28 Best Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa

Built in 1906 for shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman, this may well be Cape Town's most refined hotel, possessed as it is of stupendous views of the sea and imbued with one of the world's best South African art collections (aside from what's on the hotel's walls, there's a dedicated contemporary gallery at the bottom of the garden with more than 1,000 works on display). Broad, terraced lawns fronted by elegant balustrades step down the beautifully landscaped hillside to a sparkling pool, and as you explore and wander, there are various more nooks and spaces to discover, including a wine cellar with more than 9,000 bottles. Decorated in an updated Regency style, the drawing room, living room, and library are sumptuous and yet designed to make you feel instantly at home—stepping inside, you feel yourself consumed by the tranquility, and by the desire to exhale deeply. Guest rooms flaunt enormous picture windows, high ceilings, and exquisite bathrooms. There's nothing cookie-cutter here at all, and because the hotel accommodates only a handful of guests, the skillful staff caters to every whim, and seems to know everyone who stays here personally. In the kitchen, chefs prepare whatever guests request, and most drinks 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.

A gorgeous repurposing of side-by-side Georgian and Victorian houses has resulted in one of Cape Town's best-located and best-run boutique hotels. A real oasis in the city, the property dates back to the early 19th century, and boasts a style that successfully blends contemporary sophistication and polish with antique furnishings. The handsome public areas—a library, lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, and patio with a pool—are great places to relax, and the staff is incredibly obliging and able to arrange just about anything you need. Located just off hip-and-happening Kloof Street, the hotel is within walking distance of numerous cafés and restaurants and its sister establishment, More Quarters.

Enjoying a slightly unlikely location in the middle of a working section of the harbor, this grand and gracious hotel has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, especially after an extensive renovation in 2023. The look is now less fussy, more contemporary, and the rooms, which have all been brightened up, are an absolute knockout, with cosseting levels of comfort and ongoing efforts to streamline sustainability (you won't find any plastic). Fantastic, understated service means that you sometimes fail to notice how astute the pampering is, but you will experience it in the way you feel instantly at home, plus, the concierge will be able to make just about any imaginable request a reality: helicopters, boats, yachts, mountain guides, art tours, private dinners . . . anything can be arranged. And don't miss the pool, which feels like it's on a cruise ship; a huge screen live-streams activity on the harbor, and there can be a bit of a party atmosphere when it gets busy. Capetonians love to pop in for a drink at the classy Bascule Bar, or take tea in the Library Lounge, or indulge in the latest culinary offering at Heirloom.

With acres of gardens and spectacular views across the Constantia Valley, this idyllic old-school hideaway 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.

Originally the Harbor Master’s residence, this Victorian-era heritage building has been transformed into one of Cape Town's most intimate hotels with just six individually designed neo-baroque bedrooms decorated with edgy modern art, silk drapes, gigantic framed mirrors, large chandeliers, original plasterwork, fireplaces, and fabulous bathrooms. And while everything's wonderfully up to date, the creaking wooden floorboards and original architecture add a real sense of stepping back in time, albeit with modern conveniences and cosseting staff. It's so discreetly situated, though, that hardly anyone knows of its existence, hiding in plain sight as it overlooks the heart of the Waterfront and the harbor beyond from an unmatched elevated position; you'll feel as though you're at the epicenter of Cape Town, with quick access to plenty of amenities (pool, spa, loads of restaurants nearby, your pick of sunset cruises, or perhaps a helicopter flip across the peninsula). Service is highly personal—there’s no reception or lobby, but rather a small team of gracious staff members who treat you like you're finally at home.

A fabulous historic building from 1677 has been painstakingly transformed into a hotel with just a handful of suites—all of which are extremely spacious, luxurious, and tranquil—that overlook the hustle and bustle of Church Square below. Although it is inimitably fancy, it's also hard to beat the personalized attention, luxurious linens, and beautiful artwork. Another fancy touch—in lieu of a lobby, the ground floor is a Diptych perfumerie (the only one in the country), so guests must climb the stairs to reach reception before being whisked up to the guest rooms. And, although tucked off to the side, there is a café-style dining room for breakfast and all-day light meals.

If you're looking for more independence from your accommodation, staying at this collection of well-appointed apartments (the sister establishment to the Cape Cadogan) is a bit like being part of a tucked-away village. Located in various historic homes (all given a contemporary make-over), the property has its own dedicated reception and lounge area, and daily servicing of your quarters. The spacious apartments (and 1 very snazzy 4-bedroom house with everything you could dream of including a chauffeur and butler) have Smeg appliances in full kitchens and private outdoor courtyards, and there's someone available 27/4 to assist you. 

An icon of Cape Town since it opened its doors in 1899, this sprawling landmark sits on 9 beautifully landscaped acres and retains a charm and gentility unusual even in the world of luxury hotels. Much of that has to do with the great sense of heritage, retained everywhere and underscored by the elegance of the gardens, the grandeur of the architecture, and the genuine personalities of the people who work here. Rooms in the grand, central building—decorated with a perfect mix of fine antiques and contemporary art, technological conveniences, fresh flowers—feel aristocratic but never stuffy, and, there are cottage-style quarters stashed away in semi-private gardens away from the main block. Though very centrally located and right next to bustling Kloof Street, the famous manicured gardens and spectacular views of Table Mountain lend a bucolic atmosphere. The traditional high tea experience—which takes place in the elegant lounge, glassed-in conservatory, and extends to the gardens in good weather—is one way for non-guests to spend time here. Additionally, there's an excellent spa, frequent events like wine or brandy tastings, art exhibits, and an annual week of fashion shows featuring African designers, not to mention the eternally popular Planet Bar, all of which might lure you inside for a taste of the high life for a few hours. Fabulous and discreet service go without saying.

Steenberg brims with genuine countryside charisma, its style a successful integration of contemporary sensuousness and well-preserved heritage personality. More than any of the hotels in nearby Constantia, here you get a sense of staying in the Winelands, surrounded by vineyards. You can explore the property either on foot or by golf cart with a staff member (mainly to get you to the bistro which is across the property), and they have a few mountain bikes you can borrow, too. Not only are there magnificent manicured gardens between the various historic buildings (including the original slave bell), but there are excellent mountain views as well. There's a large variety of accommodations, from fairly straightforward loftlike "Classic" rooms in the Barn, to heritage-style "Classic" rooms, huge suites, and villas where you want for nothing. A daily shuttle will transport you to the V&A Waterfront and back free of charge. This historic wine farm occupies a parcel of land that was, centuries ago, a popular halfway stopover for passengers and crew traveling between the Simon’s Town harbor and the enclave around Table Bay that would eventually evolve into the city of Cape Town.

Directly off of Chapman's Peak Drive, this is arguably the most alluringly located "hotel" for hundreds of miles; not only is it right on the edge of the sea, but it's surrounded by a veritable wonderland of fynbos and milkwood trees. Technically inside Table Mountain National Park, the entire property is designed to be low-impact and to disappear into nature, but step into your room, and it's all dreamy and slightly baroque, with window-side bathtubs and private decks where you can drift off staring across the bay or listening to the crashing waves (except in the two mountain suites, which have a different setting); if you don't mind the sound of the sea, sleep with your sliding doors wide open and be sure to have an eye on the water at sunset and sunrise. The guestrooms are all named and styled to evoke a specific island, and each one has spellbinding views, a plush bed and decadent linens, a wood-burning stove, and a huge bathroom—you could theoretically lie in bed all day keeping watch for whales and boats. Delicious food, an impressive wine cellar, in-room spa treatments, a small pool with a deck (with more bountiful ocean views), and charming service complete the high-level pampering you're sure to experience at this utterly unique hideaway.

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 luxurious hotel with a destination spa may be for you. With enormous indigenous gardens that meld into the lower slopes of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean a stone's throw from the bar, this hotel, which is the only man-made structure between Bakoven and Llandudno, has got location in spades. Light and airy rooms are styled with classic elegance, and most have either mountain or sea views. 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, despite being entirely underground, is considered one of Cape Town's best. The well-regarded on-site restaurant Azure also has stunning sea views, a fantastic breakfast, and a wonderful à la carte menu.

Situated on 11 acres of gardens in a verdant part of 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, almost decadently kitted out, and overlook the gardens and a gorgeous walking trail. There are several places to sink in for a meal, a drink, or a relaxing moment of respite all around the property, and if the environment doesn't satisfactorily help you unwind, there's a chic little spa to slip into for a few dreamy hours.

On a quiet street in upper Sea Point, this good-value small hotel in a beautifully restored Victorian-era mansion includes concierge-level service and quirkiness in spades. Most of the rooms have their own balconies, and a few have mountain or partial sea views; some also have kitchens or kitchenettes. Accommodations are all individually decorated and have extra-long beds, air-conditioning, and bags ready for the beach with towels and sunscreen. Elegant yet offbeat African-chic decor adds another layer of charm to public spaces that are also chockablock with goodies like candy and cookie jars, plenty of reading material, and a bar. Breakfast is served on the covered sundeck overlooking the heated saltwater pool and compact garden. Dinners can be provided on request, and staff will arrange off-site spa treatments, picnic baskets, and bespoke day trips with the lodge's own tour guides.

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 friendly owners haven't been afraid to add a very personal touch to the decor of a typical large-scale Camps Bay home, and as a result, it's homey yet stylish, with a mix of varnished Oregon pine surfaces, cobalt-blue-and-crimson stained glass, Nguni cowhides on the floors, and a lush garden. The four suites all have some kind of view, though the two upstairs are definitely the winners. A small but pretty pool on the large deck also affords superb views along with respite from the crowds at the beach. 

The smell of wood polish, the creak of old floors, countless antiques, worn Persian rugs, dogs wandering at will, carved banisters, stained-glass windows, fireplaces, heavy chandeliers, old travel trunks, and gorgeous gardens . . . it all adds up to a scene that goes against the grain of Camps Bay's reputation for glitz and glam. In the original Manor House, rebuilt in the 1920s, history oozes everywhere. In its 4 upstairs suites, there's a real sense of Edwardian-era glamour, a chance to step back in time. There's access to a fabulous little spa with a few treatment tents so you can soak up the views while you're massaged. And although the main house is full of colonial-era quirks (and a few recently added design flaws, too), a short ramble across a bouncy swing bridge takes you to a collection of more-contemporary buildings, including The Deck, with 7 rooms, some of which have private hot tubs, and a number of villas that can be rented in their entirety if you're looking to accommodate a large family.

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.

You won't find over-the-top opulence at Kensington Place, but you will experience a sense of restrained style and tranquil sophistication that permeates every nook and cranny of this guesthouse oasis in Higgovale (among Cape Town's most sought-after residential neighborhoods). Built on a seemingly impossible wedge of real estate and surrounded by a beautiful garden, inside you'll find a gracious lounge, shelves lined with books, a collection of fine South African art, just-right lounge music, pockets of privacy, great comfort, and attentive concierge services from hands-on managers. Suites—refined, spacious, and thoughtfully designed—are all equipped with king-sized beds, a patio or terrace, underfloor heating, and extras like a bluetooth speaker, yoga mat, and beach-ready bag.

Even if you like to be part of the crowd, you’ll soon agree that being up at the rooftop pool of this small, classy, hidden-from-the-limelight hotel across the road from the beach is so much better than mingling with the masses. There's a bar, sun loungers, and absolutely thrilling views that stretch endlessly in every direction and capture not only beach, ocean, and bays, but also the majesty of Lion’s Head and the back of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, and hordes of millionaire mansions. That said, when you leave the pool, the rooms below are equally fabulous and offer an instantaneous sense of glitz and glam. Strikingly minimalist and done out in a muted palette of white and gray, it's all very sexy, very chic, and very grown-up—think white linens, Marshall speakers, and a Nespresso machine. Choose either a sea view from your room (with a sizeable balcony) or opt to face the mountains, and then dip into the lineup of restaurants that are on your doorstep (there's sea-facing Bilboa or la Belle, both of which are options for your inclusive breakfast, or beach-themed Surfshack, where there’s a pizza oven and lots of seafood, or step into Paranga, with its air-kissing crowd and extravagant prices). There's an excellent spa and a boutique selling everything you need for a classy beach holiday. 

In the spirit of founding investor Sol Kerzner's "go big or go home" philosophy, the One&Only Cape Town is nothing if not a tribute to excess with its four-story glass window views onto Table Mountain, whether it's from the aptly named Vista Bar or the rooms in the high-rise main block. Rooms are larger than you'd find in most other hotels and are beautifully furnished with chic contemporary African design flourishes and embellishments. The island lends a faux-tropical resort feel, aided by a spectacular outdoor infinity pool, award-winning spa, and outpost of the Nobu restaurant chain. There's a fantastic children's club, excellent personalized service, and endless array of activities that can be arranged at short notice.

Across the street from Sea Point's popular pedestrian promenade, this friendly, resort-style hotel in an apartment-like 11-story building has awesome views and is great for families. Three-, two-, and one-bedroom suites come in a variety of layouts, but nearly all have awesome sea views, full kitchens, satellite TV, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The larger airy and light-filled "Super Luxury" suites are the most attractive, with picture windows, sliding doors, wide balconies, and white-tile floors. Even the entry "studio suites" have balconies, kitchenettes, and are decorated in a mix of muted gray and ocean blues, so you can't help but feel like you're on holiday.

This compact designer boutique hotel blends modern sleekness with accents of stone, rough wood, and slate to create a seriously sexy Zen-like ambiance with an almost impossibly great side view of the ocean. Clever design makes use of every available view, in fact, with unexpected windows placed to enjoy slivers of Lion's Head and Table Mountain, and a hallway atrium on the second floor. Rooms are chic, sultry, and minimalist, and the corner Deluxe suites have the sort of awe-inspiring ocean views and sense of restrained sophistication that'll make you wish you never have to set foot outside ever again. The public space—comprising the pool deck, a breakfast area, lounge, and open-plan bar—is the perfect place to curl up and relax into your holiday. Staff are attentive, warm, passionate, and professional, and go out of their way to make you feel at home and sufficiently pampered. Outside of peak season, there is often a "stay 3 nights, pay for 2" special available, so do check.

Brilliantly melding working-harbor grit and sumptuous glamour, Cape Town’s hottest luxury hotel rises out of the old grain silo in the working harbor section of the Waterfront. Known in particular for its “pillowed” windows—56 panels of tempered glass in geometric iron frames—the hotel's grand rooms pop with gorgeous jewel-toned fabrics, edgy artwork, and dazzling chandeliers, pleasingly offset by the industrial feel lent by elements like exposed steel beams. From floors 8 to 10, those extraordinary windows frame gorgeous views of Table Mountain and the enfolding harbor, and there's a hip rooftop bar and pool area affording a breathtaking 360-degree vantage on one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Located on the Cape's oldest—and still working—wine estate, this intimate and beautiful luxury hotel built mostly within renovated heritage structures is surrounded by manicured gardens, vineyards, a modern tasting room, two great restaurants, and a championship 18-hole golf course. Renovated to a luxurious, contemporary standard, the original barn and manor house now are home to spacious, elegant guest rooms in tones of silver and aqua furnished with antiques that contrast perfectly with the gorgeous modern touches. Premier rooms built in 2006 are more modern in look and feel, but also have lovely private patios. Three Heritage Suites, each with its own design style and decor, offer exceptional accommodations in two stories, all with fully equipped kitchens and private pools and lovely views. The estate's Catharina's restaurant is famous for its Sunday brunches spilling out under the giant oak trees in good weather, and the more casual Bistro Sixteen82 is an ideal spot to while away an afternoon sampling the estate's fabulous vintages and feasting on an excellent array of tapas. Don't leave without trying the estate's famous Sauvignon Blanc.

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 Indian brand. From the eighth floor and higher, you'll enjoy fabulous views of Table Mountain and the city. The general style is a subtle mix of Indian accents and classic European aesthetics, though there's not much to evoke when you currently are apart from the heritage of the building itself.  Rooms are divided into colonial (heritage section) or modern ("the tower") decor, so be sure to state your preference if you have one.

Smack in the middle of the Waterfront and surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants, and full-on views of the docks at breakfast (and from at least half the rooms), this was the first hotel to open in this harbor precinct, developed from a disused cargo warehouse by a hospitality entrepreneur, whom everyone scoffed at, thinking he was mad to invest in this once down-and-out area. Across the three floors, most rooms are large and luxurious, with plush fabrics, crisp linens, and all the amenities. Views from the costlier mountain-facing rooms are spectacular, encompassing not only Table Mountain but the city and docks as well. The large terrace is a great place to relax and enjoy the harbor's activity; if you dine outside, though, keep an eye out for scavenging and quite crafty seagulls. The small loft rooms on the third floor are a slightly more economical way to enjoy this location.

Located on more than 7 acres of rolling gardens overlooking the Liesbeek River, Cape Town's oldest hotel—built in and around the 18th-century home of Lady Anne Barnard—boasts comfortable rooms and numerous excellent facilities. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and stylishly decorated in tones of fresh pale green or silver and gray, enjoying either the spectacular views of Table Mountain’s backside or the beautifully landscaped courtyard. With four dining options, friendly service, endless places to sit and enjoy the views, as well as plenty of comfy nooks to tap away on a laptop, this hotel succeeds in keeping both leisure and business travelers happy. Although 15 minutes by car from the city, the hotel is walking distance from plenty of shops and only a five-minute drive from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

Conveniently linked to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, this huge-yet-sophisticated business hotel still caters to vacationers with features like an excellent spa with killer views, indoor and outdoor pools, and a stop for the water taxi that plies the canals to the V&A Waterfront. The decor is modern minimalist, with a number of features that zoom in on the Westin's signature "6 pillars of well-being" including the legendary Heavenly mattresses, but the best feature is perhaps the views you get, especially from the higher floors. Workstations are cleverly partitioned away from the sleeping area, so even if you have to burn the midnight oil, you can do it in comfort and style. Everything glides and whirls at the touch of a button, and service is seamless. It's a great idea to fork out a bit extra for a room on the dedicated executive floor, which gives you access to a 19th-floor lounge where there's respite, free beverages and snacks, a separate breakfast service, and the most incredible city, mountain, and harbor views (there are few other hotels where you will catch grown-up men making videos of their breakfast room). 

Built in the 1920s, this old-school hotel enjoys a wonderful position overlooking the Sea Point promenade and continues to be one of the city's favorite go-to spots for celebratory sunset drinks on the sea-facing terrace, indulgent dinners, or festive breakfasts and brunches in the pretty Mediterranean-style inner courtyard. An extensive renovation transformed some of the more old-fashioned rooms into really glam spaces, without eliminating the classic elegance with which this hotel has always been associated. It still showcases artworks bought by the hands-on, albeit long-retired family matriarch and many of the suites also incorporate elegant vintage pieces for that personal touch. Entry-level rooms (booked months in advance ahead of summer peak season) are comfortable and unfussy, somewhat contemporary, and good for the purpose of situating you in one of the most sought-after and convenient parts of the city.