The Best Luxury Hotels in Cape Town

In the heart of the coveted Victoria and Alfred Waterfront district, 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 onsite restaurants, including South Africa’s only Peruvian-Japanese outpost of Nobu, and an expansive spa, may make it difficult to tear yourself away.

Opened in May 1997 by former South African president, Nelson Mandela, this hotel 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.

Two solar heated infinity pools, alongside complimentary sunset drinks and assorted homemade canapes make this boutique 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.

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.

Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank, this luxury stopover offers a look into the past. In the old town, in reach of both 6the boutique shopping hub The Biscuit Mill and the rainbow-hued houses of the Bo-Kaap (upper Cape) area. Visitors can choose between rooms with a mountain view and ones looking over the city.

Staying in this hallowed hotel puts visitors 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.

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.

This collection of clean cut, modern Camps Bay suites takes its name and inspiration from Chateau 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.

Further down the coast from the main city, Constantina, Cape Town’s wine producing suburb, plays host to this luxury option. The boutique hotel offers three classical heritage manor houses, on 11.5 acres 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.

Having started life as a farm in the 17th century, you’re never far from fresh produce or a fine wine in this establishment. 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.