10 Best Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa

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.

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. 

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.

When it comes to great locations, this hotel is one of Cape Town's front-runners, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, at one end of the popular pedestrian seafront promenade, and less than 10 minutes' walk to the popular V&A Waterfront. Updated rooms are spacious and pleasantly decorated in stylish neutral tones, and those with a sea view indulge fantasies that you're on a yacht out at sea. Be sure to enjoy the infinity pool spilling into the ocean view, and the very good spa with its own indoor heated pool. A drink or meal at Tobago's Restaurant and Terrace, a popular after-work sundowner spot, is also a great way to enjoy this fabulous location. Ask the friendly staff for a sea-facing room: this is why you're here.

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.

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.

In Dutch, welgelegen means "well situated," and this charming boutique hotel in two beautifully restored Victorian mansions is just that: nestled under Table Mountain in a quiet street just minutes away from city attractions. The spacious rooms are all individually and stylishly decorated with a mixture of African chic and romantic whimsy, and many have (at least partial) mountain views. The pretty courtyard (with a small solar-heated plunge pool) and the gorgeous old library are great places to relax after a busy day, and on-site spa treatments are available. With many staff members having been here for well over 10 years, this four-star guesthouse prides itself on giving guests five-star service.

If you're looking for an inner-city accommodation that's well priced and far away from the late-night noise of Long Street but close enough to enjoy the nightlife, the Adderley is for you. Each spacious suite has separate sleeping and lounge areas, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. The beds are outfitted in comfy white linens, and only part of the bathroom is fully enclosed, with basin and tub in the bedroom section, and the shower and toilet behind frosted glass. The downstairs restaurant Bowl serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but with so many good cafés and restaurants nearby, you should take advantage of their location and explore when not self-catering. During the day you're in the center of the action, but at night it's very quiet.