As someone who has had the privilege of exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs when staying around the City Centre.
But all through these highs and lows as a guest in this colourful urban masterpiece, I’ve been able to stay at some of the best accommodations that the city has to offer. Actually, these accommodations are more than just somewhere to stay – they’re a portal to the heart and soul of the Mother City.
When you visit Cape Town, the energy, history, and culture here are almost tangible. In my opinion, a special city like this deserves to be experienced in more than a standard hotel room. That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best boutique hotels in Cape Town – so that you can experience the city in the way it’s meant to be.
Table of Contents
1. Best for Exclusivity: Ellerman House
Imagine waking up to stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head. If you want to feel like royalty in the beating heart of Bantry Bay, then the Ellerman House Boutique Hotel is the best way to do it.
Less than a 5-minute drive from the popular Clifton Beach, this is one of the most exclusive boutique hotels in Cape Town. However, if you’re planning on visiting the beach, I would recommend taking the 14-minute walk there, since parking can be really limited (especially on weekends).
Ellerman House has 13 uniquely styled rooms that are all about comfort and class. Whether you fancy a Classic House Room or go all-in and splurge on a Deluxe House Room and its private terrace overlooking the ocean, you’re in for a treat.
Plus, you can enjoy the Ellerman’s stunning private art collection with pieces scattered in and around the hotel. Make sure to look out for my favourite piece – ‘Scattered Stare’ by Lionel Smit.
But there’s more to this hotel than just art and plush rooms! The hotel has an impressive wine cellar with over 9,000 bottles of South Africa’s finest labels. The best part? There are complimentary wine tastings every single evening for its guests.
If wine isn’t your thing, you can always head to the BAR ROC bar terrace, where you can enjoy one of Cape Town’s most exclusive sundowners with an incredible view of the mountains and ocean.
2. Best for Wellness Enthusiasts: Cape Cadogan
Right in the heart of the Cape Town City Centre, the Cape Cadogan is one of the best boutique hotels I’ve ever come across!
Less than a 10-minute walk from De Waal Park and the Labia Theatre (where you can enjoy a movie in a boutique movie theatre), you’re right in the middle of the action of the city – without feeling like your hotel is part of the hustle and bustle. I loved the peace and quiet when I was inside my room. But, as soon as I stepped out of the front door, it was transported back into the rhythmic beats of the city.
The Cape Cadogan is actually a national monument that dates back to the early 1800s, which explains why it’s so beautiful. But the owners and management shook things up in 2022 and gave the hotel a brand new look. Think green, gold, and classic black and white decor. The 19 rooms here blend old-school South African charm with modern comfort for a really swanky stay.
If you know me, you’d know that I put a lot of emphasis on my mental and physical well-being. My motto is ‘work hard, unwind harder.’ So, when I found out that the hotel had a gym, wellness spa, and two pools that were exclusive to guests, I couldn’t wait to explore the old Victorian building.
When I arrived, I was surprised that the rooms were all kinds of stylish. You can go for classic, luxury, or super luxury- they’ve got options for everyone. I went with a classic room, and I couldn’t have been more comfortable. I even indulged in the afternoon sherry and canapes! It was pure bliss.
3. Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Camissa House
There aren’t many boutique hotels in Cape Town that come close to the Camissa House. The hotel is right at the foot of Table Mountain, and a 15-minute car ride away from most of the city’s best hikes (like the Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head hiking trails).
While I was here, I spent more time hiking than I think I ever have in my life. And the views of the city are so worth it!
Camissa House has 8 rooms, each with stunning views of Cape Town’s most iconic landmark. But it’s not just about the scenery. The timeless designs in the rooms are just an outward display of how amazing they are. I’d describe the aesthetic of the rooms as ‘elegant simplicity’.
The beds here are incredibly comfortable, and the open-plan layout gives it a modern vibe that reminds you that you’re in one of the trendiest cities in the world.
During my stay, I took advantage of all the amenities that were included in my room rate. I had daily breakfasts (this was before I started fasting in the mornings), high tea, and used the complimentary dinner transfers which will take you to any of the restaurants around the hotel within a 10-kilometer radius.
If you want to do the same, I’d highly recommend checking out the Nelsons Eye Restaurant, which is only 6 minutes from the hotel when you take the shuttle. The ostrich fillet has uniquely South African flavours, and the atmosphere is alive with local charm.
4. Best for Families: More Quarters
If you’re looking for the artsy, eclectic vibes of Cape Town, then the More Quarters Hotel in the trendy Kloof Street neighbourhood is the place to be. It’s also only 10 minutes away from the V&A Waterfront, where there is something for everyone – from solo travellers to couples, groups, and families.
Because of the fun and unique environment here, I love recommending the More Quarters to families. In fact, it’s one of the best boutique hotels in Cape Town for families with young kids.
I don’t have any kids of my own, but I’ve spoken to plenty of other travellers with young children who have struggled to find accommodation (particularly boutique hotels) that meet their needs. Purely by accident, I realised during my stay at the More Quarters that they actually offer some great amenities for kids.
Here, you’ll find Luxury Family Suites (complete with special toys and gifts to entertain the little ones) and childminding services to keep the kids happy and comfortable while you sit back at the Upper Union restaurant and indulge in the Pasture Sharing Menu for two. Just wait until you taste the sea bass ceviche!
Still, it’s the ‘Mack & Madi Explorers’ package that sets this hotel apart from the rest of the boutique hotels in Cape Town. This package is set up to help recommend and book kid-friendly activities around Cape Town like meeting African penguins, gem hunting, and pirate-themed sailing.
5. Best for Couples: Labotessa
During one of my first trips to Cape Town, my partner and I decided to treat ourselves to a weekend getaway at one of the best boutique hotels in Cape Town for couples – the Labotessa. We loved how close it was to the Greenmarket Square (a 5-minute walk) since we wanted to take the city in at a slower pace. And a local craft market was just the way to do it!
What made this a top choice for us was the Labotessa’s historic charm. The hotel itself is among the leafy trees and cobbled lanes in the heart of the Cape Town City Centre, which already set the scene for romance. And then we got to the room and it blew our minds!
For a little boutique hotel that you could easily miss if you were distracted, the interior of the hotel is beautifully modern with a dash of historical influence. We stayed in one of the Signature Suites here, which had high ceilings, French Oak floors and (our favourite part) a small balcony that overlooked the street.
And the surprises didn’t stop there! There’s also a fragrance boutique at the hotel. With signature scents that are packed into candles, room sprays, diffusers, and perfumes, we spent a good amount of time browsing the boutique before heading off to lunch.
We sat down at the hotel’s Cafe and Terrace restaurant for a quick bite to eat, and it didn’t disappoint. Even the smaller bites – like the savoury muffin with homemade chilli jam – were to die for. Plus, the freshly pressed green juice was amazingly refreshing in the heat of the Cape Town sun.
6. Best for Budget and Digital Nomads: Kaap Mooi
If you’re heading to Cape Town and want a relaxing, budget-friendly home away from home, Kaap Mooi should be on your radar.
With lush gardens, stunning mountain views, and staff that take care of everything you could need – you can live the high life for a relatively low price. Plus, it’s less than 10 minutes away from both Signal Hill and Lion’s Head, so you can get out into nature at any time you’d like.
Here, you can choose between 5 uniquely decorated rooms that each offer you a truly unique experience. From a room inspired by Nelson Mandela’s Robben Island (which is my favourite room to stay in) to a suite with panoramic views of Table Mountain, you can stay here time and time again and have a different experience every time.
As a digital nomad, I’m always looking for hotels in Cape Town that suit my needs. During my last stay, I finally took advantage of the Business Centre, which the staff can set up for small conferences. I requested to book the room for two days when I booked my stay here, and the staff were friendly and incredibly accommodating.
If you’re travelling for business rather than pleasure, I can highly recommend using the Business Centre rather than meeting business partners or clients in a crowded coffee shop where you have to scream over the sounds of cups clinking and people catching up over a cappuccino.
The Business Centre is quiet, elegant, and has everything you could need. Plus, you can just walk back to your room when you’re done, which can help to cut down on travel time. And, if you’ve ever been stuck in Cape Town traffic, you’ll know how valuable this can be!
FAQs
When’s the best time to visit Cape Town?
Before you start booking your flights and your rooms at the best boutique hotels in Cape Town, you may want to take some time to plan your trip around the city’s weather and busy season. From December to March, the summer brings the city to life.
During this time, you can enjoy the warm weather on the sprawling beaches or sip on wineries under the hot summer sun. What could be better?
How can I get around Cape Town?
Getting around in Cape Town can be really easy – if you know how. Like most big cities, there are ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt that can help you get around. Alternatively, the MyCiti bus routes run through several of the major neighbourhoods and can be an affordable way to travel.
However, renting a car is (in my opinion) the easiest way to get from point A to point B without any hassle. Especially if you want to travel outside of the city and to more remote spots like wineries or smaller towns around the Western Cape.
How can I find the best deals on boutique hotels in Cape Town?
You can find deals for the best boutique hotels in Cape Town by looking on websites like Booking.com or Airbnb. After a lot of planning and replanning, I’ve found that the best way to find deals is to keep an eye on the websites for the boutique hotels you want to visit.
Often, they’ll offer packages or specials during quieter periods in the year, which means you can stay in upmarket hotels at a lower price and with more availability.
Conclusion
It’s time to embrace the Mother City in all its glory at the best boutique hotels in Cape Town! From hotels with historical charms to more modern, sleek accommodations that will knock your socks off, there are boutique hotels that can suit anyone’s needs here.
In Cape Town, you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to stay. But if you want a good place to start on your journey through the city, you’re going to want to try out some of my top picks. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
