It's finally time to start planning your holiday and you're looking for the best hotels in Cape Town to stay at. Whether it's for your honeymoon, a romantic getaway, or a family holiday, Cape Town is perfect for everyone and every occasion! But how do you find the perfect hotel in Cape Town for your stay? It can be a daunting task with so many options to filter through, from boutique hotels to luxury resorts. But that's why we're here. As the World's Leading Safari Company, we've been to each of these Cape Town hotels and can recommend the best. We must just give you fair warning: you'll never want to leave our beautiful Mother City!
The perfect sundowner spot on the Camissa House rooftop bar
Simply the Best
Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places you'll ever visit. Are we biased because it's our home? Maybe! However, that doesn't change the fact that it's a wonderfully unique destination with many luxurious experiences to look forward to. Cape Town and its surroundings are home to some of the most exclusive boutique hotels, luxurious all-inclusive hotels and guesthouses.
Lucky for you, we have stayed at all the best hotels in Cape Town! Therefore, we know exactly what we're recommending to you. And it's this first-hand experience that keeps our guests coming back for second, third, fourth (and more) times!
Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family wanting to discover one of Africa's most beautiful cities, or just someone curious about South Africa, we've got the perfect fit for you!
The Best Hotels in Cape Town
Here's our selection of the best luxury hotels in Cape Town you should consider for your next stay in South Africa's Mother City.
1. Camissa House
Camissa House offers more than you might expect from a luxury boutique hotel. Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, it treats you to unbelievable views. As one of the more intimate accommodation options in the Mother City, Camissa House has only eight luxury rooms, with a maximum capacity of 16 guests. This ensures that the atmosphere remains intimate and the service highly personalised.
You'll find your personal butler ready to mix your cocktail just like you like it, around the clock. Another highlight is the delectable daily high tea spread! The deck overlooking the glittering city lights and the Atlantic Ocean is the perfect spot for sundowners. You'll feel torn between spending the day at the hotel or venturing out. But, luckily, you can do both as you're in the city's hub, close to all the main attractions.
Camissa House offers a mountainside escape with views of the ocean and city
Who’s it for?
Camissa House is perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s also the perfect first stop for guests starting their South Africa tour in Cape Town.
Highlights
- Located on the slopes of Table Mountain
- Offering some of the best views of Cape Town
- Only eight rooms with a maximum of 16 guests
- Exclusivity and exceptional butler service
- Close to everything Cape Town has to offer
The incredible views from the Camissa House rooftop bar and deck
2. Ellerman House
Located in one of South Africa's high-end suburbs of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House offers luxury, art, nature and classic elegance. Proud members of the esteemed Relais & Châteaux portfolio, Ellerman House has a private onsite wine cellar (with over 7,500 wines) and an impressive art collection. At Ellerman House, they really go the extra mile, from collecting you from the airport in a custom-made BMW 7 series to other little treats like the 24-hour "naughty corner" pantry for your sugar fix.
Each of the 13 rooms is uniquely styled, bringing its own personality. Ellerman House also has two luxury private villas for the more discerning guests who want the utmost privacy, with your own team at your beck and call. The hotel is only minutes away from Clifton's beaches, continually voted among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The luxurious Ellerman House
Who’s it for?
Ellerman House is the crème de la crème of accommodation in Cape Town. The hotel is ideal for discerning travellers looking for the utmost privacy. Many celebrities, including Bill Gates, the Kardashians and Oprah Winfrey, have stayed here.
Highlights
- Unbelievable ocean views
- The largest private collection of South African art
- Unique wine cellar with over 7,500 bottles on display
- World-class spa facilities offering a wide variety of services
- Delectable fine dining, afternoon cocktails and canapés served
3. One&Only Cape Town
Located in the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town has entertainment galore at its doorstep. The hotel has reaped many awards over the years, and you'll quickly see why!
Indulge in fine dining at the Michelin chef-run Nobu restaurant, admire the beautiful views over the whole city from the Vista Bar, or sip wines from their extensive wine selection at their Wine Loft. The cherry on top is the award-winning Spa Island, with the largest facilities and most extensive wellness menu in Cape Town. It's the perfect paradise to unwind and get pampered!
A spectacular setting in the city, Image Credit: One&Only Cape Town
Who’s it for?
Because of the ideal location of the One&Only resort, we recommend this hotel to families and groups who want to explore the V&A Waterfront. It's a lively entertainment hub with excellent restaurants, luxury yacht sunset cruises, high-end stores, and more.
Highlights
- Prime location at the V&A Waterfront
- A wide range of experiences at your fingertips
- Room type for every type of traveller
- Award-winning restaurants on site
- The most extensive spa service in Cape Town
4. Cape Grace
Situated on a private quay across from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Grace has an established reputation in Cape Town. Since 2014, this red-brick building has become a beacon for travellers looking for a luxury hotel in the heart of South Africa's oldest city.
You'll be able to enjoy award-winning dining at Signal Restaurant and the Bascule Whiskey & Wine Bar, boasting over 400 whiskies, the most extensive collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Cape Grace hotel also has many wellness facilities with a wide range of treatments at their onsite Cape Grace Spa. Another personal favourite of ours is that they serve port and sherry in the library every night, where you can mingle with other guests.
The hotel overlooks the Waterfront marina, Signal Hill and Table Mountain. It's one of the best views to wake up to! You're also just a stroll away from everything Cape Town offers, from restaurants and shops to the helipad for a bird's-eye view of the peninsula.
Marina views from your room at Cape Grace, Image Credit: Cape Grace
Who’s it for?
Cape Grace hotel is perfect for any traveller visiting Cape Town, especially families, as they welcome children. Your little ones are not likely to get bored with welcome gifts, colouring and activity books, story-time or gingerbread decorating, DVDs, game consoles, books, board games, and more.
Highlights
- Ideally located on a private quay at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Award-winning Signal Restaurant on site
- Most extensive whiskey collection in the Southern Hemisphere
- A distinct mix of modern and Cape Colonial décor
- Cape Grace Spa offers world-class spa treatments
Bubbles and views for days
5. Belmond Mount Nelson
Mount Nelson is Cape Town's most iconic luxury hotel, if not the most famous. The hotel is rich in history and was fondly nicknamed "The Pink Lady" after it was painted pink to commemorate peace and the end of World War I in 1918.
It's located on a lush estate in the city centre with manicured gardens and Table Mountain as its backdrop. As the regulars love to call this award-winning hotel, the "Nellie" offers a unique experience in Cape Town. You can enjoy the best high tea in Cape Town, dine at Planet Restaurant and relax with wellness treatments at Librisa Spa. You also have an outdoor playground of tennis courts, two heated swimming pools, and vast manicured gardens to explore.
But what we appreciate most about Mount Nelson is the tradition of old-world elegance merged with modern convenience. The building first catches your eye, as it's very distinctive with a prime position in Cape Town. However, the impeccable service will win you over and keep you coming back for more. And it's because of this sterling reputation that Mount Nelson continues to attract the rich and famous from across the globe.
The famous Mount Nelson Hotel, Image Credit: Belmond Mount Nelson
Who’s it for?
Mount Nelson has a large garden for children to play and there's a babysitting service to look after your little ones if you want to escape for a romantic break. This makes Mount Nelson an excellent choice for families. The Nellie is also great for people who wish to enjoy a central location but still have some privacy.
Highlights
Table Mountain as Mount Nelson's backdrop, Image Credit: Mount Nelson
6. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
The Twelve Apostles Hotels & Spa holds a special place in our hearts. Unlike most hotels, it's not in the busy city centre. This hotel rests in an exceptional natural environment, a short drive from Camps Bay. Wedged between the Table Mountain National Park mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers some of the most spectacular sunset views in Cape Town.
But the view at Twelve Apostle Hotel & Spa is not the only attraction. Best known for going the extra mile for their guests, the hotel's long list of experiences and services include a 16-seater private cinema, fine dining at Azure restaurant, excellent wines from the special "Vinoteque", hiking trails and picnic spots around the resort, a heated infinity pool and rock pool, hammocks in the fynbos garden, a helipad and pet-friendly garden suites.
If that isn't enough, the 5-star hotel also offers unique services. Guests have access to the best wellness facilities, from the Rasul Chamber and hydrotherapy pools to a floatation tank. The spa is listed as one of the "Leading Spas in South Africa", and you can enjoy your wellness treatments in the Fynbos garden, a type of vegetation unique to Cape Town.
Presidential Suite, Image Credit: Twelve Apostles
Who’s it for?
There are various room types that are child- and pet-friendly, making it perfect for your family holiday. It's also the perfect romantic getaway accommodation away from the busy city.
Highlights
- A prime location with some of the best ocean views in Cape Town
- Various room types are available to accommodate children and pets
- Shuttle service, transfers and spa treatments
- Gourmet restaurant, a trendy bar and even a small cinema
- Direct access to Table Mountain National Park
Views for days, Image Credit: Twelve Apostles
7. The Silo Hotel, V&A Waterfront
The Silo Hotel is like a gem, and each facet is perfect, dazzling guests visiting Cape Town from across the globe. This hotel is a former grain silo complex, making it truly unique. And its prime location in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront makes it as convenient as it's luxurious.
The Silo Hotel is a bit of an artwork in itself, with steel and glass panels and multi-faceted structures reflecting the sun. It's also located on top of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), home to the world's largest collection of modern African art.
The Silo Hotel offers 28 unique rooms, ranging from standard to Royal Suites. In addition to spectacular views over Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel welcomes you with a rooftop swimming pool, fine dining and an exquisite penthouse. Their Silo Rooftop is also one of the best places for sundowners!
The unique exterior of the Silo Hotel, Image Credit: The Silo
Who's it for?
The Silo Hotel is ideal for lovebirds and travellers appreciating the fine art of luxury living.
Highlights
- Extraordinary location in a historic grain silo
- On top of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA)
- The unique bay windows are characteristic of the hotel
- Exceptionally designed by the London-based architect Thomas Heatherwick
- A wide range of room categories are available to suit all types of guests
The Silo’s Penthouse Study, Image Credit: Silo Hotel
8. Tintswalo Atlantic, Hout Bay
Tintswalo Atlantic is tucked away in a unique location. Built right on the seashore, on the foot of Chapman's Peak, this elegant boutique hotel is one of a kind. Perfect for a romantic getaway, Tintswalo Atlantic is not only renowned for its exceptional setting in the Cape Peninsula. It's also widely appreciated for the quality of its personalised service and attention to detail. Whatever you desire, the staff will make it happen. They also have one of the best restaurants in town, Chef's Warehouse, where you can feast on contemporary tapas.
With a tranquil pebble beach on your doorstep, a long wooden deck for dining and sunset drinks, yoga and crossfit classes on the beach and a curated wine selection, Tintswalo Atlantic has everything you need. If you're looking for a day out in Cape Town, it's a short 25-minute drive away from Cape Town city centre along one of the peninsula's most scenic routes, winding between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
Unforgettable sunsets, Image Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
Who’s it for?
This hotel is ideal for couples (or anyone really) looking for privacy in a truly spectacular setting.
Highlights
- Unique location on the foothills of Chapman's Peak Drive
- Built right on the shore, with the waves lapping right in front of your room
- Hout Bay, Table Mountain Nature Reserve and Constantia wineries are nearby
- Only 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport
- A scenic 25-minute drive to the city centre
Luxurious layers, Image Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
Book one of the best hotels in Cape Town with Rhino Africa
Cape Town is continually voted as the best city in the world. We could write pages and pages about what Cape Town has to offer. But we'll keep some of its secrets for you to discover for yourself!
We understand that having too many choices to make when planning your holiday can be overwhelming. How do you find the best Cape Town hotel for your trip when they all look spectacular? Picking a lodge becomes as hard as picking a movie on Netflix on a Saturday night. And, oh boy, we know how hard it can be!
But don't worry. Unlike Netflix, we've got experts available to help you. So, let's start planning your dream holiday to South Africa's most beloved city! Contact our Travel Experts today, and they'll tailor-make your dream African holiday.
The best hotels in Cape Town also have the best locations, Image Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
