Fodor's Expert Review Boutique @10

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, and Nguni cow hides on the floors. The garden is lush and there's a small but very pretty pool on the deck with great views. The friendly owners, who describe the guesthouse's aesthetic as luxury beach villa, are very involved in getting things right, and they serve up a delicious breakfast too.

YOU SHOULD KNOW For all this hotel's loveliness, it's no underpriced hidden gem; rates are relatively high.

room

The four rooms all have some kind of view though the two upstairs are definitely the winners, with large sliding glass doors which open onto the deck and showcase the white sands and glittering blues of Camps Bay beach below.

Want to sleep in a king size Oregon pine sleigh bed (made by the owners' pal?). Head for the Ocean suite.

bathroom

Bathrooms are big, modern and spotlessly clean, with lots of mirrors making them feel light and bright and huge showers and baths.

lobby

The welcome from Jennifer and Beach is second-to-none.

pool

The small pool makes up for in impact what it lacks in size, as the land falls away beneath it to the beach below.

dining

The yummy breakfast involves all of the usual buffet delicacies, from ham to cereals, seasonal fruit to toast, as well as delicious omelettes cooked by Beach.

drinking

The hotel's lounge makes the most of its location: full-length glass doors open out onto the pool and sea views below, taking in the greenery of the garden, the twinkling azure of the pool and the gorgeous reds and oranges of sunset over the ocean beyond as you sip Cape wines. There's also a stone fireplace for colder evenings.