There’s no doubt that Cape Town is one of the crown jewels of the African continent, dominating the continent’s southwestern tip. Plan your trip with this guide to the best hotels in Cape Town.
You’re in luck, pals – by no means is there a shortage of unique places to stay in Cape Town.
From ocean-view villas to old rustic farmhouses on wine estates, simply spending a night here could count as one of the best things to do in Cape Town.
And let’s not forget luxury resorts bordering designer boutiques that match the city’s diversity surrounding them.
Ready to plan your next trip? Start by choosing one of these incredible Cape Town hotels…
Best Hotels in Cape Town: At a Glance
| Best Hotels in Cape Town – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Cape Town Hotel | The Silo |
| Best Cape Town Hotel for Luxury Stays | Ellerman House |
| Best Cape Town Hotel for Boutique Stays | Labotessa |
| Best Cape Town Hotel for Budget-Friendly Stays | Queen Victoria Hotel |
Best Hotels in Cape Town
The Silo
£££
Waterfront
Sitting above the Thomas Heatherwick-designed Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, The Silo Hotel isn’t quite what you expect a luxury hotel in Cape Town to be.
Why? Well, first and foremost, it’s housed within a former grain silo (okay, the clue was in the name). Secondly, for a silo, it has one of the most spectacular locations in the city, in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.
The hotel showcases a magnificent 360-degree view of the city that includes Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, and the Atlantic Ocean in full display. And if you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy the views, the open rooftop beckons for sunset cocktails.
While within the hotel itself, its 28 rooms feature bright decor with vibrant splashes of colour. Designed by Liz Biden, each room showcases stunning views through multifaceted, geometric windows, and you’ll find colourful fabrics, glass chandeliers, and gorgeous stand-alone bathtubs.
Ellerman House
£££
Bantry Bay
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Ellerman House sits atop a picturesque clifftop within the upmarket Bantry Bay.
Exuding opulent grandeur often associated with Edwardian mansions, this is one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Cape Town. It’s a blend of discreet luxury, whimsical isolation, and awe-inspiring views.
Sitting within an area often referred to as the Cape Riviera; this property will easily win over even the most jaded of travellers. Taking full advantage of its cliffside locale, you’ll find expansive terraced gardens, a striking outdoor pool, and an art gallery on the grounds.
Its 13 rooms create an atmosphere akin to a luxurious house rather than a hotel. Each features an entirely different character, while certain elements such as plush carpets, precious art, and contemporary textiles are visible in each.
If you’re after more modernism and uncluttered decor, there are two exclusive-use villas within the garden to choose from as well.
Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House
££
Waterfront
When it comes to Cape Town hotels, the Queen Victoria Hotel holds a special status as one of the best-value five-star properties within the Waterfront.
It sits in the historical Portswood Ridge and shines as one of the pinnacle accommodation options above the V&A Waterfront. If you’re after a more cutting-edge contemporary stay, book a room within the Manor House.
From its quiet enclave location, it creates a secluded atmosphere while only being a two-minute walk from the pedestrian pleasures of the Waterfront. Finer touches in style include a foyer cast in an Ian Schrager mould with oversized pots, a triple-height atrium, and an impressive white Corbusier-style staircase.
Rooms feature a decor palette that comprises a wide array of greys blended with metallic and burgundy inlets. Elements showcasing why this is one of the best Cape Town Waterfront hotels include original artwork and hand-picked contemporary furniture in each room.
Marriott Crystal Towers
£
Century City
A futuristic addition to Canal Walk, the Marriott Crystal Towers is a striking and bold venture into affordable luxury and definitely one of the best cheap hotels in Cape Town.
Exterior features include a bold suspension bridge over slow-moving waters next to Canal Walk and its perch overlooking the Grand Canal.
If this wasn’t evident enough, the lobby exudes a radiant glow with eye-catching finishes in shades of brown and a high ceiling imposing its presence.
Boasting a refreshing take on state-of-the-art features, rooms at the Crystal Towers seem a world away from the unassuming reception area (and that’s not an understatement).
Rooms here, while minimalistic in styling and decor, all include touches of the future. From the purple accent lighting underneath each bed and along the ceiling to the secret housing of TVs within the base of the bed, everything feels and seems significantly ahead of its time.
Labotessa
££
Cape Town CBD
If you had to step foot within the nondescript central business district of Cape Town a few years ago, you’d never imagine the site of Labotessa today.
Yet, thanks to creative investments, what was once a less-than-desirable area, is now a lively leisure-oriented hub brimming with potential.
Labotessa shines as a seven-key boutique property that has quickly risen to prominence as one of the best luxury hotels in Cape Town, South Africa. It perfectly balances old-world charm with an on-point style that stuns with space and height, redefining what ‘chic’ means.
Considering it stands on one of the oldest addresses in the country, dating back to the 17th century, inside, you’ll find an air resembling a European townhouse.
The devil is in the details here as timeless inky blues, soothing ochres and burnt orange accents dominate throughout.
The Marly
££
Camps Bay
Not a stranger to the rankings of luxury Cape Town hotels, The Marly has recently undergone an opulent and glamorous expansion. It probably didn’t need it, but that’s what you can expect from a stay here. Everything you didn’t know you needed until you had it.
Look no further than its prime location, offering picturesque sea views encompassing Lion’s Head and The Twelve Apostles as evidence. From this locale, it takes in the glorious sunset strip of Camps Bay, with numerous restaurants and bars at your doorstep.
Encompassing the lively vibe of the area, you can opt for mountain-facing rooms should you want more peace.
As far as Cape Town beachfront hotels go, The Marly presents itself with gravitas with its glossy-as-ever room selection and rooftop pool and bar. It’s a funky boutique property that feels like a stylish resort, with finishes such as ornate silver-framed mirrors meeting classy, contemporary elements.
Tintswalo Atlantic
££
Table Mountain National Park
If you’re on the hunt for an escape with captivating ocean views outside of the city, grabbing a room at Tintswalo Atlantic should be at the top of your list.
As the only 5-star hotel in Cape Town that sits within Table Mountain National Park, this has been the low-key hideaway for many high-end travellers.
However, nothing about the property would give away its low-key allure. Yes, it’s remote, set beside the ocean between Table Mountain and Chapman’s Peak. It’s a surefire showstopper.
Trust me when I say that nothing gets left to the imagination – from its decor’s humble scale to its amenities’ magnitude.
Suites here come in 11 cabins strung from the lounge to the dining room. Each is spacious, with private ocean-facing terraces, fireplaces, and exquisite chandeliers that hang from exposed wood ceilings.
One&Only Cape Town
£££
Waterfront
When it comes to calling cards, few destination properties can compare with one of (if not the) best resorts in Cape Town, The One&Only.
Beyond its stellar location within the V&A Waterfront, it dominates the skyline at seven storeys overlooking an artificial marina and includes two faux islands.
While the One&Only does stand out within the very urban surroundings, some wizardry involves itself in the way it manages to frame Table Mountain. Although evident throughout, it’s from the plush lounge bar with floor-to-ceiling windows it is most striking.
Choosing your room One&Only offers options within the Marina Rise block or the very spacious Island Suites. Yes, every room and suite comes with the usual mod-cons, but you can personalise your stay with a few available options, such as bed size.
What sets One&Only apart is the presence of fine-dining juggernaut Nobu, helmed by master chef Nobuyaki Matsushisa.
Old Bank Hotel
£
Central Business District
Easily one of the grandest hotels within Cape Town, The Old Bank Hotel sits within a restored heritage building. As far as Cape Town luxury hotels go, it lives up to its affluent housing and welcomes its urban environment in a gentle and refined way.
Brandishing a restrained, stern street facade, The Old Bank boasts a surprisingly nondescript ground floor entry, but once the elevator reaches the eighth floor, a certain transformation happens. Every inch of the interior emanates an old-money-meets-nouveau-riche vibe.
Service is impeccable, blending traditional African hospitality with an old-fashioned take on quality. But within the numerous well-appointed rooms, the 5-star quality of the property takes over completely.
A refreshing blend of contemporary and chic is visible throughout, with styling and furnishings excellently framing the nearly limitless collection of uber-luxe mod-cons.
Dorp
£
Bo-Kaap
When it comes to Cape Town hotels, some have the ability to be grandiose yet unpretentious at the same time. The perfect example of this is Dorp.
Nestled high up the slopes of Signal Hill, Dorp offers the most exquisite views of Table Mountain and so much more.
Its proximity to the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap and its perch overlooking the city create an almost magical atmosphere. This aura extends into its collection of Georgian-inspired buildings that emanate a quirky and personal feel.
Rooms at Dorp are something special. On the one hand, you have “Bijoux” options that showcase dusty pink or sage green walls and offer fabulous views of the city and Table Mountain.
While other options have pristine personal touches, such as the Behr Necessities, a bucket thoughtfully filled with everything you might have forgotten at home (even tweezers).
Cape Grace
£££
Waterfront
The Cape Grace hotel is where you’ll want to go to live in luxury while indulging in epic views of Table Mountain.
It sits right in the middle of its own quay between a working harbour and a yacht basin aimed at those with a discerning taste. Its secure location and ease of access to the Waterfront, what more could you want?
How about elegant touches of fynbos botanicals spread throughout, even lending inspiration to its own line of perfume? With numerous references to the colonial history of the Cape, you’ll find a curated mix of traditional and flamboyant elements that add an OTT flair.
By no means is the Cape Grace small either. With 120 rooms, it’s surprising that each looks and feels like a separate space with individually hand-painted artwork and even different headboards.
And then there are the on-site features, such as a hair salon and barber shop, making it a truly unique vacation spot.
Best Hotels in Cape Town: Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your Cape Town Hotel
- Always book your accommodation as far in advance as possible. Especially if you’re planning on staying in the city’s more touristy areas, such as the V&A Waterfront.
- Plan out a thorough itinerary (like this South Africa itinerary) to give some structure to your trip and ensure you don’t miss a beat in this amazing country.
