3 Best Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa

Name: Camps Bay Retreat
Address: 7 Chilworth Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Telephone: 021-430–400-reservations
Price range: $$$$
Location: Camps Bay

Finding lodging in Cape Town can be a nightmare during peak travel season (December–January), as many of the more reasonable accommodations are booked up. It's worth traveling between April and August, if you can, to take advantage of the "secret season" discounts that are sometimes half the high-season rate. Other reduced rates can be scored by booking directly online, checking the "Best Available Rate" at large hotels, or simply asking if any specials or discounts are available. If you arrive in Cape Town without a reservation, head for any branch of the Tourism Office, which has a helpful accommodations desk.

First-time, short-term, or business visitors will want to locate themselves centrally. The historic city center is a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly place by day, but at night can feel a bit deserted and edgy, depending on where you are. Night owls may prefer to stay amid the nonstop action of Long Street or Kloof Street, or at the V&A Waterfront, with its plethora of pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining options (though be aware that locals don’t consider the Waterfront the "real" Cape Town). Boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in Gardens are often within walking distance of attractions and dining but will be quieter and often enjoy lovely views. Options along the Atlantic Seaboard are also close to the action and (mostly) pedestrian-friendly, with the added advantage of sea and sunset views. Staying farther out on the Cape Peninsula, whether the False Bay or Atlantic side, provides the closest thing in Cape Town to a beach-vacation atmosphere despite the cold ocean waters. The Southern Suburbs, especially around Constantia or Tokai, can make a good base from which to explore the area’s wine estates as well as the peninsula, but you'll be dependent on a car for everything, and should plan on 25 to 45 minutes to get into town.

Most international flights arrive in the morning, and return flights depart in the evening. Because most hotels have an 11 am checkout and 2 pm check-in, you may find yourself with a lodging gap on travel days. All hotels will hold your luggage, and most will try to accommodate you (some of the larger hotels have lounges where you can spend the hours before your flight), but in peak season you may need to organize a backup plan. Also note that many small, luxury accommodations either do not permit children or have minimum-age restrictions. It's a good idea to inquire in advance if this will be an issue. Cape Town also follows the global trend of not smoking in public places. All hotels will have no-smoking rooms, and most are entirely smoke-free.

Camps Bay Retreat

$$$$ | 7 Chilworth Rd., Cape Town, South Africa

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.

One&Only Cape Town

$$$$ | Dock Rd., Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

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.

Peninsula All-Suite Hotel

$$$$ | 313 Beach Rd., Cape Town, South Africa

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.

Cape Town

Cape Town

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