The Top 10 Hotels in Cape Town

Cape Town's hotel industry has blossomed in recent years, featuring a new wave of design-focused boutique accommodations that highlight the city’s stunning scenery and vibrant dining options. Meanwhile, some beloved classics—such as Tintswalo and the Belmond Mount Nelson—have been revitalized or rebuilt. Discover the finest places to stay in Cape Town.

1. Dorp

If you’re not a local, you might not have explored Dorp, situated at the summit of a steep road by Signal Hill and above the colorful BoKaap neighborhood. Named for 'town' in Afrikaans, Dorp feels like a charming village within Cape Town. Surrounded by lush gardens, the complex features a central courtyard and café, with rooms in various buildings that ascend the hill and meander down scenic garden paths. Instead of a conventional lobby, you’ll find a check-in area beside a grand dining room and a cozy lounge filled with plush sofas and welcoming wingback chairs. Each room is uniquely styled, ranging from intimate spaces to spacious standalone suites with kitchenettes; some boast dipping pools, while others feature terraces and steam rooms. One suite even opens onto the rooftop garden, providing breathtaking views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain at Dorp.

2. Labotessa

A few years back, the location of Labotessa on Church Square in downtown Cape Town was seen as rather unremarkable, situated in what was primarily a business area. However, recent creative investments have transformed it into a vibrant, leisure-focused district, revitalizing the area's charming historic buildings with renowned restaurants (including the Japanese-South African fusion eatery Fyn) and local shops. Since its opening in 2019, Labotessa has been the first boutique hotel in the area, featuring six elegant signature suites adorned with heavy drapes and artworks from talents like Emma Aspeling. Additionally, the property boasts a fragrance boutique and a restaurant offering hearty dishes such as bobotie, a traditional Cape Malay curry.

3. La Grenadine

Step into the courtyard of La Grenadine, where pomegranate, guava, avocado, and olive trees provide shade, and you’ll feel as if you’ve been whisked away to a Provençal farm. This serene atmosphere is particularly surprising given that the hotel is located near one of Cape Town’s most vibrant areas, Kloof Street, making it easy for guests to explore unique local shops like Ashanti Design.

Owned by a French couple who fell in love with Cape Town, La Grenadine occupies a charming 19th-century farm building featuring five rooms and a two-bedroom cottage, all centered around a delightful main courtyard. The welcoming, laid-back rooms showcase white hand-embroidered linens, vintage furnishings, and clawfoot bathtubs. Even the breakfast, featuring fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, baguette, and homemade jams, will evoke memories of a cozy French country home.

4. Ellerman House

Guests fortunate enough to stay at Ellerman House from July to September may catch glimpses of southern right whales frolicking off the glistening coast from the hotel's charming pink and white terrace. Inside this Edwardian mansion, discreetly positioned behind a nondescript wall along the bustling Atlantic Seaboard, awaits another delightful surprise: a vast private art collection showcasing works by South African artists like William Kentridge and Sam Nhlengethwa.

The hotel also boasts a wine cellar featuring over 9,500 South African wines to sample. The 13 rooms and suites are adorned with wingback chairs and elegant chandeliers; two modern villas include private pools. While each space offers its unique charm, they all share one remarkable trait: spectacular views for sunset watching.

Discover more about Ellerman House.

5. Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel

Affectionately dubbed “The Pink Lady” due to her blush-hued façade, Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel is a cherished landmark in Cape Town. For decades, well-heeled locals have gathered on her terrace and manicured lawns for delightful high teas and elegant picnics, while the Librisa spa has been a long-standing favorite for relaxing massages and manicures.

Guests lucky enough to reside in this magnificent hotel can enjoy the expansive pool adorned with daybeds, alongside 198 guest rooms and suites embellished with patterned drapes and garden-view windows. The Victorian garden cottages, nestled along a rose-lined pathway, are among the most coveted accommodations. (Don’t miss the chance to savor breakfast on your private terrace.) Just steps away lies the Company’s Garden, a historic green space housing cultural landmarks such as the Iziko Museums of South Africa.

6. The Silo Hotel

Perched atop the Thomas Heatherwick-designed Zeitz MOCAA Museum in a converted grain silo at the V&A Waterfront, the Silo Hotel boasts one of the most stunning locations in Cape Town. With panoramic views of the city, guests can admire Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. The ideal spot for sunset drinks is the open rooftop. The 28 vibrant rooms, crafted by Liz Biden of the Royal Portfolio, feature unique geometric windows that frame these breathtaking vistas, along with colorful printed sofas, glass chandeliers, and luxurious stand-alone tubs. Additionally, the hotel functions as a mini art gallery, showcasing significant works by local artists such as South African Zanele Muholi and Jody Paulsen, as well as Swazi artist Nandipha Mntambo. For further artistic exploration, the Zeitz MOCAA Museum below offers an impressive collection of contemporary African art and works from its diaspora.

Discover more about The Silo Hotel.

7. Tintswalo Atlantic

Having originally opened 15 years ago, Tintswalo Atlantic has recently reopened after extensive fire damage in 2019. Known as a discreet retreat for luxury travelers, it’s now arguably at its finest. Nestled between Table Mountain National Park and Chapman’s Peak, the hotel boasts a stunning seaside location. The spacious suites feature private terraces overlooking the ocean, cozy fireplaces, and elegant chandeliers suspended from exposed wooden ceilings. Although just a 25-minute drive from Cape Town, guests won’t need to venture far for exquisite dining, as the hotel houses a Chef’s Warehouse restaurant led by culinary expert Liam Tomlin. Even if you're not staying here, be sure to reserve a tapas tasting menu to savor ocean delights like fresh oysters and seared tuna.

Learn more about Tintswalo Atlantic.

8. Noah House

Situated in a home dating back to 1860—typical of the many Victorian residences in Tamboerskloof—staying at Noah House allows guests to experience the everyday charm of the neighborhood. The 10 guest rooms, decorated in soothing beige and white, feature antique black marble fireplaces, Malawi-style wicker chairs, and terraces adorned with intricate balustrades. On weekends, locals frequent the café for house-made granola and avocado toast enjoyed on the terrace facing the street. One of the hotel’s greatest advantages is its proximity to Kloof Street, just a short walk away, which boasts some of the city’s most vibrant restaurants and shops.

9. Gorgeous George

Designed by local talent Tristan du Plessis, Gorgeous George is a stylish inner-city hotel showcasing works by some of South Africa's finest designers, including a swing chair by Porky Hefer and steel tables by Gregor Jenkin. Nestled between two beautifully restored buildings—one Edwardian and one art deco—near St. Georges Mall, where a lively weekly market unfolds, the hotel exudes a modern and inviting atmosphere with oak flooring, leather quilted sofas, and lush greenery in the public areas. The 32 guest rooms feature exposed concrete ceilings and murals by Cape Town artist David Brits. Guests can enjoy the indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant, Gigi, which features a bright conservatory, a small pool, and a menu of delectable dishes like burrata and fish tartare.

10. Art House Collection

Created by the innovative Elana Brundyn, former director of Zeitz MOCAA and CEO of Cape Town’s contemporary art hub, the Norval Foundation, the Art House Collection features a selection of stylish homes brimming with works from prominent artists and designers, all available for rent. This portfolio acts as an exclusive version of Airbnb tailored for serious art lovers, offering a variety of home styles including six-bedroom mansions, charming farmhouses in the nearby Cape Winelands, and urban studios.

A retreat in the Eastern Cape showcases the art of talents like Nelson Makamo and Mary Sibande, while an apartment in Cape Town features the celebrated photography of Guy Tillim. Capitalizing on Cape Town’s esteemed reputation as an arts destination, the Art House Collection team can arrange private tours of museums or galleries and even facilitate introductions to artists.