Cape Town has it all. The perfect coastline, striking mountain ranges and a buzzing metropolis. With so much to do, your choice of accommodation should match what you want to see and experience during your stay.
Where you stay should fit your personality, budget, reason for visiting, and the experiences you want in Cape Town.
For example, if you’re active and always out exploring, a guesthouse might suit you better than a luxury hotel that you won’t have time to enjoy. That way, you can spend more on adventures, wine tours, safaris and other things that catch your interest.
Here’s the good news, Cape Town has everything for everyone. The problem you might have is actually picking one. So here’s a list to show you some of our favs.
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For City explorers and Business Travelers
Finding accommodation in Cape Town city center means easy access to lively markets, restaurants, and the city’s nightlife.
For business travelers, it also puts you close to meeting venues, the Cape Town Convention Centre, and reliable transport.
While there are plenty of popular and obvious choices, the real magic lies in the boutique hotels and upscale guesthouses that combine personal touch with tasteful service. These places, in my opinion, provide a more intimate, memorable stay than the bigger chains.
A refined double-storey residence with bespoke furnishings, colorful collectables, signature artwork, and high-end appliances. Labotessa is located in an affluent part of the city center, just a short walk from Church Square.
Riversong sits on the banks of Liesbeek River with a perfect view of the Table Mountain. It’s only 10 minutes from Kirstenbosch gardens, 20-minute drive from the Airport, City Centre, Cape Town International Convention Centre and the V&A Waterfront.
Stylishly designed and popular Hotel in the heart of the city with a rooftop bar.
The best accommodation for families
Choosing the right accommodation for your family means finding a place that is safe, spacious and welcomes larger groups. It should feel like home so everyone, including kids and adults can relax and enjoy the holiday.
A warm, family-run guesthouse with colorful décor and great views of Cape Town stretching across Robben Island, the Stadium, V&A Waterfront to sea point and Mouille Point. Only 5 mins drive from the city center, sea point promenade and 10 mins drive from Camps Bay beach.
In the upmarket suburb of Fresnaye, close to some of Cape Town’s best sightseeing. 4-minute walk to the Sea Point promenade and 10-minute drive to the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Clifton.
A cozy bed and breakfast at the base of Signal Hill, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the stadiaum. Short driving distance to the City Centre, V&A Waterfront, and Two Oceans Aquarium.
The perfect accommodation for Beach lovers
Few pleasures match waking up to the sound of the ocean or sipping wine at sunset with the sea on your doorstep. Cape Town’s coastal hotels are perfect for families, water-sport enthusiasts, and honeymooners who want the ocean views and sand in their toes.
Self-styled as “a patch of heaven suspended between the ocean and the mountain,” 21 Nettleton offers a secluded escape into luxury, peace, and relaxation.
As a guest you get to enjoy tailor-made dining experiences and a lovely view of the ocean.
Located directly on Milnerton Beach, this seaside hotel blends comfort and style with natural beauty. Only 10 minutes from the city center and 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, it’s a convenient base for both leisure and business travelers.
3-minute walk from Bloubergstrand Beach and 10 km from the city center, Ocean Vibes Inn offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine. Its location makes it great for kitesurfers and beach lovers.
The Hyde is perfectly positioned in cosmopolitan Sea Point, It caters to both leisure and business travelers, including conference groups and production crews.
Guests enjoy a gym, a rooftop sundeck with views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and a full-service restaurant.
With Table Mountain as it’s backdrop and the Atlantic Ocean just outside the door, The Bay Hotel is one of Cape Town’s best locations.
Inside, there are four swimming pools, indoor and outdoor padel courts, a spa, and a private beach club to vibe out with the cool kids.
Step outside and you’re on the Camps Bay promenade littered with world-class restaurants and bars.
Budget friendly accommodations for the price-conscious traveller
At these locations, you can travel on a budget without compromising your comfort.
In a quiet cul-de-sac in Edgemead, Goblin Guesthouses offer a peaceful home for business or holiday travelers. With two guesthouses just a few houses apart and only 18 km from the city center, it’s a practical option for those who want affordability, comfort and still want to be close to the city.
Never@Home runs two trendy, social hostels in Green Point and Kloof Street Gardens. Both locations are known for their lively atmosphere as they attract backpackers and adventurers eager to meet fellow travelers. They’re among Cape Town’s most popular hostels.
Best accommodation for wine-tasting adventures
Cape Town is home to some of the world’s most celebrated vineyards. Staying in the Cape Wineland means waking up among vineyards, enjoying world-class wine, and exploring villages filled with history, art, and cuisine.
A guesthouse that embodies warm and discreet hospitality, Beluga of Constantia is surrounded by the greenery and beauty of the Constantia Valley.
From here, you’ll have easy access to wine estates, sandy beaches, botanical gardens, golf courses, and picture-perfect walking trails.
Set on a historic wine estate, Vergenoegd Löw combines luxury accommodation with farm living.
You’ll be captivated by the estate’s biodiversity projects and sustainable farming practices, alongside vineyards, cattle, sheep, geese, and farm-grown produce. It’s a chance to experience both fine wine and authentic farm life.
Anna Beulah Farm began as a spot for locals to pop in and pick fresh vegetables and grew into a full farm-stay experience.
Visitors can enjoy gardens, eco-pools, horses, pottery, and artisanal crafts. Families love it too as the kids can explore the farm, meeting chickens, donkeys, alpacas, and lambs, while adults relax at the on-site coffee shop.
Adderley House is a beautifully restored Cape Dutch guesthouse on the wine route. With its home-away-from-home atmosphere, travelers can find simplicity, tranquility, and access to the region’s wineries.
Staying in Bankoek means waking up to beautiful mountains and landscape. Enjoy elegant rooms in an intimate garden setting and explore the local destination, vineyards and hiking trails.
Twice Central is a boutique luxury guesthouse in central Stellenbosch. With tasteful decor, a spectacular art collection, gardens and a relaxing pool courtyard, you get luxury and convenience that is not pretentious.
House Belmonth is a mediterranean-style guesthouse located on the slopes of Paarl. You’re treated to views of the surrounding mountain and town. It’s located very close to the town center, shops, restaurants and wine estates.
Positioned perfectly between the mountains and the ocean of Hout Bay, The Salt House is a family-friendly base from where you can explore the Constantia Wine estates, Hout Bay and nearby Camps Bay beaches.
La Cotte is only a short walk from the village of Franschhoek and offers quiet, privacy and the rural charm of a working wine farm.
Luxury stays in Cape Town
Cape Town has no shortage of hotels offering world-class luxury experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or simply want the best of the best, the city’s luxury hotels and boutique retreats will spoil you for choice.
Styled as a “sanctuary for the soul”, Camps Bay Retreat is a boutique hotel on an expansive land with natural mountain pool, waterfalls and streams.
It’s the perfect escape for travelers seeking rest, rejuvenation, and stunning natural surroundings.
Whether it’s for business, pleasure or a weekend getaway, POD offers an intimate, luxury stay that will wow you. You’ll also be right on Camps Bay beach so you can relax and watch the ocean or walk down to the beach and get your feet wet.
It offers facilities to make your stay super comfortable like a cocktail bar, pool, gym and dry cleaning.
Atlantic view brings luxury together with the warmth of being at home. You can simply relax, on the Camps Bay beach promenade and enjoy the bars and restaurants.
The Twelve Apostles is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Cape Town. During your stay, you’ll be treated to fine dining, a luxury spa and first-class service.
A unique highlight if you’re visiting between June and December is the “Whale spotting bell”. This bell is rung whenever whales are sighted in the Atlantic ocean. So if you’re visiting at that time of the year, you may be fortunate to share this magical moment with other guests.
Whale watching: Grootbos Nature Reserve, Gansbaai
Located 2-hours from Cape Town, Grootbos Nature Reserve in Gansbaai combines luxury with nature. You’ll be staying in a modern suite with fireplaces and private verandas that overlooking perfect landscapes. You’ll also be offered other experiences like guided tours of the reserve, whale watching, and dining at two world-class restaurants.
