The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Cape Town

From spa hotels in the city centre to farms on the outskirts, Cape Town is full of luxury places to stay
From spa hotels in the city centre to farms on the outskirts, Cape Town is full of luxury places to stay | Courtesy of the Cellars-Hohenort / Expedia
Lucy Harley-McKeown

Under the zenith of the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town is both South Africa’s cosmopolitan centre and a heartland of national history. Colloquially known as the Mother City, Cape Town offers sunshine, good wine and unadulterated luxury alongside a healthy dose of culture from the quasi-European legislative capital. If you want to see the city in style, read on for our pick of the top luxury hotels in Cape Town – all bookable with Culture Trip.

One&Only Cape Town

Hotel, Resort, Luxury

An outside view of One and Only Cape Town surrounded by trees and with a mountain backdrop
Courtesy of One and Only Cape Town / Expedia

In the heart of the coveted Victoria and Alfred Waterfront district, One&Only Cape Town is a spot where you can kick back with a signature cocktail and views of Table Mountain. It’s minutes from cultural must-sees including boat rides to Robben Island and the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum. The calibre of the on-site restaurants, including South Africa’s only Peruvian-Japanese outpost of Nobu, and an expansive spa, may make it difficult to tear yourself away.

The Table Bay Hotel

Hotel

Elegant dining room with leather chairs and banquettes, exposed-brick walls and bookshelves at Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town
Courtesy of the Table Bay Hotel / Expedia

Opened in May 1997 by former South African president, Nelson Mandela, this five-star hotel in Cape Town has an air of pomp and circumstance. Whether you’re relaxing in the heated mineral pool or sipping a champagne at the bar, a complimentary breakfast will set you up for the day. It’s in the heart of the action on the V&A pier.

Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel

Hotel, Luxury, Boutique Hotel

Luxe outdoor deck with infinity pool, loungers, dining table for two and ocean views at Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel
Courtesy of Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Two solar heated infinity pools, alongside complimentary sunset drinks and assorted homemade canapés make this boutique luxury Cape Town hotel stand out from its peers. Located in bougie Camps Bay, it’s a stone’s throw from sweeping, white sandy beaches, a five-minute journey to the cable cars to scale Table Mountain and ten minutes from a jaunt into the thronging city centre.

Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers

Hotel, Luxury, Chain Hotel

Sleek outdoor pool with dark wood deck, white loungers and broad views at Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers
Courtesy of Cape Town Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers / Expedia

With a grand total of four different dining options, this hotel is one for foodies. Guests can expect fine dining at Towers Restaurant, pastries from The Greatroom and Deli, and light bites from the Orah Bar & Lounge, as well as 24-hour room service. Positioned away from the throng of the city centre, the rooftop pool and bar offers striking views across the city.

Taj Cape Town

Suite Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel

Rooftop wood deck with orange-cushioned seating, white metal beams, potted plants and panoramic views at Taj Cape Town
Courtesy of Taj Cape Town / Expedia

Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank, this luxury hotel in Cape Town offers a look into the past. In the old town, in reach of both the boutique shopping hub the Biscuit Mill and the rainbow-hued houses of the Bo-Kaap (upper Cape) area. You can choose between rooms with a mountain view and ones looking over the city.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Hotel, Cottages

Outdoor pool area with loungers, parasols, tall trees and Table Mountain view at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Courtesy of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel / Expedia

Staying in this hallowed hotel puts guests among the likes of Nelson Mandela, John Lennon, a former Prince of Wales and Winston Churchill. Deemed a “most excellent establishment” by the last in this list, this pale pink-hued gem offers expansive gardens and an indulgent spa run by skin specialists Africology, as well as painting masterclasses for creatives.

Dock House Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Outdoor pool with loungers on side lawn, greenery and ferris wheel view at Dock House Boutique Hotel and Spa, Cape Town
Courtesy of Dock House Boutique Hotel and Spa / Expedia

The Dock House Boutique Hotel does what it says on the tin, and is the place to turn to if you’re looking for opulence. Chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornices, as well as a choice art collection, give it a feeling of the upper cut. This building was originally the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800s, and has retained its Victorian charm into the 21st century.

The Marly Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Luxury

Airy bedroom with white couch, Eames chair, beige carpet and open doors to ocean-view patio at the Marly Hotel, Cape Town
Courtesy of the Marly Hotel / Expedia

This collection of clean cut, modern Camps Bay suites takes its name and inspiration from Château de Marly, which was built in the 17th century for the leisure activities of Louis XIV and his family. Deluxe suites include jacuzzis with ocean views, a Nespresso coffee machine and minibar, while others look out to the city’s dreamy mountainscapes.

Alphen Boutique Hotel

Hotel, Luxury, Boutique Hotel

Outdoor pool area with cushioned loungers on tile deck and plentiful greenery at Alphen Boutique Hotel, Cape Town
Courtesy of Alphen Boutique Hotel / Expedia

Further down the coast from the main city, Constantina – Cape Town’s wine producing suburb – plays host to this luxury Cape Town hotel. The boutique hotel offers three classical heritage manor houses, on 11.5 acres (4.7ha) of land. The Incognito bar serves up cool cocktails and hosts live jazz performances from some of the country’s revered musicians each Thursday evening.

The Cellars-Hohenort

Hotel, Luxury

Vineyard behind the white building housing the Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia Valley near Cape Town
Courtesy of the Cellars-Hohenort / Expedia

Having started life as a farm in the 17th century, you’re never far from fresh produce or a fine wine in this five-star hotel in Cape Town. Whether you’re looking for an individual room or to rent an entire property, the Cellars-Hohenort has you covered, with a free bottle of wine and fruit platter on arrival, if you opt for the self-contained Madiba Villa.

For even more accommodation options in Cape Town, check out the best hotels in Cape Town, bookable with Culture Trip.

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