There’s something about Cape Town that calls to me. From busy streets in the City Centre to the quiet outskirts that are scattered with beaches and wine farms, travelling in Cape Town is like travelling to several destinations at once.
Cape Town is often voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and I’d have to agree. Although you can hear stories about how gorgeous this city is and how much there is to see and do, it’s really a case of ‘seeing is believing’.
One of the hardest parts about planning my first trip here was trying to narrow down the best hotels to stay at. With so many options, it was hard to pick just one. That’s what inspired me to write this guide on the best hotels in Cape Town – to help people like you find a hotel that can truly be called a home away from home.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Best for Foodies: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
- 2 2. Best for Couples: Tintswalo Atlantic
- 3 3. Best for Digital Nomads and Explorers: Gorgeous George
- 4 4. Best for Luxury: The Capital 15 on Orange
- 5 5. Best for Art Lovers: The Silo Hotel
- 6 6. Best for Tranquility: Steenberg Hotel & Spa
- 7 FAQs
- 8 Conclusion
1. Best for Foodies: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Just a 5-minute car ride away from Cape Town City Centre and around 15 minutes from the iconic Table Mountain is the Mount Nelson Hotel – or as some of the hotel staff called it, the ‘Nellie’.
I’ve stayed near the City Centre quite a few times, and I can confidently say that the Nellie is my go-to choice for accommodation. Each time I’ve had the chance to stay here, I’ve booked either a Deluxe room (which sometimes has a balcony with fantastic city views) or a Superior room, which opens up onto a small shared garden.
Although I haven’t had the opportunity to stay in the suites yet, the private garden cottage suites and the signature Honeysuckle Suite are on my must-try list the next time I come here with my partner.
During my first time here, what really excited me was the food. If you’re a foodie, you may want to pay attention! The hotel is home to the Red Room restaurant, the Oasis, the Verandah, the Planet Bar, and their exclusive Lounge area. I have to admit that I am always a little spoilt for choice when I stay here and am still working around getting to each of these dining options.
I did, however, get to have breakfast at the Oasis, and let me tell you – their Eggs Royale is to die for. I am a sucker for a good egg-based breakfast, though, so I may be a little biased. If eggs aren’t really your thing, there is also a breakfast buffet that nearly sent me into a certified food coma! There was so much to choose from, so I had to try a little sample of everything.
2. Best for Couples: Tintswalo Atlantic
My partner and I were recently on the hunt for hotels in Cape Town that were quiet and romantic. That’s when we came across the Tintswalo Atlantic.
The Tintswalo is a water-facing hotel in Table Mountain National Park, right at its base. But please, don’t make the mistake of thinking this means you’re close to Table Mountain! It took me longer than I care to admit to realise that the mountain was a 40-minute drive away from where we were staying. Luckily, there was plenty to do and see at the hotel, so I didn’t really mind my blunder.
The boutique hotel has perfect views of the nearby mountains and you’re practically right on the waves of the ocean, which makes it the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. There are also eight suites to choose from, each with a unique theme that is inspired by exotic islands from all around the world.
During our stay, we indulged ourselves a little and had a romantic evening at Chef’s Warehouse, where we enjoyed the Tapas Set Menu. With set seasonal menus that change just as quickly as the tide on a windy day in Cape Town, you’ll never have the same dining experience here twice.
One thing about me is that my guilty pleasure is a really good massage. Of course, I couldn’t help but try out the Tintswalo Atlantic Spa before I left, so I booked us in for the Couple’s Atlantic Ocean Pamper Us Package. All I can say is that we both left with huge smiles on our faces, and I don’t think either of us had felt that relaxed in years.
3. Best for Digital Nomads and Explorers: Gorgeous George
Next on my list of the best hotels in Cape Town is Gorgeous George. And if you’re thinking that the hotel was named after just how gorgeous it is, you’d be right! I stayed at this super-unique hotel on one of my business trips to Cape Town, and I was definitely not disappointed.
Less than a 10-minute drive from the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC as it’s more commonly known), this hotel at the heart of the city is a gem for my fellow digital nomads. Here, you can experience everything that Cape Town has to offer while still living it up like a local.
Gorgeous George is a hotbed of innovation, where local design meets groundbreaking creativity. The hotel is housed in two beautifully restored heritage buildings, with 32 rooms that are luxurious masterpieces. They have all the modern amenities you could want, plus some hand-picked decor pieces from local and international designers that are sure to get your creative juices flowing.
During my stay, I had a few important meetings that I needed to organise. But, since I wasn’t too familiar with the area, setting up a place to meet felt a little daunting. That is until I found out that the hotel has a meeting venue on-site called ‘The Pink Room’. Another reason why this is a great hotel for nomads!
This gorgeous cocktail-style lounge is the perfect place to have business get-togethers. It’s quiet and private, and my meetings went off without a hitch! You can even use the space for bigger corporate events, which is a big win for someone like me since I have a team of employees who are based in Cape Town and were super excited at the idea of having an event here.
The Rooftop and the Lobby are two of the most popular places for adventurous spirits, and it’s the place to be to mingle with some of the local creatives.
On the Rooftop, you’ll also find the Gigi Rooftop Bar, which offers breakfast and light food and drinks from midday. My hot tip is to enjoy the city views here with a cocktail in your hand. ‘The Blush’ cocktail (a mix of gin, elderflower, cranberry, and citrus) is a must-try.
4. Best for Luxury: The Capital 15 on Orange
I can be really picky when it comes to luxury hotels. After all, I want to feel as though I’m getting what I paid for. I’m pleased to say that The Capital 15 on Orange Hotel really surprised me. In the Garden’s suburb of Cape Town, just a 5-minute drive from Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, this hotel may not look like much on the outside. But you know what they say: Don’t judge a book by its cover!
The interior was chic and modern, with a unique design and elegant outdoor pool area. I only spent around an hour out at the pool on my first day, but that’s just because I had to explore Cape Town’s only underground spa, which was right below me.
The Grotto Spa feels expensive and exclusive, and the vibe here was nothing short of enchanting. Who would have thought that you could have your own personal slice of heaven right in the hustle and bustle of a city? I ended up trying out the Reflection Heated Hydrotherapy Pool, and I’ve got to say, it was a game-changer for me. Then, I ended my night with a glass of local wine at the Grotto Spa Bar.
The luxury doesn’t end there, though. The rooms here have the ideal blend of luxury and comfort and are all fitted with designer furniture and plush carpets. The bathrooms were the highlight for me and the rain shower in my room set the tone for one of the best sleeps of my life.
5. Best for Art Lovers: The Silo Hotel
Nestled in the centre of the V&A Waterfront and just over a 10-minute walk to the Cape Wheel (which I highly recommend doing if it’s your first time here) is the Silo Hotel.
The hotel is actually in a historic grain silo complex and is one of the best hotels in Cape Town for art lovers and creatives. The genius design of the hotel is visible from the outside, with pillowed-glass windows. But, trust me, you’re going to want to see them from the inside. In the rooms, you can get a full view of the V&A Waterfront, stretching from Table Bay Harbor to Table Mountain itself.
As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel is right above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA).
I spent a long afternoon here with my partner, taking in the artwork and exploring some of the more unique exhibits. If you have any photography skills, I’d also encourage you to bring your camera along, since there is plenty here to bring out your creative side (both at the MOCAA and in the hotel).
The Silo is more than just a contemporary hotel in Cape Town, though. It also has a touch of luxury that I really appreciate.
Don’t forget to book your table at the Granary Cafe while you’re here! I tried the Biltong Spiced Springbok while I was enjoying the dinner service, and it was out of this world. I’d highly recommend you give it a go if you’re adventurous enough to try this unique South African flavour.
6. Best for Tranquility: Steenberg Hotel & Spa
Sometimes you just want to enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Town without the fast-paced feel of the city. Luckily, you can take a beat and relax in one of the best hotels in Cape Town – Steenberg Hotel & Spa.
Around a 10-minute drive away from the popular hiking spot Silvermine Nature Reserve and less than 20 minutes from the Noordhoek Farm Village (a small and cosy shopping centre), this hotel really has everything you could ever want to relax. And did I mention that it’s on a winery?
The accommodations here are amazing, from private villa suites to standard rooms that are a part of the main hotel. But, no matter which room you pick, you probably won’t be spending too much time indoors. At least, I didn’t! There was just too much to do.
The Steenberg Wine Farm (where the hotel is located) has an 18-hole golf course – the Peter Matkovich Golf Course – that is great for blowing off steam.
But if that’s not your idea of relaxation, the Steenberg Spa offers a ton of luxurious treatments. I opted for a massage in one of the outdoor treatment areas, which made the experience even more special. Surrounded by vineyards and the smell of the budding grapes, it was total bliss.
FAQs
How can I find the best hotel deals in Cape Town?
Finding deals for the best hotels in Cape Town can be tricky. However, there are some ways to catch some good deals before they’re gone.
You can find the best hotel deals in Cape Town by checking sites like Booking.com or booking your trip in advance. The more time you give yourself to plan your stay, the better! Alternatively, you can keep your eye on the hotel’s website for any packages or seasonal deals they may be offering.
What’s the best time to visit Cape Town?
The best time to visit Cape Town is in the summer, which runs from December to around February. There is plenty to see and do, and the sunny weather brings the locals out to set the vibe on the beaches and around the city. Just remember that the summer is the busiest season for hotels in Cape Town, so you may want to plan your stay in advance to avoid any disappointment.
How can I get around Cape Town?
Getting around in Cape Town is easy. There are plenty of ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt that can help you to get around the city, and the hotels in Cape Town usually have shuttle services (or can contact one on your behalf). However, if you want to truly experience Cape Town with as much freedom as possible, I’d recommend renting a car.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: My picks for the best hotels in Cape Town. My experiences at these hotels were nothing short of fantastic, and I’m hoping that you feel the same on your trip to the Western Cape.
I’ve just got one more piece of advice for you – no matter what hotel you’re staying at, be sure to get out and explore! Sure, the hotels in Cape Town may be stunning, but there is plenty to do and experience outside of the walls of your hotel room. So, just remember to have fun!
