THE 15 BEST HOTELS IN CAPE TOWN

Experience properties like no other with The Asia Collective’s exclusive guide to the Best Hotels in Cape Town.

Get lost in the Mother City of South Africa and delight in its striking landscape – a coastal city flanked by the towering and iconic Table Mountain on the shores of the Atlantic. We’ve put together an expert collection of the Best Hotels in Cape Town to suit every kind of traveller, from quaint and cosy bed & breakfasts to luxurious waterfront stays.

Set amongst the mesmerising waterways of its private marina, with the iconic Table Mountain towering behind, One & Only Cape Town is a serene and peaceful retreat. With its ideal location, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, One & Only considers itself the leading luxury resort in the heart of Cape Town. Boasting the largest hotel rooms in the city, guests are invited to unwind and relax in pure luxury in either a Table Mountain or Marina view room. If you’re looking for a little extra space to sprawl out, take a look at their one-bedroom or two-bedroom suites complete with postcard-perfect views from your private terrace.

One of the biggest attractions at One & Only Cape Town is the globally revered Nobu restaurant. Michelin-starred Chef Nobu invites guests to discover a modern medley of Japanese classics infused with Peruvian flavours at the world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant. Delight in a masterful menu featuring Chef Nobu’s signature black cod in miso, a wide selection of sushi, sashimi, tempura and other Japanese classics at the only Nobu in Africa.

Address: The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront 8001 Cape Town

Instagram: @thesilohotel_

The Silo Hotel in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront district is a striking establishment built above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Cape Town. Built into the elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex, the six-storey hotel is an iconic feature in the Cape Town skyline. The original structure of the silo has been respected and taken to all new heights by the Heatherwick Studio, who ingeniously designed the hotel with geometric windows from floor to ceiling, on every floor. During the day, the Silo Hotel resembles a diamond sparkling in the light, and at night it shines like a beacon in the harbour.

The 28 rooms of the Silo Hotel were designed and decorated by Liz Biden, South Africa’s most famous female hotelier. The industrial architecture of the original building is tastefully reinvigorated by pieces of vibrant, inspiring pieces of art and contemporary, colourful furniture. Enjoy the best views of Cape Town from the Silo Rooftop as you lounge poolside with a refreshing cocktail in hand or delight in fresh seafood and light meals with a South African wine to complement your meal.

Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay 8005, CAPE TOWN 

Instagram: @12apostleshotel

Perched above the Atlantic Ocean with unrivalled views of the towering Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers a luxurious coastal retreat. Choose between 55 individually designed deluxe rooms and 15 exquisite suites, overlooking either the mountains or the sea – there’s no such thing as a bad view! The scenery inside is just as good, with peaceful and airy decor, where African style meets European comfort. Every room is designed to make you feel like you’re at home – only better, with elegant fabrics, rich colours and the latest technology.

Live like the king or queen you are at their award-winning spa and let your mind, body and soul be slowly restored. The Twelve Apostles Spa experts treat every guest individually, tailoring personalised spa treatments to meet your needs. Their approach to wellbeing centres around holistic principles, fusing ancient teachings with modern expertise. Find yourself at total peace when you book a treatment in your very own mountain gazebo, an outdoor setting with picturesque ocean views.

Address: 21 Nettleton Road, Clifton, Cape Town 

Instagram: @21nettleton

Address: W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa 

Instagram: @capegracehotel

Tucked away between the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the yacht marina lies Cape Grace, a luxury five-star hotel perched on its own private quay. Soak in the beauty of harbour living from the hotel’s prime position on the waterfront and luxuriate in world-class facilities offering unparalleled views. Cape Grace tastefully pays tribute to Cape Town’s colourful past with its use of exquisite furniture and antique pieces, rare and rich fabrics and intriguing artefacts. Contemporary touches are seamlessly integrated into the look and feel, with paintings and sculptures from local artists decking the halls, and fresh Proteas flowers give each room a signature South African touch.

Each of the 120 rooms and suites has its own story to tell, with ship manifests, rare Cape Dutch antiques and botanical artwork decorating each room for a quintessential South African experience. Revel in personalised luxury encounters guaranteed to delight every sense, from sumptuous tasting menus and rare whisky pairings to reinvigorating spa treatments and delicious afternoon teas. For all you foodies, you can’t look past Signal restaurant for inspiring dishes infused with local flavours, and beverage aficionados can sip on world-class whiskey or fine South African wine at Bascule Bar.

Address: 180 Kloof Road, Bantry Bay, 8005, Cape Town, South Africa 

Instagram: @ellermanhousehotel

To stay at Ellerman House Cape Town is to stay in the epitome of luxury, with 13 unique rooms, each with their own individual vibes. Step your game up with a private villa and live your best beach life on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Experience complete privacy and all-round service without ever leaving your villa with your own personal staff to cater to every need. Built into the slopes of Lion’s Head, each villa comes with a private infinity pool and the best views in town.

What really sets Ellerman House apart though are the standard inclusions in your room rate – and these aren’t just for villas! From entry-level rooms, all the way up to villas, take advantage of return airport transfers, breakfast each morning, any drink you can imagine, alcoholic or not, except for wine and champagne. Don’t stress though, there’s complimentary wine tasting every afternoon with their expert sommelier. A fully stocked, not so mini mini-bar featuring full-sized bottles of craft spirits and local African snacks in the comfort of your room, plus cocktails, canapés and a gin trolley on the terrace every sunset. Ellerman House also boasts an enormous South African art collection which you can tour with your very own in-house art guide.

Address: 8 Bridle Road, Oranjezicht, 8001, Cape Town, South Africa 

If your idea of a dream holiday is unrivalled exclusivity, very few neighbours and eclectic, artistic rooms, MannaBay is the hotel for you. With only 8 rooms and a maximum of 16 total hotel guests, MannaBay offers the privacy you’ve been craving. Each room is named after its individual decor – Black & White, Orchid, Flamingo, Explorer, Persian, Pom Pom and Oriental, plus the opulent Versailles Suite. Every room is a unique display of artistry and curious decorations, complemented by luxury amenities, activities and high-end technology.

To all you wine lovers, get excited about the MannaBay Wine Cellar, an extensive selection of South Africa’s finest wines, showcasing individual regions, styles and varieties. Each wine featured in the MannaBay Cellar was handpicked because it tells a tale, and guests are invited to discover the stories behind each delicious bottle. If you want to learn an extra thing or two, MannaBay’s Wine Fairy is a leading expert in the industry and her bubbly (pardon the pun!) personality is sure to light up the room.

Instagram: @tintswalo_atlantic

Set into the base of the Table Mountain National Park, Tintswalo Atlantic is an award-winning boutique lodge iconically known as Cape Town’s hidden gem and is well deserved part of our Best Hotels in Cape Town list. Located at the foot of Chapman’s Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic boasts panoramic views of Hout Bay Harbour, the Sentinel mountain peak and the Atlantic Ocean, all from its private spot on a quiet pebble beach. All eleven suites pay tribute to famous islands around the world, with the decor of the rooms drawing inspiration from each island’s unique style and culture. No two suites are the same, but all are lovingly appointed and thoughtfully designed.

The Tintswalo Atlantic dining room is an exclusive culinary experience, where guests can overlook the ocean from their table on the deck or enjoy the buzz inside from the open-plan kitchen layout. Take control of your meal and let the chef know what you fancy so they can create a truly memorable dish for you to savour every last bite. For an even more interactive experience, indulge in a glass (or two) of wine whilst you look on as the chefs display their craftsmanship or get some cooking tips from the head chef himself!

Address: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The Cellars-Hohenort is an opulent five-star resort surrounded by nine acres of lush gardens in the Constantia Valley. A proud member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux group, The Cellars-Hohenort is a world-class establishment renowned for both its facilities and service. All 51 rooms boast mesmerising views of either the iconic Table Mountain or the property’s award-winning, perfectly manicured gardens. For a truly luxurious experience, nothing beats a stay in their Madiba Villa, an enormous two-storey villa named after former South African president Nelson Mandela. Hidden away amongst the gardens, with a personal driveway and private staff, the Madiba Villa is the ideal option for families or groups looking for unrivalled privacy.

Embark on a discovery of epicurean delights at the critically acclaimed Greenhouse restaurant, ranked in the top ten restaurants in the country seven out of nine years. Satiate your senses as you indulge in local flavours and traditional African recipes made from only the freshest ingredients and let the team of culinary experts take you on a truly unique journey. Don’t just stop with the food though! Let expert sommelier Michelle Michaels perfectly pair your meal with wines from Greenhouse’s extensive wine list.

Instagram: @TableBayHotelSA

Considered to be one of the best of the best in Cape Town, The Table Bay is a luxury five-star hotel opened by former South African president, Nelson Mandela in 1997. As an iconic establishment in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront precinct for over 20 years, The Table Bay has perfected the art of service during its tenure. With local touches like hundreds of indigenous Protea flower arrangements throughout the property, The Table Bay promises to offer guests a truly authentic South African experience.

Each room’s use of rich colour and texture is designed to mirror the city it calls home, drawing inspiration from Cape Town’s vibrant energy, colourful heritage and adventurous soul. With its ideal location on the harbour, perched below the incredible Table Mountain, The Table Bay is the place to call home if you’re looking to explore this world-class city. They even take the hard work out of planning with their in-house travel experts, so all you have to do is tell them what you fancy and they’ll make it happen. Whether you’re into fine dining, luxury shopping, visiting historical landmarks or cultural craft markets, your Table Bay travel expert will plan the best itinerary for you.

Instagram: @campsbaypod

This beachside boutique hotel is ideally located in the picturesque coastal town of Camps Bay, known the world over for its idyllic beaches, gastronomy and nightlife. POD is no exception to the beauty of the area with its striking architecture sitting perfectly at ease with the natural surroundings. With only seventeen rooms, your visit to POD Camps Bay is guaranteed to be intimate, peaceful and memorable. Each room is decked out in a modern meets industrial vibe, with striking slate and touches of timber throughout. Contemporary design, clean lines and hints of green are accentuated by the striking natural surroundings of the area, with ocean and mountain views just about everywhere you look.

Amp up your stay at POD with an upgrade to one of their epic corner suites featuring a private balcony with unobstructed views of the Atlantic and the bay below. At 75sqm, you’ll have plenty of space to put your feet up and relax with a drink in hand from your complimentary mini-bar or let your hair down in your dual walk-in rain shower. Camps Bay can get a little chilly but don’t stress, the underfloor heating will keep you cosy no matter the time of year.

Address: 38 Kensington Cres, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

Discover a hidden oasis at the foot of Table Mountain, complete with lush gardens, stunning views and impeccable service at Kensington Place. This hotel was designed so that you never want to leave the comforts of your spacious room, equipped with king-sized beds, underfloor heating and complimentary drinks to enjoy on your private balcony overlooking the mountains and city. Each morning indulge in your delicious complimentary breakfast, served in the comfort of your room and prepare for a day of doing as much or as little as you want.

Dining at Kensington Place is like enjoying a home-cooked meal, only better because you get to sit back and relax whilst someone cooks for you. Their culinary focus is on uniquely authentic South African flavours, with all ingredients sourced locally to create seasonal menus so that whatever you put on your fork is guaranteed to be deliciously fresh.

CAPE CADOGAN

Address: 5 Upper Union St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Instagram: @capecadogan

Cape Cadogan is a charming boutique hotel in what was once a Georgian-Victorian townhouse in the suburb of Gardens. This well-preserved heritage home has a claim to National Monument Status and looks more like a private residence than a hotel. Nestled in the centre of the vibrant city of Cape Town, your room at Cape Cadogan is your personal haven to retreat to after a long day of exploring. With a complimentary shuttle bus to some of the city’s most popular attractions, you’re conveniently connected to all the excitement Cape Town has to offer.

With only 15 rooms and suites, Cape Cadogan is about as intimate as it gets. Each room has its own individual charm and is appointed to suit the needs of every traveller, from solo, to couples or families. All four room types are lavishly decorated with the finest comforts, whilst maintaining the traditional charm of this heritage building. The original details have been tastefully highlighted, at the same time contemporary interiors and splashes of colour give each room a burst of new energy. For the ultimate luxury escape, why not spend the night in Cape Cadogan’s Superior Luxury Suite, equipped with a spacious lounge, fireplace, furnished terrace and private plunge pool.

Address: 6 Stephen St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Nestled in the heart of the city, Welgelegen is a refurbished Victorian-era manor in the prestigious neighbourhood of Gardens, Cape Town’s artistic hub. This charming bed and breakfast offers guests an outdoor pool to dip in and admire views of Table Mountain, a relaxing spa to reinvigorate in and an entire library to get lost in. Sleep in as late as your heart desires in your cosy, home away from home style room before enjoying breakfast in the courtyard overlooking meticulous, manicured gardens.

One of the biggest highlights of Welgelegen is its proximity to Gardens, an area with countless restaurants offering local and international cuisine, just 100m from the hotel. For adventures further out and about, Welgelegen’s concierge service can arrange transportation, tours and activities so you can make the most of your time in Cape Town.

Address: 3 Romney Road Greenpoint Cape Town 8005 

Instagram: @capestandardguesthouse

If you’re looking to kick back and relax in the comfort of a boutique beach house, look no further than Cape Standard. This luxury guesthouse is a quaint, four-star bed and breakfast situated just a short walk from some of Cape Town’s best beaches in Green Point. Lounge by the pool and get some sun on the deck, get lost in the gardens surrounding the property or explore the local attractions of the Sea Point promenade.

Every room has been designed to suit the needs of leisure and business travellers alike, featuring queen or double beds, en-suite bathrooms, balconies and current technology. The rooms are decorated in a blend of beach house fusion to retro chic, giving Cape Standard a charming and cosy vibe. If you’re travelling with family and need that extra space, Cape Standard’s recently refurbished three-bedroom villa, adjacent to the hotel property, is the way to go. This coastal style villa is a tropical oasis surrounded by lush gardens, with its own kitchenette and adjoining rooms perfect for children.