316 Best Hotels in South Africa

In a high-rise building right on the beach, this upscale hotel is popular with both vacationers and businesspeople and has a long-standing reputation for gracious hospitality. The service is excellent and facilities, such as The Sugar Club restaurant, are superb. If your plan is to loll around in your bathing suit, get yourself to one of the many loungers around the pool, the focus for this hotel. There are lots of extras thrown in—like free ice pops, sunscreen, and poolside smoothies. The public lounge, festooned with huge floral arrangements and yards of gathered drapes, serves a full silver-service tea in the afternoon, and a pianist plays in the evening. Guest rooms are fairly small, but all have terrific sea views, particularly those on the upper floors. Suites are more spacious and villas have an open beachlike feel and private plunge pool.

You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time at this camp because rooms are strategically clustered around the original 1920s homestead, which, with its colonial furniture, historic memorabilia, and wraparound verandah, makes you feel like a family guest the moment you arrive. The lodge was named after renowned cattle farmer turned conservationist, Harry Kirkman, who first lived here one hundred years ago, and who can be seen in the old photographs found about the lodge. Interiors have crafted out light and airy communal spaces for guests to mingle. Seek out a cocktail Paul's Pub (and slide your sightings into the tally board) or settle down with a glass of sherry in front of a blazing log fire. There's game galore in Sabi Sand (the size of New Jersey), which has the highest density of leopards in the world. Kirkman's is ideal for families and family reunions.

On the banks of the Klein River, Blue Gum is a wonderful place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of Hermanus. The rooms are individually decorated in a style that's part English country house, part colonial outpost. Mosquito nets, crisp white linens, and handsome wood will make you feel a little like a 21st-century Karen Blixen of Out of Africa fame. On the estate you can fish for trout or walk around the small vineyard with the resident dog.

Overlooking the mouth of the beautiful Nahoon River and within easy reach of Nahoon Beach, this is a great place for a low-key family beach break. The standard rooms are quite ordinary and lack views, but the family suites have magnificent views of the lagoon, the sea, or both. Each suite has two bedrooms, one bathroom with tub and shower, a well-appointed kitchen, a living room, and a spacious balcony. The restaurants ($$) are popular with locals—as much for the fabulous views as for the large menu of pastas, steaks, and fish dishes, plus a few interesting innovations thrown in.

If you want to make the most of the viewpoints along the Panorama Route (and get the best photographs), this old-school holiday resort with campsites, self-catering chalets, and a restaurant, is your best bet. Don't expect oodles of personality, you're here for the location---epic views all to yourself (ask for directions to World's End). There are also horse rides and mini-golf. 

Expect a warm, sincere welcome at this owner-run guesthouse situated on spacious grounds with verdant lawns shaded by indigenous trees. The German-speaking Böhm family have been dispensing good old-fashioned hospitality since 1975. Chalets are perfect for groups and come fully equipped, with bathrooms, tea/coffeemaker, a heater, air-conditioning, and hair dryers. Take time to sit on your private verandah and gaze at the spectacular view of the Sabie River Valley and the prolific birdlife, order a picnic lunch, or walk the steep 4-km (2½-km) walking trail down to the river. A three-course dinner (R300) could include Sabie trout, succulent Karoo lamb, ostrich and venison, and local mushrooms served with fresh herbs and vegetables from the lodge's own garden. Book your first night's dinner in advance.

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 property enjoys an enviable position at the northern tip of Umhlanga, surrounded by the wilds of the Hawaan Forest and overlooking the unspoiled wetlands of Umhlanga Lagoon. Of all the resorts in Umhlanga, this one suffers the least from crowds. The disadvantage though is that you probably need a car to get into town, and you can't swim directly in front of the resort because the surf's too dangerous. The building is unattractive, with long, depressing corridors, but the rooms themselves are fine, with fully equipped kitchens and great views of the beach and lagoon. The lovely grassed pool area, where you can order breakfast, lunch, and supper from on-site Harry's Beach Club, has a beautiful view of the sea.

This understated bed-and-breakfast is perched on a cliff in the quiet coastal hamlet of Brenton-on-Sea, so there are breathtaking ocean views from the suites and spacious public rooms. A steep, twisty path leads to a small beach, but the main beach is some distance away. All the well-equipped accommodations have kitchenettes, and there are also two well-equipped communal kitchens where you can whip up meals and then serve them in the sea-view dining room or on the verandah. It's a bit like having your own beach house. Ask for a honeymoon suite—even if you're not on honeymoon—for the roomy showers and tubs.

Half hostel, half B&B, this very casual establishment is a shirts-and-shoes-optional sort of place, and it does get quite lively. The dorms are what you'd find at any hostel, but there are also pretty chalets scattered across a wooded slope leading to the beach. They all have cooking facilities, and most have fantastic views over the lagoon and ocean. There are also a handful of spacious, new, more upmarket suites, all of which are ensuite. There's something happening at 4 o'clock every afternoon—a volleyball game, free sundowner cruise, or some other spur-of-the-moment activity, with free wine included. It's a great base from which to undertake a whole range of reasonably priced cultural tours and excursions, which can be booked from here. Breakfast is about R20–R65, lunch (usually served at the pool bar in summer) costs about R25–R55, and a hearty supper will set you back R65–R95. The dining hall was recently upgraded. Children are permitted, and the self-catering cottages are family-friendly. But be warned: this is a PG-13 option, as backpackers can be very casual, and the language might not be what you'd hear in church.

Surrounded by a lush garden in the heart of the Magaliesberg, this lodge has rooms with beautiful antique furniture and is a good place to base yourself if you just want to get into the country for a river ramble or a mountain hike–even the drive is scenic. Dinner (reservations essential) is a four-course set menu of French-influenced cuisine that changes daily. Even if you don't stay overnight, drive through for a delightful gourmet picnic (24-hour advance bookings required) beneath the shade of the trees, along the edge of the small stocked dam, or try your hand at catch-and-release fishing.

Paths thread through pleasant gardens to rooms in these small apartment blocks overlooking a man-made lake. The Cabanas, which are within the Sun City complex but are a short shuttle drive away from the main hotel and entertainment area, are modern, clean, and convenient for accessing the resort's restaurants, casino, and outdoor activities, which are all open to Cabanas guests. The cabanas have TVs, tea/coffeemakers, and air-conditioning and are particularly popular with families, who appreciate being out of the fray.

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.

The rooms here are in various centuries-old houses dotted about historic Church Street. The houses have been beautifully restored, and the Cape Dutch style runs through the fittings and decor. Bathrooms in the main house feature antique brass finishes and handmade tiles, and all of the buildings are decorated with antiques and South African artwork. The  main house has a lush garden, a covered barbecue terrace, and an inviting swimming pool area with comfy daybeds. A rooftop terrace has uninterrupted views of the valley. Breakfast, a three-course affair, is served in the grand dining room or by an open hearth in the farm-style kitchen.

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.

This big, bright beachfront resort offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury self-catering villas with direct beach access over the dunes to spic 'n' span private backpacker rooms with shared bathrooms. Some of the villas and cottages have traditional Cape Dutch features such as whitewashed walls and thatch roofs, while others are contemporary in style, purpose-built for full-scale beach-based relaxation; there are also hotel-style apartments in the modern beach chalet mold. Throughout most of the resort you'll find great views, big retractable windows, comfortable deck areas, swimming pools, and—just a short stroll away—an easy path to the wide curving beach that makes this holiday town such a winner. Other facilities include a health and beauty center and Joe Fish Restaurant and Bar, where great steaks and seafood are served by the pool. The shoes optional Full Stop Cafe is another all-day dining venue with a play area for children who also get a dedicated menu. Based here, you're close to all Cape St Francis's main attractions, including the golf course, a number of nature reserves, and trails along the coast that can be used to hike or cycle. 

You'll get breathtaking views from almost every spot in this friendly, delightful hotel nestled among the mountains, 43 km (18 miles) from Winterton. Ideal for families, the resort has something for everyone: amble along a horse trail, go mountain biking, follow bird-watching trails, play a round of golf, or just soak up the heady mountain air. Best for families is a deluxe suite with adjacent rooms and connecting door. You'll get excellent value here; prices include breakfast and hearty dinner buffets as well as most activities. If you're intimidated at the variety, trained, experienced guides take you on daily walks and trails through the Berg (fee included in accommodation price). There's a children's dining room, plus babysitting service.

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.

This delightfully unpretentious lodge, one of the oldest in Sabi Sands, is set among huge trees on the banks of an attractive dam that is a magnet for game—particularly elephants. The lodge has private concession traversing rights over 21,004 acres, so only two vehicles at a time are game-viewing, and what game-viewing! You're almost guaranteed the Big Five, with daily leopard sightings. Eight comfortable thatch chalets, each with a small viewing deck, overlook the bush, food is plentiful and good, and the service is friendly and attentive. The public areas are bright and cheerful, and you can sit on the big viewing deck all day and watch the passing show if you prefer.

This small, upmarket boutique hotel in central Rosebank is a renovated Cape Dutch house with a gracious garden that offers good value in an area known for expensive accommodations. It has an engaging mix of old and new—Oregon pine floorboards, antique inlaid-wood side tables from Morocco, custom-made couches, and modern, whimsical sculptures like one by Anton Smit, of a woman floating above water. The bedroom suites are luxurious and have heated floors; four have wheelchair access. The superb food in the Clico Restaurant showcases European-style cuisine using fresh local ingredients.

The main (but certainly not the only) attraction of this vibey beachside backpackers' lodge are the surfing lessons; book pretty far ahead to secure rooms with private bathrooms, although the shared facilities are pretty decent, with quaint, artistic touches. Accommodations are in private double rooms (traditional thatched rondavels modified with sliding glass doors), dormitories, or the large self-catering King's House which sleeps up to eight people and has everything you need for a private getaway with family or a group of friends. There are also campsites, and there are traditional thatched huts across the river offering double en suite and dorm accommodations. As at all backpacker lodges, you don't need to be young to stay here, but an open mind and a sense of fun are prerequisites. The kitchen serves three very good meals a day at reasonable prices, and there are two well-equipped kitchens for self-catering. Guided trips include cultural tours and hikes, including one to Hole-in-the-Wall, and there's an opportunity here to gain deeper insight into Xhosa culture.

Notable for its quirky public spaces—Louis XVI reproduction armchairs, white shaggy rugs, and the very popular Circle Bar with its beaded booths—The Rosebank Crowne Plaza has standard rooms that are small but perfectly formed, with white vinyl armchairs and side tables. Most will love the black-glass bathroom cube in the deluxe rooms (except those who enjoy privacy—this is not the room to share with a buddy). The beds are comfortable, and directional lighting means you can read while your partner sleeps. Sony Bravia LCD screens with 28 satellite-TV channels, and iPod docking stations are standard in every room. Rooms also feature good work spaces, with back-supporting swivel chairs and multiple plug adaptors at eye level.

This stylish, modern guesthouse high on a hill in residential Hout Bay enjoys stunning bay and mountain views and makes the perfect pampered base from which to explore all the Cape's offerings. With only five rooms—all kitted out with complimentary espresso machines, Apple TV, and high-end bath products—and an equal number of lounge-y public spaces (like a plush daybed under a massive fig tree), you'll never want for a luxuriously private spot to kick back and enjoy the fantastic views and peaceful ambience. The delightfully strange "cottage" (it's like a ship's cabin made from teak and bamboo) looks out to the lovely pool (saltwater, solar heated) and shaded outdoor breakfast patio. Expect excellent concierge-level service from the owners, including onward bookings.

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.

In a real story of community uplift, a Nama teacher (originally from Namibia) and her family in the Augrabies Falls village have uniquely decorated rooms in their old house near the hot springs on the Riemvasmaak community trust land. Those lucky enough to be spoiled by Elisa's family within their homestead could share a meal, experience the quiet of a remote wilderness area, and get a glimpse into the ways of the local people. The three rooms in the guesthouse are technically self-catering, but dinners with the family can be arranged.

You'll soon feel at home at this pretty Victorian B&B in the heart of the village. It was one of the first guesthouses in Darling, and still offers the best service. The six individually decorated rooms in the main house are all named after local artists whose prints hang on the walls. Three of the rooms are next to the pool. The breakfasts, overflowing with homemade bread and jam and yogurt from the local dairy, are a highlight of a stay here. Enjoy them on the terrace or patio in good weather.