The 14 best hotels in Cape Town

What is it? Boasting an impressive seafront location, this luxurious, multi-suited lodge rests just above the high-water mark looking out over Hout Bay.

Why go? A dramatic coastal setting pitched mere metres above the high-tide mark (and within the Table Mountain National Park) and a healthy dollop of luxury have combined to make Tintswalo Atlantic one of the city’s most sought-after five-star escapes. Each suite is individually decorated in a colourful island theme, with winding decks beneath milkwood forests leading to the private pool deck and an Insta-worthy shoreline swing. The on-site restaurant by Chefs Warehouse is also superb, with a small-plate menu focused on sustainable seafood.

What is it? An elegantly historic hotel with 198 classically styled rooms and suites, and a quiet location just steps away from the hubbub of the city centre.

Why go? Opened in 1899 and rocking its signature pink colour scheme since 1918, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is the grande dame of Cape Town and arguably the city’s most famous hotel. Its classic look and feel are balanced by upscale amenities, from a serene spa and heated outdoor pools to beautifully landscaped gardens. If you can’t afford a room, make a booking for the iconic afternoon tea or treat yourself to a drink at the chic Planet Bar.

What is it? A 32-room boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town, and the first accredited Design Hotel in the city.

Why go? To soak up and celebrate local design. As you roam through the super-stylish interiors of Gorgeous George, look out for furniture by the likes of David Krynauw and Gregor Jenkin, or admire artwork from David Brits and Porky Hefer, adding a contemporary African aesthetic to the space. The cosy studio rooms are beautiful, but the spacious two-bedroom suite – complete with vinyl player and records – is the best in the house. Gigi Rooftop, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, dishes up inspired local cuisine and fine cocktails.

What is it? A modern inner-city hotel offering a wide array of rooms and serviced apartments, with a full range of five-star facilities on-site.

Why go? If you’re heading to The Capital 15 on Orange for the weekend, you’ll find indulgent suites boasting superb mountain views. Planning a longer stay? The serviced apartments are spacious and extremely well-equipped. Those travelling for business will appreciate the short walk to key legal and corporate districts in the city, as well as the popular bars and restaurants of Long and Kloof streets. On top of all that, you’ll find an elegant ground-floor bar, modern in-house restaurant and a pool deck with stellar city views.

What is it? Quite simply, the most talked-about boutique hotel in the city, with glorious suites and an enviable location in the V&A Waterfront precinct.

Why go? Set atop Zeitz MOCAA – an art museum built in a historic grain silo reimagined by ‘starchitect’ Thomas Heatherwick – The Silo Hotel is as famous for its geometric pillowed windows as the striking décor by founder and owner Liz Biden. Rates are high, but breakfast and parking are free, so there’s that. The hotel also features a signature glass-walled pool on the roof, on-site spa, restaurant and suitably classy bar.

What is it? The only outpost of the India-based Taj Hotels group in South Africa, with both heritage-style and more contemporary rooms on offer.

Why go? For starters, it’s central. Set right across from the historic Company’s Garden, in the heart of the central business district, many of the city’s key attractions are within walking distance. The array of rooms and suites on offer at Taj Cape Town – 176 in total – provide all the mod-cons you’d expect, while the ground-floor restaurants and bars will tempt you to stay in rather than venturing out. The Jiva Spa is a highlight, with hydrotherapy facilities alongside a menu of Ayurveda-inspired treatments.

What is it? A Victorian mansion-style establishment at the top of the city, with a wooden sun deck and garden offering charming mountain views.

Why go? Set conveniently close to the city in the leafy suburb of Gardens, Ashanti Lodge Backpackers features bright dormitories and private rooms containing standard beds and bunk beds, all complete with the essentials and modern furnishings that create a warm, homely vibe. This wallet-friendly option includes an outdoor swimming pool, a travel centre and café, while also placing guests within a short walk of Kloof Street’s best restaurants and bars.

What is it? A stylish five-star hotel set on one of the city’s oldest wine estates, with manicured gardens and a range of upscale facilities on hand. 

Why go? To enjoy a winelands escape without leaving the city. The vineyards of the Constantia valley are only 20 minutes by car from the city, and Steenberg Hotel & Spa offers wonderful views of the terrain. The hotel features a wide range of accommodation options, from bright, modern rooms to opulent suites if you’re feeling flush, with most looking out across the estate’s 18-hole championship golf course. Two on-site restaurants and a wine tasting centre add to the appeal, meaning you really won’t want to leave when it’s time to check out.

What is it? The creation of late designer Gail Behr, this characterful urban escape is perched at the very top of the Bo-Kaap district and offers memorable décor, warm hospitality and some of the best views in Cape Town. 

Why go? To find out what the antithesis of an anonymous, anodyne hotel looks and feels like. Each room in Dorp Hotel is decorated in its own riotous colour and style, the lounge is filled with objets d’art and oddities, and staff favour character and charm over obsequious service. Rooms are scattered in freestanding buildings around lush gardens, with quiet corners and cosy nooks aplenty. If you need another reason to go, the restaurant’s rotisserie chicken is legendary in these parts.

What is it? Billed as Cape Town’s first luxury urban resort, One&Only Cape Town offers the seaside chic and laid-back feel of an island break, yet is set just a few steps from the bustling V&A Waterfront precinct. 

Why go? This five-star spot has long defined luxury in the Mother City. Stylish rooms with Table Mountain views, high-end coffee machines and private balconies are just the start. Suites add fireplaces, living rooms, kitchens and even butler service, while the hotel touts the only Nobu in Southern Africa, alongside an indulgent spa and infinity pool.

What is it? An on-trend hotel designed with the millennial traveller in mind, in the V&A Waterfront’s busy Silo District.

Why go? If you were to live on-site in the offices of a hip tech company, it would probably look a lot like Radisson Red Hotel V&A Waterfront. Rooms have TVs with mirror casting, multiple USB ports and picnic table workspaces. The bright café space slings coffees and sustainable street snacks. A rooftop area is decked out with killer views of Table Mountain, a lap-pool and food truck. There’s also meeting room space with a barista menu and games at the ready.

What is it? A 13-suite boutique hotel that’s looking to change the narrative of tourism in Khayelitsha, the city’s largest township.

Why go? This is not your typical township stay. At The Spade Boutique Hotel & Spa, owner Annette Skaap brings a dash of international glamour to the township in which she grew up. Expect rooms and suites decorated in a contemporary global aesthetic, balanced by a touch of African charm. A choice of room categories will suit both price-conscious weekenders and flashier travellers, while a larger two-bedroom suite is ideal for families. There’s a spacious pool terrace and an in-house gym and spa, while the on-site restaurant dishes up local flavours. The Spade also partners with local businesses for tours of the area.

What is it? Strangely, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront is the only true seafront hotel close to the city, with a plunge pool that looks straight out over Table Bay. The breezy blue colour scheme brings a laid-back beach vibe to a city hotel.

Why go? Most of the 177 contemporary rooms and suites offer superb sea views, while the rim-flow pool perched on the very edge of the ocean is amongst the most memorable in Cape Town. The restaurant and bar terrace next door are equally impressive, especially come sunset, and the location between the popular V&A Waterfront and Sea Point Promenade is unmatched.

What is it? A heritage hotel beautifully updated, with an excellent location on the Sea Point Promenade.

Why go? The 76 rooms and suites of The Winchester Hotel neatly balance the history of the property (built in 1922) with contemporary charm. Front-facing suites offer wonderful sea views, but you’ll probably spend more time in the buzzy ground-floor restaurant and bar – both hugely popular with locals – or in the charming courtyard, happily sheltered from the Cape Town’s summer winds.