Kloof Street & The Gardens
1. Mount Nelson Hotel
The historic Mount Nelson Hotel is a Cape Town icon. With its powder-pink facade, sprawling grounds, and traditional feel, if you’re looking for old-world Cape Town, this is it.
Pro-tip: While the main hotel is lovely, we’re especially fond of the quaint, peaceful garden cottage suites (and nearby adults-only pool).
Mount Nelson’s proximity to a number of great locations also can’t be beat. It’s a beautiful one-mile walk to Table Mountain Park. And access to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is about a 15-minute drive away. And for local shopping and dining delights, bustling Kloof Street is literally right down the block.
Ask the Experts:
“This Grande Dame of Cape Town, built in 1899, is a total must for those who love the grandeur of the world’s great hotels. Think tea time, seriously impressive floral arrangements, large gardens, and warmly discreet service. Happily, it has transitioned well to offer 21st century comfort and style. The one downside is the fair number of tour groups that stay there.”
— Marcia Gordon, Co-Founder & President
“Mount Nelson is in a great downtown city location within walking distance of Company Gardens. The hotel gardens boasts a huge breakfast area, and it’s a perfect spot for high tea. I love the old-world feel and the spacious rooms, and the service is absolutely lovely.”
— Lara Ray, Safari Specialist
2. More Quarters Luxury Cape Town Boutique Hotel
Feel like a local at More Quarters Luxury Cape Town Boutique Hotel with luxurious one- and two-bedroom apartments to call home – your own fully-serviced, yet private space. Perfect for families or groups of friends, the each apartment has a generous lounge and kitchen area to allow for a breezy, shared space that’s not at all restrictive. Set just off the buzzing Kloof Street in a scenic suburb of Cape Town, More Quarters is a delightful urban retreat at a very attractive price.
Ask the Expert:
“Located in the heart of the city, with Kloof and Bree Streets right outside the door, this is a great spot for those wanting to experience the vibe and local culture of Cape Town. Each room is spacious, with a sitting area and kitchenette, so you can relax, spread out, and feel at home. More Quarters has some wonderful options for families looking to stay together. The service has an understated perfection, with staff on hand at all times who go above and beyond for each traveler.”
— Emily Cottingham, Safari Specialist
Oranjezicht & Gardens
3. Abbey Manor
If a warm and welcoming guest house mere steps from Table Mountain National Park appeals to you, look no further than Abbey Manor. The views over the city and the bay, not to mention up the mountainside, are truly stunning. This is the perfect place to call home while you’re in Cape Town, especially if you’d like someplace tranquil.
There are plenty of tasty coffee bars and restaurants nearby, and we love walks down into the city center. Just be sure to consider hailing a ride on the way back as it’s definitely an uphill climb! (Or, make the walk home your daily “gym” session, as there’s no fitness center here at Abbey Manor–who needs a treadmill, right?)
The attentive, accommodating service here makes Abbey Manor perfectly suited to an older, well-heeled clientele. We generally don’t recommend it for families.
Pro-tip: For a nearby, kid-friendly property, we recommend the Cape Grace, More Quarters, or the private villas at Ellerman House.
Ask the Expert:
“We really enjoyed it here, as the service was great and the room was special. We are fans of guesthouses which make you feel as though you’ve been welcomed into a friend’s house.”
— Elizabeth Gordon, Safari Specialist & EJ CEO
4. Kensington Place
Located in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Higgovale, near bustling Kloof Street, this luxury boutique hotel is surrounded by Table Mountain and overlooks the city.
With just 8 spacious suites, the property feels more like an elegant home than an impersonal hotel. Kensington Place is perfect for singles, honeymooners, and couples.
It’s not suited to families with children, however. And if accessibility is a concern, please note there’s no elevator, so guests will need to walk up two or more flights of stairs.
Pro-tip: for gorgeous views, we recommend the mountain-facing rooms.
Ask the Expert:
“This little gem is tucked up the hill in a high-end residential area. Modern, sophisticated (some great art to be found here), and charming, Kensington Place is a fabulous value for younger people who are happy to walk down the hill to the myriad of restaurants and shops on Kloof Street (and grab an Uber to come home). It is small with limited staff, a bit more like an elegant B&B than a hotel.”
— Marcia Gordon, Co-Founder & President
5. Four Rosmead
This boutique guest house, built in 1903 on the slopes of Table Mountain, is a classified monument. Four Rosmead provides a wonderful home-away-from home feel with its beautiful gardens, a pool and spa, and a range of wonderful amenities. We especially enjoy the loft rooms here.
Four Rosmead is a fantastic base for exploring all the city has to offer, especially if you’re looking for a good value with your accommodation. Given its tucked-away location in the Gardens, we recommend having your own vehicle when staying here, though tours and transfers from the guesthouse can certainly be arranged.
Ask the Expert:
“Sweet home away from home! I love the wonderful breakfast and kind attention. Four Rosmead feels more like a B&B than a hotel with the buzz in from the outside and limited front desk hours. It’s not super walkable, but at this price, it’s an easy Uber ride from all of the major highlights. I also love the quiet pool and courtyard and the nice-sized rooms.”
— Jenny Salentine, Safari Specialist
Camps Bay & Clifton
6. Ellerman House
Formerly an elegant Cape Edwardian mansion, Ellerman House sits perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head, just 10 minutes from the heart of Cape Town. This gorgeous property is situated in the prestigious Bantry Bay residential area with one of the most beautiful ocean views around.
The boutique hotel has 11 rooms, 2 suites and 2 three-bedroom villas. The heart of the house is Ellerman Contemporary Gallery, home to one of, if not THE, single most important private collection of modern South African art.
Ask the Experts:
“Ellerman House is a serene slice of heaven in Cape Town. The sea views, the impressive design, the attentive service, the blissful gardens, the private art gallery, and of course the walk-in pantry make Ellerman the most amazing hotel in Cape Town. I wouldn’t recommend it for a short stay in Cape Town–you might find it too difficult to leave!!”
— Pearl Jurist-Schoen, Safari Specialist
“Everything is exceptional, from the curation of the gardens featuring rare proteas and native fynbos to the art collected over a period of a hundred years that is scattered throughout the extensive property. And rather than being stuffy, it is warm and welcoming with fresh-baked cookies in the open pantry, wine tastings every afternoon, and just about anything you can wish for included in the price. Located in the exclusive Bantry Bay suburb, you won’t be walking to the local coffee shop. But why leave when divine meals are at your doorstep?”
— Marcia Gordon, Co-Founder & President
7. Clarendon Bantry Bay
For sweeping views of Bantry Bay and easy access to Clifton Beach, we love the Clarendon. This is easily one of the most scenic locations in all of Cape Town. Clean lines and contemporary decor provide a welcome respite after a full day of sun and sand.
Despite its proximity to the beach, Clarendon is also a short drive to the city center You can call an Uber as needed, but to take advantage of day-tripping opportunities, we recommend you rent a car.
Pro-tip: While the Clarendon is warm and welcoming to families, children over 12 are charged full price. If budget is a concern, a nice alternative for families is Clarendon Fresnaye.
8. Sea Five
Sea Five Boutique Hotel is just 300 meters from South Africa’s most glamorous beach (Camps Bay), and the city center is an easy four-mile drive away.
The 7 exclusive en-suite rooms boast views of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, and the Atlantic Ocean. And each room has a private balcony. Think of Sea Five as your very own “beach house.”
Pro-tip: For 360-degree views, book the penthouse master suite!
Ask the Expert:
“I love, love the Camps Bay location, the truly personalized service, and low-key feel (like you’re visiting a friend’s house). With a lack of hallways, there isn’t that much privacy, so Sea Five may not be ideal for honeymooners who want to be on their own. But it’s great for social people who want a perfect little boutique hotel.”
— Lara Ray, Safari Specialist
9. Cape View Clifton
Looking for someplace that feels more like a friend’s posh beach house than a hotel? That’s Cape View Clifton for you.
We love the contemporary grey-and-white design, jaw-dropping views, and outstanding service. The marvelously comfortable beds are the perfect answer to a full day on your feet, whether exploring the city or strolling down the beach.
And with only seven suites available, Cape View Clifton delivers the exclusivity and luxury you crave.
Pro-tip: for a family or small group of friends, ask about the Bakoven Beach House, a three-bedroom villa just a short distance from Cape View Clifton.
Ask the Experts:
“Cape View Clifton is the newer kid on the block that suits everyone. It’s great for honeymooners, anniversaries, and more. The views and service are spectacular.”
— Jenny Salentine, Safari Specialist
“Cape View Clifton is the perfect blend of stylish modern luxury. I love the location of the property with its fabulous views of the water, Clifton, and Camps Bay. It truly feels like a hideaway right outside of a vibrant city. This is a boutique hotel with a wonderfully romantic ambience and great personal service. Here, you’re surrounded by locals, so you can have the best of both worlds: an authentic stay AND access to many tourist areas just a quick 10- to 15-minute ride away.“
— Jenna Stockman, Safari Specialist
V&A Waterfront
10. Cape Grace
One of Cape Town’s most elegant hotels, Cape Grace is known for superb service as well as its location on a private quay between the bustling V&A Waterfront and the tranquil yacht marina.
A Capetonian experience through and through, the well-appointed rooms overlook the marina, the harbor, or Table Mountain, integrating the natural beauty of the Mother City.
Pro-tip: We love this location for families! The special kids services keep the kiddos entertained so parents can enjoy some time off–on the town or in the spa!
Ask the Experts:
“Cape Grace works so well for many different kinds of travelers! The location–right in the V&A but set away from the bustling streets–is ideal for everyone from young families to honeymooners. The elegant decor has a real touch of whimsy, as this hotel does not take itself too seriously. What they do take seriously is service, and their genuine approach to making sure their guests are happy resonates with everyone who stays there.”
— Lara Ray, Safari Specialist
“At a slight remove from the commercial hustle of the Waterfront, Cape Grace emanates refined elegance. The ‘wow’ here is in the discreet, genuinely warm, and totally unexpected levels of service.”
— Marcia Gordon, Co-Founder & President
11. Queen Victoria
For travelers in search of something on the Waterfront that’s more modern than Cape Grace, Queen Victoria is a delightful option–and it comes at a lower price point!
One of the perks we love is that guests have access to Queen Victoria’s sister properties. Enjoy breakfast at the Victoria and Alfred Hotel or lounge by the pool at the Dock House.
Pro-tip: Art nerds and historians alike will marvel at the custom wallpaper (really), artwork of Queen Victoria.
Ask the Expert:
“The decor here takes Victorian style and turns it on its head. I defy anyone to get through the lobby without cracking a smile. At a welcome remove from the heart of the Waterfront, Queen Victoria offers a sophisticated and light haven at an attractive price point.”
— Marcia Gordon, Co-Founder & President
12. The Silo Hotel
The Silo Hotel is one of the newer luxury hotels in Cape Town and an art-lover’s dream. Built above the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape Town’s biggest attractions, the hotel melds industrial-chic architecture with the stunning natural surroundings. The Silo occupies the grain elevator portion of an early-1900s silo complex, spanning a full six floors of the old structure.
Also housed within the silo complex is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). Guests enjoy special guided tours and after-hours access.
Experience the V&A Waterfront like never before by learning about its rich history and contemporary attractions, beginning with the biggest museum to open on the continent for more than 100 years.
Something for Everyone
Our roundup of our favorite Cape Town properties perfectly exemplifies the diversity and vibrancy of the Mother City. Whether you’re an art buff or beach bum, luxury shopping aficionado, or garden poolside lounger, there’s something for everyone in Cape Town. We’re delighted to partner with properties suited to families, couples, groups of friends, and singles of all ages. And we can’t wait to pair you with the perfect home away from home! There are many other properties we love and simply couldn’t fit on the list.
Plan Your Stay in Cape Town
Ready to start planning your own incredible visit to Cape Town? We make the process stress-free and enjoyable. Call or email us today to discover the perfect accommodation for you–and an adventure in Cape Town you’ll never forget!
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