Best Cape Town Hotels [2024 Guide]

Cape Town, located near Africa's southern point, is a symbol of cosmopolitan appeal, where rocky beaches meet lively cityscapes against the background of the famous Table Mountain. Cape Town, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural tapestry, and active culinary scene, attracts visitors from all over the world. Amidst this stunning scenery, the city offers a multitude of exquisite hotels that exemplify hospitality at its finest. In this article, we'll go on a trip to find the top hotels in Cape Town, where refinement meets comfort to ensure an amazing stay in one of the world's most captivating cities.

Best Hotels in Cape Town

Compass House

High up on the cliffside suburb of Bantry Bay, virtually cantilevered off Kloof Road, Compass House has the same jaw-dropping views as nearby Ellerman House and neighbouring Clarendon: across the infinity pool, palm trees cut out into an enormous shimmering ocean under a big blue sky, into which the summer sun sinks daily.

The major disadvantage is that there is nothing within walking distance, but taxis are easily obtained, and the top attractions (cable car, city centre, beaches, Waterfront) and restaurants are only a five- to fifteen-minute drive away.

The decor is simple and elegant, clean-lined but comfortable, with a mostly white and cream colour scheme that contrasts beautifully with the blue views. Much of the furniture was custom-designed for each room by the elegant owner, Olivier Trachell, who is clearly a perfectionist. A very private, tranquil, and intimate experience, suitable for couples and anyone looking for a retreat.

Beyond boutique, this is the ideal combination of exceptional five-star service and a comfortable, peaceful atmosphere.

Mark, a flawless manager, was not only extremely knowledgable about the area, but also able to read his visitors and provide pleasant company. He and his colleagues strike an excellent balance: you know there is someone available at all times, but there is never any hovering.

The 22-meter rim-flow pool is flanked by double-bed day beds and loungers. It is recommended that you book your spa treatments in advance.

All eight rooms feature sliding doors that lead to your own well-furnished balcony or patio area with that breathtaking view (slightly more oblique than the regular room). Each room has top-notch specs, from the mattress to the thread count. A single touch pad controls the lights, temperature, and plays your own or preloaded music over a high-quality built-in sound system.

The restrooms are clean and modern, with Bulgari toiletries being a personal fave. There is a minibar, but there are no coffee or tea making facilities in the room; instead, guests can use the open-plan kitchen and honesty bar at any time.

Olivier's unwavering taste ensures that only the best charcuterie and cheeses (both local and imported) grace the kitchen table, and he makes his own yoghurt (superb), as well as a decadent array of fruit (at least three berries included), delectable relishes, fresh croissants, and bread to suit every taste.

If you have the space, there are six cooked breakfast options to choose from, including a delicious Benedict.

At twilight, complimentary canapés and sundowners are provided, making for a delightfully relaxed and social atmosphere. There is no dinner or lunch menu, but in-house meals can be reserved or prepared on short notice, because nothing is too much trouble here.

Ellerman House

Ellerman House is located on the Atlantic Seaboard's Kloof Road near Bantry Bay, which is home to some of Africa's most valuable real estate. With its elevated position overlooking Bantry Bay and the ocean, this is commonly referred to as the Cape Riviera, and the vistas will delight even the most jaded tourist.

Despite its cliffside location, the terraced gardens are spacious, featuring a big pool and an art museum.

The only potential disadvantage is that there are no restaurants or beaches within walking distance, but hotel staff will organise complimentary transfers to the city centre, waterfront, or beach.

The elegant Edwardian mansion boasts antiques and original architectural detailing, but accent hues and contemporary textiles give the traditional structure a more glamorous and up-to-date atmosphere. With only 13 rooms, it feels more like a luxury private house than a hotel.

The extensive collection of South African art - on every wall throughout the house, including the bedrooms, as well as the purpose-built contemporary gallery in the garden - rivals that of South Africa's best art museums and can be explored with art guide Talita Swarts or on your own with the hotel iPad.

Although there are only 13 rooms, the service standards are comparable to any internationally acclaimed five-star hotel, as evidenced by the numerous accolades. Staff have an unusual capacity to know where you are and when you need them without hovering, but the house ambiance also makes normally off-limits places like the kitchen more approachable.

The facilities are amazing - the bar, built around the granite rocks and opening onto the terrace facing the sunset, is uber-glam; the fitness centre offers the same wonderful view, as does the huge pool gleaming in the terraced garden below. The walk-in 'pantry' offers sweet and savoury delicacies, sunset cocktails, canapes, wine samples, and complimentary transportation. In short, you won't lack for anything.

Each of the 13 rooms has its own distinct personality, yet all have luxurious carpets, valuable art, and a mix of contemporary textiles and objets alongside antique objects. All but two (numbers 5 and 6) have the same breathtaking sea view, which is well worth the extra money.

Personal favourites include Rooms 2 and 4, which are wide, light-filled, and have balconies; Room 9, which has deft dashes of red against deep blues, soft greys, natural timber, and seagrass, is pitch-perfect. There are also two exclusive-use villas in the yard, which are completely contemporary in style with uncluttered décor.

Breakfast is a predictable amazing buffet spread - fresh fruit, including berries, exquisite yoghurts, granola, pastries, cheese and meat plate - followed by a variety breakfast menu (truffle-infused mushrooms topped with a poached egg struck the sweet spot). Lunch is served on the terrace, weather permitting; supper is served in the art-lined dining room, and the menu changes daily.

Guests are welcome to discuss any unique interests or demands with the chef; with enough notice, the kitchen can offer a completely customised dining experience.
You won't be disappointed with the quality of any meal here, but keep in mind that the mood can be a little subdued because the hotel is not available to the public.

The 24-hour pantry snack station adjacent to the kitchen is well-stocked with a range of freshly cooked savoury and sweet snacks, and the drinks selection is excellent, whether served in the bar or on the terrace at sunset.

Tintswalo at Boulders

Boulders is a short drive from Simon Town's Victorian-era high street and port, there are several excellent ocean-based activities (including kayaking and snorkelling near Cape Point), and Cape Point Nature Reserve or Noordhoek are only 25 minutes away. That being said, it's at least 35 minutes to Constantia's wine vineyards and an hour to the city core outside of rush hour.

The villa's décor is more sophisticated five-star boutique than barefoot beach cottage, but the staff maintains a relaxing vibe. Lisa and Gaye Corbett, the owners, personally furnished the amply scaled areas, making them plush and cosy. Two open-plan lounge areas and a variety of dining options lead to two balconies, both with unobstructed ocean views; in the back is a wind-protected courtyard with a fire pit.

The maritime theme (all rooms are named after famous ships) is reflected in a predominantly cream and blue palette, accented with green - a plump Chesterfield sofa in olive-green velvet beneath a picture window is a particularly striking touch - and warmed throughout by timber floors and both Persian-style and jute rugs.

The Corbetts have an exceptional talent for selecting and developing people born with the real hospitality gene - it's part of what makes all Tintswalo homes so unique - but their Boulders villa offers the most relaxed vibe.

It's like staying in a well-heeled friend's luxurious home: intimate and friendly. You can watch staff cook breakfast in the open-plan kitchen, help yourself to drinks from the fridges, and generally make yourself at home, but if you don't want to lift a finger, there are always discreet, obliging hands to do so for you.

The double-story mansion has nine huge and nicely decorated rooms, each separately furnished, as well as a children's room themed around penguins. All rooms have ocean views, with the exception of the Victory suite (also known as the Courtyard suite), which has its own private courtyard and is always protected from the wind.

The Premier suites (Drommedaris and SeaWitch) are the largest and are located on the top floor, adjacent to the rooftop plunge pool. Gaye Corbett hand-decorated the bathrooms with shells. They are huge and well-appointed, with separate tubs and showers.

Breakfast is the only meal served, and it's a feast: fresh fruit and juice, yoghurts, cereals, homemade muesli, a selection of local cheese, breads and pastries, and whatever specials the chef feels like making - spinach and feta quiches, hash browns with bacon and egg, mushroom fritters, lemon and chive tart - or a hot breakfast cooked any way you want, with special dietaries or preferences taken into account.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

The hotel is a green sanctuary in the heart of the city, with a palm-lined driveway leading to art-filled grounds, gorgeous flower beds, two pools, and tennis courts. While it is not perfect for a sea or mountain view from your bed, it has a fantastic, handy location: cross the street and enter the city via the Company Gardens, a beautiful stroll that leads you past museums and shaded lawns into the bustling heart.

English colonial décor with high-quality finishes throughout, many of which are original to the period. The lounge, bar and patio make good use of wallpaper, mirrors, potted palms that bring in the garden and chairs upholstered in high-quality textiles.

'The Nellie' is a class act, with a subtle glamour. The reception and concierge services are perfect, as one would expect from a Belmond hotel. The bartenders aren't as attentive.

The hotel is recognised for delivering the greatest high tea in the city, and rightfully so, with a new tea sommelier to help you choose from over 100 options. It is also my favourite spa in the city, with the nicest pool area as well.

Mount Nelson is a large hotel (196 rooms) that includes the old buildings as well as an addition and was previously known as the Helmsley Hotel. The East Wing of the hotel is where you want to stay: these new-look rooms, designed by London-based interior designer Inge Moore of Muza Lab, are exquisite and relaxing to the eye.

Planet Restaurant, led by Chef Rudi Liebenberg, offers romantic fine dining in a double volume space. Liebenberg is a strong supporter of locally sourced ingredients (look for vegetables from Abalimi Bezhekaya, a community farming project, and his Saturday 'Wasted' five-course menu made from the unwanted parts of fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish).

High tea in the lounge is a big draw, and the Planet Bar (which spills out onto the terrace and gardens) is a great area to people watch. A stylish and popular local after-work hangout, you never have to leave the premises to socialise with the locals.

Camissa House

The lush Table valley was known as Camissa - 'place of delicious waters' - by the ancient Gorinhaiqua, and the springwater stream that runs alongside the house inspired the Dutch to establish a kitchen garden here in 1652.

The feeling of being entrenched in the Cape's early history is wonderful, but the vistas that surround the home are much better.

Hospitality entrepreneur David Ryan has many talents, and interior decorating is undoubtedly one of them. He demonstrated his strong style with sibling hotel Manna Bay, but I nearly like this smaller version, which is cohesively themed.

The public spaces are comfortable, with rich, warm autumnal tones, fantastic abstract wallpaper, and herringbone wood floors.

Furniture has a contemporary, mid-century influence, resulting in comfortable and colour-coordinated environments.

While there is always a staff person or two on hand, the environment is very much house-like, with the open-plan kitchen adjacent to the dining room/library and a bar in the lounge where guests can easily assist themselves to drinks.

This easygoing attitude is most noticeable at night, when you return to a beautifully illuminated house and the on-duty butler offers to bring you a nightcap or a cup of tea, and it feels very much like your own home.

Despite its location on the outskirts of Table Mountain National Park, this is an urban guesthouse built in a suburban community, therefore amenities are limited in size. Nonetheless, there's a good-sized pool and deck with wonderful views of the city, a pleasant lounge-bar, a dining room/kitchen-library space, and a rooftop deck and bar with even greater views.

There is plenty of parking if you have a car, but who needs one when there is an on-demand (within reason) shuttle service to restaurants at night (and bookings made on your behalf based on your preferences).

Each of the eight rooms is named after an indigenous fynbos plant, which is primarily reflected in the beautifully designed bespoke wallpaper, with colours inspired by it. These are stunning rooms, with seven of them boasting magnificent views. Bathrooms are equally opulent, with egg-shaped bathtubs, walk-in showers, separate lavatory areas, and accent-colored thick carpets and pouffe seats. Africology has excellent amenities.

The dining room does not have the same stunning views as MannaBay, but you can request a table by the poolside. The buffet is extravagant, with every conceivable fruit, yoghurt, granola, cheese, and cold cuts, as well as an excellent selection of cooked breakfasts: frittata with emmental cheese, baby spinach, avocado, spring onions, and chives; and pumpkin flapjacks with cinnamon coconut cream, toasted pecan nuts, and maple syrup.

High tea includes a couple beautiful cakes (the carrot is particularly good) as well as some excellent savoury options, which are stored in the fridge and ready if you return home from supper and are still hungry.

One&Only Cape Town

The hotel is conveniently located for those seeking easy access to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and its attractions: the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Watershed (the city's best market for locally produced fashion and homeware) are nearby, while the V&A Mall, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, and Robben Island ferry are all within a 20-minute walk. There is also a tourist water taxi that stops directly outside the hotel.

The vibe is very much that of a 'luxury resort', with visitors sprawling on loungers facing a big pool fringed with palms, which is little odd given that the bustling waterfront mall and working dock are just a short walk away.

The Island pool and spa area are just for hotel guests, but the Vista Bar & Lounge, a massive atrium-like room in the main hotel building with floor-to-ceiling windows framing Table Mountain vistas, is a popular gathering place for local glitterati, making it ideal for people-watching.

The entire hotel has received a thorough renovation, combining characteristic One&Only splendour with local art and bespoke crafts, from carpets inspired by Africa's Great Kelp Forest and Table Mountain topography to in-room handmade decor.

The service is reason enough to book here, due to a personnel that is exactly what you want from a hotel team: efficient, warm, informed, and helpful. It's their charm that truly delights: the vibrant Musa in the Vista Bar & Lounge makes you feel right at home and ensures that your table or counter is never empty; during a wine tasting, sommelier Luvo not only edifies and entertains with his extensive knowledge of South African wines, but also delves into history and philosophy.

The spa facilities and treatments are especially exceptional; the unique Table Mountain Tonic treatment is highly recommended on your welcome day. Aside from wine tasting, the concierge staff can arrange tours and guides for hiking, swimming, golf, paddling, shopping, and art.

The Island suites are concentrated around or near the pool, with the best being on the canal. Alternatively, the Marina block has the most popular rooms with views of Table Mountain. If you choose the second option, book a room on the third or higher floor and request a mountain view. The rooms feel cosier following the renovation, with a natural material palette and locally produced crafts like Meshack Masuku's handmade pottery and Richard Madongwe's beaded pots adding character to the classic luxury finishes.

The hotel offers a variety of eating alternatives. Karen Dudley contributes to Vista Bar & Lounge's cuisine, which features fresh, mostly plant-based food. Standouts include the papaya salad and the Vietnamese-inspired brisket. Vista also serves a delicious high tea.

Ochre has an excellent breakfast buffet as well as a dinner menu that features innovative takes on South African staples such as pulled lamb bobotie. Isola beside the pool serves high-quality salads, fish, and pizzas. Nobu, led by Michelin-starred chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, provides unique dining experiences worth booking, even for non-guests.

Conclusion

Our favorite hotels in Cape Town offer a mix of luxury and comfort, making them perfect for any traveler. With stunning views and delicious dining options, these hotels capture the essence of the city. Whether you're exploring the sights or simply relaxing by the pool, Cape Town's best hotels ensure an unforgettable experience for all those who visit.