12 incredible hotels in Cape Town

What is it? The only true beachfront boutique in town, this luxury 10-suite lodge has panoramic ocean views over Hout Bay and an excellent restaurant.

Why go? Location, location, location, and a touch of luxury, give this 5-star spot an exclusive feel. Set at the base of Chapman’s Peak in Table Mountain National Park, Tintswalo’s guests have a private path down to the pebbled beach. The high but justifiable rates include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and return airport transfers. The restaurant here is a standout with its open kitchen and menu full of locally-sourced and sustainable dishes.

What is it? An elegant historic hotel with 198 classically styled rooms and suites, plus a quiet location in Gardens that borders the hubbub of the busy city centre.

Why go? Opened in 1899 and rocking pink paint since 1918, the Mount Nelson might be the city’s best-known hotel. Its classic look and feel are balanced by upscale amenities, from a spa and heated outdoor pools to beautifully landscaped garden grounds and a fine dining restaurant. Taking afternoon tea at “the Nellie” is practically a rite of passage for locals and worth a sip even if you are just passing through.

What is it? Contemporary-style hotel peppered with antique flair in the heart of Cape Town. Featuring bright, spacious, fully-furnished rooms with the most spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Why go? Join the club if you’re looking for a luxury stay with all the trimmings. We’re talking, free Wi-Fi, comfy extra-length king-sized beds, 42-inch plasma TVs, a private cinema, outdoor pool, exclusive access to beach club facilities on Camps Bay, and a complimentary shuttle to and from Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront.

This and more, the Pepperclub Hotel features three on-sight dining options. Swing by Ruby’s for Cafe breakfast and lunch. Then come and enjoy COPA’s contemporary menu for dinner. And for afters? The Paparazzi Bar of course. 

What is it? It doesn’t get any more fashionable than staying in The Captial 15 on Orange. Situated in Gardens suburb at the foot of Table Mountain. 

Why go? Think contemporary rooms with mood lighting, designer furniture, oversized bathtubs, and a flatscreen TV. The hotel features two chic on-site bars and an outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Plus, the location is killer, putting guests within walking distance of the hip bars and restaurants in Tamberskloof, the First Thursday art walk route, and several museums. 

What is it? One of Cape Town’s newest, ultra-chic luxury hotels along the V&A Waterfront.

Why go? The Silo Hotel is a super swanky and trendy hotel that occupies a former grain elevator. Six floors of geometric pillowed windows complement its location on top of the celebrated Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Arts. Rates are high, but breakfast and parking are free. There’s also a sleek glass pool on the roof, a spa, restaurant, and bar.

What is it? Prime location - Taj Cape Town Hotel is an elegant central business district hotel that puts guests within a short walk of Cape Town’s most popular attractions, such as Long Street and Africa’s Leading convention centre, CTICC. 

Why go? Rooms and suites at Taj Cape Town boast a classic-contemporary decor, many of which feature a balcony offering mesmerizing views of the majestic Table Mountain (just 3.1 miles away) and the incredible surrounding architecture, while all rooms contain air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, a marbled bathroom with a rain shower and a large tub. Guests also get complimentary access to the spa facilities at Jiva Grande Spa (including a sauna, steam room and heated lap pool) and a fitness centre decked out with techno machines to get your blood pumping. Plus, Taj Cape Tape is just down the road from the V&A Waterfront (1.9 miles).

What is it? A Victorian mansion-style establishment hosts the Ashanti Lodge Backpackers. Located close to the foot of Table Mountain, the wooden sun deck and garden offer some of the best views of the landscape.

Why go? Close to the foot of Table Mountain, Ashanti Lodge Backpackers features bright dormitories and private rooms containing standard beds and bunk beds, complete with modern furnishings that create a warm homey vibe with all the essentials including high-speed Wi-Fi. This pocket-friendly stay includes an outdoor swimming pool, a travel centre and cafe while also putting guests within a short walk of Longstreet’s best restaurants and nightlife venues. Cook up meals in the kitchen, hop on a tour, take a plunge in the outdoor pool, or just relax on the lawn.

What is it? Visit Cape Town’s oldest farm estate with 24 polished and posh rooms and suites located in the southeastern suburbs of Cape Town.

Why go? It’s not every day you get to stay in a National Monument. Established in 1682, the Steenberg farm has been a part of Cape Town for centuries. This peaceful spot produces its very own award-winning wines, has an 18-hole golf course, a fine-dining restaurant Tryn, and is also home to one of the World's Top 20 restaurants, BistroSixteen82. And the affordable rates mean it’s practically a steal.

What is it? An eight-room rustic-chic lodge that manages to bring the vibe of the South African bush into the city.

Why go? Come for the safari scene (which features beds draped in mosquito netting, thatched roofs, zebra skin rugs, and antelope horns) and stay for the free daily English breakfast. Instead of the Big Five, guests can scope sweeping views over Cape Town’s Constantia wine valley, dip in the pool, or go love on a game of tennis. Just a five-minute drive from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and less than five miles from the spectacular Hout Bay. 

What is it? Cape Town’s first true high-end luxury hotel with a resort-style feel and features—and a price tag to match.

Why go? This five-star spot has long defined luxury in the Mother City. Stylish rooms with Table Mountain views, Nespresso machines, and private balconies are just a start. Suites add fireplaces, living rooms, kitchens and even butler services, while the hotel touts a Nobu restaurant, swanky spa, and infinity pool. The superb V&A Waterfront location doesn’t hurt either.

What is it? An all-suite tower hotel with trendy interiors and perks designed with Millennials in mind.

Why go? If you were to live onsite at a hip tech company, it might look a lot like the Radisson Red. Rooms have BYOB mini-fridges and picnic table work spaces. The bright café space slings coffees and sustainable street snacks. A rooftop area is decked out with killer views of the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain, a slim pool, and drinks truck. There’s also meeting room space with a barista menu and games stocked at the ready.

What is it? Female-owned guesthouse with seven rooms in Gugulethu, a township 20 minutes outside of Cape Town.

Why go? Liziwe Ngcokoto and her husband built their home from donated bricks and then opened it up to the public as a guesthouse in 2005. Staying here gives foreign guests a taste of local life through the guesthouse’s homestay experience, guided Gugulethu walking tours, and home-cooked meals from the restaurant kitchen. Bonus? It’s just a short walk to the famous braai barbecue at Mzoli’s Place.