas are the way to go.

Conveniently located on a quiet street in upper Sea Point, this small good-value hotel in a beautiful Victorian-era home boasts concierge-level owner-rendered service and gorgeous quirky style in spades. Most of the comfortable and beautifully decorated rooms in this lovingly restored house have their own balconies, and a few have mountain or partial sea views. Perks include extra-long beds, air-conditioning, beach bags and sunscreen, flat-screen TVs, and free DVDs to lend. Elegant yet funky African-chic decor adds to public spaces that are chockablock with goodies like candy and cookie jars, a bar, and plenty of worthwhile reading material. An amazing breakfast is served on the covered sundeck overlooking the lovely heated saltwater pool and compact garden. Dinners can be provided on request, and management is happy to arrange other goodies like off-site spa treatments, picnic baskets, and tailored day trips with the lodge's own tour guides.

An icon of Cape Town since it opened its doors in 1899, this superbly located landmark sits on 9 beautifully landscaped acres and retains a charm and gentility unusual even in the world of luxury hotels. Rooms decorated with a perfect mix of fine antiques, contemporary art, and fresh flowers feel aristocratic but never stuffy. Though very centrally located, the famous manicured gardens and spectacular views of Table Mountain lend a bucolic feel. The traditional high tea experience—which takes place in the elegant lounge, glassed-in conservatory, and extends to the gardens in good weather—is a must. Additionally, with an excellent spa, frequent events like wine or brandy tastings and art exhibits, and playfully glamorous Planet Bar, there is always a reason to visit. Fabulous and discreet service go without saying.

With an amazing location in the heart of historic Cape Town, the Taj sits in the grand former headquarters of the South African Reserve Bank and provides the professional and luxurious hospitality that one would expect from this brand. From the eighth floor and higher you'll enjoy fabulous views of Table Mountain and the city, but the lower floors also can provide a wonderful vantage on the hustle of people in Company's Garden and Church Square just across the street. The general style is a subtle and lovely mix of Indian accents and classic European aesthetics. Dining is superb at the flagship Bombay Brasserie restaurant, a whimsically gorgeous space for Indian fine dining. The 24-hour lobby bar, "executive club" for second-floor and suite guests, and a small gallery that hosts monthly events make this hotel extremely popular with business-traveler parliamentarians and international visitors alike.  Rooms are divided into colonial (heritage section) or modern ("the tower") decor, so be sure to state your preference if you have one.

Visitors attracted to the Cape Peninsula for its natural grandeur will think they've died and gone to heaven when arriving at this discreetly luxurious boutique hotel. On the edge of the sea directly off Chapman's Peak Drive (a contender for world's most scenic road) and built around a wonderland of native fynbos and the few milkwood trees that survived a big 2015 fire, Tintswalo Atlantic is the only beachfront development in Table Mountain National Park. Themed after different islands, 11 roomy suites all offer breathtaking sea views and mountain views, comfy verandahs, wood-burning stoves, and divine bedding—all against the sound of breaking waves. Only 25 minutes from Cape Town, guests can enjoy the city but may rather opt to watch the whales playing in the bay. Five-course meals, an impressive wine cellar, in-room spa treatments, a fabulous pool deck (with the same amazing view), and excellent service complete the pampering at this exclusive and unique hideaway.  Decor in rooms varies significantly, so express your aesthetics to the booking agent.

If you fancy taking a helicopter to the airport or lazing in a bubble bath while looking out floor-to-ceiling windows at breathtaking sea and mountain views, then this award-winning, luxurious hotel and spa that is the only such property within Table Mountain National Park may be for you. With enormous indigenous gardens that meld into the National Park in its backyard and the Atlantic Ocean a stone's throw from the bar, this hotel, which is the only man-made structure between Camps Bay and Llandudno, has got location in spades. Light and airy rooms are styled with a classic elegance, and most have either mountain or sea views (the "classic" rooms have unfortunately close views of the garden). Constantly changing events like "dinner and a movie" night in the 16-seat cinema or special-occasion high teas and wine tastings are the norm, and the spa is considered one of Cape Town's best. The well-regarded on-site restaurant Azure also has stunning sea views, a fantastic breakfast, and wonderful à la carte menu.

Situated on 11 acres of gardens in leafy Constantia, this glamorous and avant-garde boutique hotel was originally an 18th-century Cape Dutch manor house and working farm. Luxurious rooms are in two buildings, all decorated in a bold style that marries the voluptuous excess of velvet and gilt with elegant historical decorum to fantastic effect. Rooms are spacious and bright, and overlook the gardens and a pleasant walking trail. The hotel is conveniently located for those exploring Constantia's renowned wine estates. On-site dining options are very good between Blanko, the Italian restaurant in the old manor house, the casual La Belle Bistro & Bakery, which serves excellent lighter fare all day long, and the outdoor Rose Bar Lounge, which enjoys a fantastic garden location to enjoy cocktails and sushi.

The only large hotel in glitzy Camps Bay, this luxurious yet beachy property—vintage motorcycles and surfboards serve as decor—sits directly across the street from a famously beautiful stretch of white sand and is backed by the towering cliffs of the Twelve Apostles. The hotel's raised pool deck (aka the Sandy B Private Beach Club) enjoys an excellent vantage over the sea, sand, and Camps Bay's main drag, where the beautiful people and their followers congregate. Rooms are contemporary, clean, and bright, incorporating a sophisticated range of neutral shades. Several pleasant restaurants and lounge spots means you'll never lack for a place to see and be seen. Three night minimum for bookings. 

Up against the mountainside right in the middle of Camps Bay, this small, intimate guesthouse enjoys stunning views over the popular seaside neighborhood below and across the ocean beyond. The decor in public areas is homey yet stylish, a mix of varnished Oregon pine surfaces, cobalt-blue-and-crimson stained glass that lends a Turkish feel, Nguni cowhides on the floors, and a lush garden. A small but very pretty pool on the deck enjoys the same views. The four suites all have some kind of view, though the two upstairs are definitely the winners. The friendly owners are very involved in getting things right, and they serve up a delicious breakfast.

This great-value guesthouse in an appealing shade of cinnamon terra cotta (aka cactusberry) is in a quiet neighborhood that is still within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants. The owner provides attentive service to a maximum of 14 guests and will even assemble personalized tours on request. This is a Victorian-era former private home, so some of the rooms may feel a bit small, but they are stylishly kitted out, and very comfortable for the price. A common lounge upstairs has a TV, honor bar, and DVDs and books for your use, as well as a lovely sundeck with a mountain view. All beds are extra long, and rooms upstairs have ceiling fans and air-conditioning, whereas downstairs there are fans only. Room 5 is the largest and has its own private deck.

The lovely and well-located Georgian and Victorian Cape Cadogan boutique hotel dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, and boasts a style that successfully blends contemporary and antique furnishings. The charming public areas—a library, lounge with wood-burning fireplace, and patio with a pool—are great places to relax, and the staff are accommodating and able to arrange just about anything you need. Located in the trendy Kloof Street area, it is within walking distance of numerous cafés and restaurants. Those interested in self-catering will find the More Quarters, a series of well-appointed apartments in four historic homes just a few feet from the hotel, the ideal lodging option for a longer stay or for families wanting more space.

Enjoying a stellar location in the working harbor section of the Waterfront—and rightfully renowned for its excellent service—the discreetly refined Cape Grace is popular with American celebrities, including the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Decor at this storied hotel reflects the mélange of indigenous and foreign influences that have come to epitomize the Cape: hand-painted fabrics embellished with proteas, antiques like old cane fishing rods and Dutch china, and nautical murals make up the eclectic theme. Fantastic understated service, a world-class restaurant, and a charming library where you can take afternoon tea, enjoy views of the ships, or cozy up by a fire. 

Built as a private home in 1771, this centrally located boutique hotel's spacious rooms are individually decorated, melding the best of South Africa's dynamic contemporary art scene with its historic architecture, and making the most of the building's teak-beamed ceilings, foot-wide yellowwood floorboards, and numerous other details that recall its gracious past. Some rooms have four-poster beds, others exposed brickwork, but each has its own special charm. Rooms overlooking the pleasant courtyard—complete with tables sheltered by what's claimed to be the oldest grapevine in South Africa—may be a little noisy, but the revelry stops at midnight. Parking is across the street in a section of a public lot with good security, and friendly staff makes sure everything runs smoothly.

The only midsize hotel in the lovely Tamboerskloof area, the clean and comfortable Milner makes a convenient location from which to explore trendy nearby Kloof Street and beyond. Public areas are high-energy, with hip music and TVs broadcasting the news, and the Glass Lounge bar with views of Table Mountain makes for a glam drinks spot. Simply decorated modern rooms with subtle African-chic touches have all the amenities you'd expect. A free shuttle service (within 8 km [5 miles] of the hotel, which will allow you to reach both the V&A Waterfront and nearby Camps Bay beach) is a great perk.

Just a stone's throw from the Green Point stadium and the V&A Waterfront—and surrounded by restaurants and public transportation—the Cape Royale offers spacious apartment-style accommodations that make a great base for longer-term travelers. One-, two-, or three-bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and many with some kind of view, are roomy and luxurious with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The Casuarina Spa downstairs offers fantastic treatments at competitive prices, and the rooftop pool and Sky Bar are a beautiful though not child-friendly place to spend an afternoon soaking in stunning 360-degree views with a cocktail or three. A free shuttle departing every 10 minutes from 8 to 8 takes you to the V&A Waterfront. Great bargains can be found online.

With acres of gardens and spectacular views across the Constantia Valley, this idyllic old-school getaway in two historic buildings makes the world beyond disappear. Built within the former winery and manor house of an 18th-century wine estate, large and elegant rooms are furnished in either a grand English-country or more pared-down, contemporary look. Rooms on the Hohenort side are gorgeous, with four-poster beds, fine draperies, reproduction antiques, and (upstairs) amazing views across the valley from private decks. Numerous exquisitely outfitted public areas from a library to nooks and crannies across the stunning garden mean you're never short on private places to disappear. A fantastic on-site restaurant, The Conservatory, boasts excellent, gracious service.

Independent travelers with artistic streaks love this place, which was built to represent the creative community of Cape Town, and the location is great if you are looking for nearby nightlife. Well-known local artists—including poet-author Finuala Dowling and architect Andre Vorster—were given a budget and invited to decorate a room to their tastes. The results are fanciful. In the Photo Booth room, a huge portrait behind the bed is made up of 3,240 black-and-white photos of Capetonians, while a funky room by the fusion band Freshlyground has a bright red throw, portraits of the band members, and music. But it's not all about show—the amenities are all in place as well. The linen is crisp and clean, the staff is friendly, and the only real drawback is the parking dearth of Long Street.

The nine rooms comprising this beautiful Victorian house in a very central Tamboerskloof location make for a stylish and convenient base while exploring Cape Town. Rooms are styled with an eclectic modern African aesthetic and bright bold colors, and include lots of perks like a local mobile phone, international sockets, and fast Wi-Fi. Some rooms are a bit small, so if you tend to spend a lot of time lounging in bed, you may feel cramped. The appealing and spacious public areas include a large bright lounge with a fireplace, lots of books and magazines, and an iPad. A large solar-heated pool and hot tub also enjoy nice views of Table Mountain. An honor bar, free afternoon cake, complimentary hot soups in the winter, and friendly 24/7 service complete the picture.

Victorian splendor meets modern glam at this small and intimate boutique hotel perched over Cape Town's trendy and ever-popular V&A Waterfront. Six rooms decked out in antique silver artifacts, crystal chandeliers, and edgy artwork, and the competence of the understated service are sure to impress. The property's prime location allows easy (and safe) exploration of the Waterfront with its plethora of dining, shopping, and other attractions. But with 24-hour room-service, a pool and bar overlooking the V&A Ferris wheel and harbor attractions, and a full range of treatments and gym facilities at the Sanctuary Spa annex, it's entirely possible you'll never want to leave.

An excellent value-for-money location on Mouille Point's sought-after strip, this simple inn's rooms are basic but neat and comfortable, a few even enjoying sea views. Close to the V&A Waterfront and across the street from a popular seafront promenade, the inn's lounge overlooks the ocean with comfy leather couches, and the owners are friendly and helpful.

This small and stylish boutique hotel in Green Point is perfect for those who appreciate a minimalist-artsy decor, seeking a quiet stay in a convenient location. With a kind of Pompidou-at-the-beach aesthetic, rooms come in different sizes, but none is small, and all are well designed, with tasteful contemporary artwork. Some have their own private decks or garden terraces. A charming if small pool and deck area at the front of the property enjoys great views, and there is also an inside lounge area where helpful staff serve up delicious cocktails and snacks.

This midsize boutique hotel on a quiet street in Sea Point is one part playful, Ibiza-inspired style—think orchids and a bright Greek Isle palette of white and turquoise—and one part elegant African touches. Rooms in the main building are very masculine with lots of dark wood, silvered surfaces, and Oriental carpets, while those in the so-called East wing come in neutral tones of white, silver, or taupe, and are airy and bright. Almost all of the East rooms have some kind of private deck or patio area, and most enjoy at least a partial mountain or sea view. Staff are friendly and happy to organize day trips and tours. The fresh and bright public spaces, including two pools surrounded by chaises and nice if partially blocked views, encourage socializing and lend a resort ambience.

A beautiful garden entrance leads you into this stylish oasis of a guesthouse where you can expect an atmosphere of luxurious privacy and attentive concierge service from on-site management. Spacious and elegantly designed suites all come equipped with king-sized beds, a patio or terrace, and extras like a bluetooth speaker, yoga mat, and beach-ready bag. Local cell phones are also available for complimentary use by request. From the exclusive Higgovale area above the Gardens neighborhood, views of Table Mountain from the garden (and most room terraces) are lovely when the weather is clear. Aesop bath products add a luxe touch to sleek bathrooms.

This good-value chic hotel enjoys a great location between the popular seafront promenade and Green Point park, and is also just a 15-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront. Ask for a sea- or mountain-facing room, either of which will have great views; the side-view rooms face the neighboring building but are quiet. The comfortable, well-proportioned, and cleanly designed rooms are bright and airy—mostly white with playful splashes of primary colors and a bit of a vintage-retro feel—and the downstairs restaurant Sotano serves tasty Mediterranean food and cocktails- perfect for sunset viewing on the busy promenade. 

A great base for exploring the Constantia winelands, this peaceful boutique hotel with a lovely garden and incredibly spacious rooms successfully combines elegance with homey intimacy. The decor is classical, and fine touches include fluffy robes, luxurious toiletries, and wonderful baths with gorgeous mosaic details. Groups can even rent the entire establishment. Breakfast is served in the lush garden or conservatory, while lunch and dinner are only available on request.

The upper floors of a beautifully restored Victorian building on trendy Long Street house this incredibly good-value boutique hotel made up of 12 luxurious rooms. Chic design—all elegant white-and-silver minimalism—retains warmth thanks to the historic setting. Several rooms have freestanding Victorian bathtubs, five enjoy private balconies, and double-glazed windows help to soundproof your sleep from the buzz of Long Street's legendary nightlife below. The hotel has good amenities (satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee in the room, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning) for the price. The service is attentive and knowledgeable.

In the spirit of founding investor Sol Kerzner's "go big or go home" philosophy, the One&Only Cape Town is a splendid tribute to excess with its four-story glass window views onto Table Mountain from the aptly named Vista Bar and decadent island spa surrounded by a moat. All rooms are larger than you'd find in most other hotels and beautifully furnished in contemporary African design chic. The island lends a tropical resort feel, added to by a spectacular outdoor infinity pool, award-winning spa, and the presence of Cape Town's very own branch of the renowned Nobu restaurant. A fantastic kid's club, excellent personalized service, and an amazing breakfast make your stay complete.

In an 11-story building across the street from the popular Sea Point pedestrian promenade, this apartment-style accommodation with a view is great for families or groups. A variety of layouts sleeping four to eight people all have incredible sea views. The larger airy and light-filled suites are the most attractive, with picture windows, sliding doors, wide balconies, and white-tile floors. Small "studio suites" are more like conventional hotel rooms. Each unit has a full kitchen. The hotel includes a lot of time-shares, so December and Easter holidays can be hard to book.

This compact designer boutique hotel that blends modern sleekness with accents of stone, rough wood, and slate to create a sexy Zen ambience enjoys a great location on a quiet corner just a block from Camps Bay's main drag. Clever design makes use of every view available, as seen in unexpected windows placed to enjoy slivers of Lion's Head and Table Mountain, and a hallway atrium on the second floor. Deluxe suites have fantastic ocean views and are super luxe. For good value for the money, choose a luxury room with a view (rather than with a private pool), as the hotel's infinity pool on the deck with great ocean views is a preferable splash anyway. Enjoy attentive professional service, an enticing bar area, and perks like the complimentary minibar in your room, free DVDs and popcorn, and an iPad for public use throughout your stay.

Initially built around somewhat kitschy themes—think interior elements like elevators kitted out as a shark cage underwater or a Table Mountain cable car mid-journey—this large hotel (one of the few in the area) will appeal to those who value a vibey social atmosphere and proximity to Cape Town's nightlife. Although rooms are very small, you are getting four- and even five-star facilities for three-star rates (check out the executive suites for more space). Public spaces are open and bright, including a large lounge area which turns into a bar (complete with DJs) as day turns to evening. Thoughtful extras like free local newspapers in the public areas and free snacks at the bar continue to please.