[category]
[title]
In the world of luxury travel, the Forbes name carries plenty of weight. So when the Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Awards are announced, those with a nose for the good life and pockets deep enough to indulge it tend to sit up and take notice.
And in the 2026 edition, Cape Town (and the Winelands) has once again landed a constellation of star-rated properties on the list. Globally, the guide’s latest awards cover 2400 hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises across more than 100 countries. This year’s guide includes new destinations like Bhutan, Croatia, Georgia, Grenada, Laos, Poland, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan.
It’s all judged and vetted by a team of anonymous inspectors, and if you’re wondering where the three-star properties are… well, there aren’t any. The Forbes Travel Guide star ratings are shorthand for considered luxury.
“While the quality and condition of the facilities remain vital, exceptional service accounts for 70% of a property’s rating, reflecting the human element at the heart of luxury,” says Forbes.
Five-Star is the top tier, reserved for properties delivering the most exceptional overall experience. Four-Star signals a high-end stay with consistently strong service and facilities. Recommended is the Guide’s quality stamp for places that still meet the standards but don’t fall into the two ‘star’ bands. Below that? Perhaps don’t bother is what they’re trying to say.
So, who made the cut in Cape Town?
Five-Star hotels
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel: The grande dame ‘pink hotel’ in Gardens, where old-school glamour meets a decidedly contemporary African design aesthetic.
Delaire Graff Lodge: A Winelands heavy-hitter atop Helshoogte Pass where art, views and vine-covered indulgence come standard.
Four-Star hotels
The Cellars-Hohenort: A classic in the calm of Constantia. Read our full review over here!
Ellerman House: With the most glorious location overlooking Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is intimate, art-filled and built for sunset.
One&Only Cape Town: Ease into this ‘urban resort’ in the heart of the Waterfront, where you can choose between big-hotel luxury or head out with easy access to the city’s buzz.
The Silo Hotel: Modern glamour in a landmark building. This design-forward, art-soaked hotel is as famous for its décor as the skyline and mountain views.
Recommended hotels
Leeu Estates: Art is a theme on this list, and the only ‘Recommended’ Cape property in this year’s guide boasts galleries and sculpture gardens along with stellar food and wine experiences.
And what about the rest of South Africa? Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cape Town dominates, with only two up-country hotels making the grade. Saxon Hotel came out tops in Jozi, with five stars, while Four Seasons The Westcliff bagged a four-star rating.
"Forbes Travel Guide's newest Star Award winners showcase an exciting evolution in luxury," says Amanda Frasier, FTG's President of Standards & Ratings. "As guests navigate the increasingly complex travel landscape for the best places to stay, sail, dine and spa, we are proud to provide them with the trusted, integrity-based guidance they need. The 2026 list showcases properties deeply committed to delivering consistent and reliable world-class experiences."
Looking for top hotels? What about Michelin Keys?
Subscribe to Time Out's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!