For deluxe accommodation, the Mount Nelson (76 Orange Street, Gardens, +27214831000, www.mountnelsonhotel.orient-express.com, R3,460-R5,130) – or the Nellie to locals - offers colonial-style luxury and a VIP visitors' book. The elegant Cape Grace (West Quay, V&A Waterfront, +27214107100, www.capegrace.com, R3,380-R4,400) is situated at the water's edge at the V&A Waterfront.

For more affordable accommodation, try the recently revamped City Lodge Waterfront (Corner Dock and Alfred Streets, +27214199450, www.citylodge.co.za, R450) or the beautiful Welgelegen Guest House (6 Stephen Street, Gardens, +27214262373, www.welgelegen.co.za, R900-R1,300).

The pick of the city's wide range of backpacker lodges are the centrally located Castle Street Backpackers (57 Castle Street, +27214247524, www.castlestreet.co.za, R200) and the secure, comfortable Long Street Backpackers (209 Long Street, +27214260615 or +27214231842, www.longstreetbackpackers.co.za, R90 per person).

For last-minute bookings and good deals around town, go online and check out www.mtbeds.co.za or www.lastminute.co.za.

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