Cape Town hotels offer a comfortable place to get acquainted with South Africa before your safari, or spend a luxurious few days before your flight home. There are so many places to choose from, so we’ve rounded up our top five Cape Town hotels to make your decision easier. Of course our Travel Professionals can help you decide which Cape Town hotel is a best fit for you as well.
Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Anchored by Table Mountain, the iconic city is a melting pot of cultures which has created a city full of world-class design, art, and fine cuisine. Just last year it was named the best place in the world to visit by both The New York Times and The Telegraph. There’s so much to see in and around Cape Town that you will definitely want to spend several days here pre or post safari to see it all. Day trips to the Winelands are also easy as they are just an hour away. Whether you choose to spend your days in Cape Town exploring the city or enjoying the hotel’s amenities, you’ll want an hotel that pampers you. We’ve rounded up our top five Cape Town hotels to help you decide where to rest your head each night.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
You’ll recognize the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel by its rosy-pink hue, a signature shade known as the “Mount Nelson Blush,” first mixed for the hotel in 1922. It sits on the lower slopes of the city’s landmark flat-topped Table Mountain, just a short stroll from the historic city center and the fashionable Kloof Street. Fondly know as the “Nellie” to locals, it’s had a presence in the neighborhood for 125 years. Inside, the rich woods and fabrics pair off nicely with the beautiful Cape Georgian architecture and a collection of memorabilia from the days of the Union Castle Line when passengers would disembark and head for the comforts of the hotel. Afternoon tea at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a Cape Town institution with a sumptuous spread of finger sandwiches, pastries, fresh cape fruits, scones, and muffins. Try the hotel’s signature Mount Nelson Tea, expertly blended from six different types of tea leaves and rose petals.
Ellerman House
This Cape Edwardian Hotel is one of the most chic boutique Cape Town hotels with a contemporary, yet sophisticated look. The secluded oceanfront getaway is just ten minutes from Cape Town and the bustling V&A Waterfront, but with so many amenities available on site (like a contemporary art gallery and extensive wine cellar), it might be hard to pull yourself away.
Cape Cadogan
At Cape Cadogan, you can live like a local, but be treated as a guest. The stately two-story Georgian and Victorian hotel is tucked away on a quiet residential street in Cape Town’s City Bowl neighborhood, known for its restaurants and shops. The hotel, renowned for its comfortable and luxurious atmosphere, dates back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. Declared a national monument in 1984, Cape Cadogan has the sophisticated tone of a private home with a manicured garden, pool terrace, plump sofas, and soft tones of whites and creams. Guest rooms at the Cape Cadogan boast views from the private balconies that extend all the way to Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and Lion’s Head, a presidential suite, and four apartments just a few minutes from main building for a more independent option.
Cape Grace
The Cape Grace is located on its own quay in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, surrounded on three sides by water with Table Mountain as its backdrop. It’s an ideal location from which to explore the waterfront’s shops and restaurants. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites are custom-designed to reflect the beauty, charm, and elegance of the Cape Grace. Large French windows or balconies look out over the marina or Table Mountain. Enjoy a Tasting Menu of seven courses at the new Heirloom restaurant or pre- or post-dinner drinks at the Library Lounge. Imbibe with a special whiskey tasting at the Bascule Whiskey, Wine, and Cocktail Bar or cruise to Camps Bay or Clifton on the Cape Grace’s exclusive use 56-foot luxury yacht, The Spirit of the Cape.
One&Only Cape Town
The One&Only Cape Town has found a way to feel remote, yet enjoys a location in the middle of Cape Town just steps from the V&A Waterfront. It’s a chic oasis that features a main hotel (Marina Rise) and two separate private islands with villa suites and the ESPA that’s surrounded by a man-made marina. In the Marina Rise, you’ll find guest rooms and suites with expansive glass doors that lead out onto private balconies offering unobstructed views of the harbor and Table Mountain. Meanwhile, the island suites are perfect for couples and families who want to feel as if they are at a resort as they have their own pool, pool butler, and restaurant.
Explore Cape Town with Ker & Downey
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*Header image via Cape Grace