Accommodation / Ten (10) to Inspire / Western Cape

Finding hotels in Cape Town: 5 step guide to save you time

Updated Wednesday, 6 March 2024

It isn’t estate agents alone who mutter the mantra โ€“ location, location, location. It’s also how people choose hotels. I’m prepared to bet you thought it was all about the cost of the room?

But the latest study of why people around the world choose the hotels they do reveals location as the number one priority. The cost of the hotel and past experience come in second.

Based on this research, we have put together a five-step guide to help you find hotels in Cape Town

4 On Rosmead


Photograph: Four Rosmead Boutique Guest House in Oranjezicht

Five-step guide to help you find hotels in Cape Town

ONE: YOU ARE HERE ON BUSINESS

Finding hotels in Cape Town whilst on business is not difficult. If anything, you are spoilt for choice – Cape Town’s hotels are world renowned. But resist the urge to stick to tried and tested hotel chains, as there are numerous boutique style hotels, and luxury guest houses in the city bowl that will more than meet your needs, and your budget.

Examples of boutique hotels/luxury guest lodges in the city bowl:

Four Rosmead Boutique Guest House, Oranjezicht โ€“ a small guesthouse on the slopes of Table Mountain with 360ยบ views, within walking distance of the city; 8 luxury bedrooms that include Wi-Fi and broadband access and all other amenities.

The Grand Daddy Hotel, Long Street โ€“ luxury with a dose of playfulness, communal spaces infused with creative magic, yet stylish, luxurious and right in the centre of town.

Other hotels in Cape Town’s city bowl or see Hotels in central Cape Town

Camps Bay


Photograph: 3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel in Camps Bay

TWO: YOU ARE HERE FOR THE BEACHES

Resist the incentive to stay away from the coastline because the ‘burbs are cheaper. Having the beach on your doorstep is worth the extra cost, and not just for the views. You won’t want to waste half an hour getting to the beach only to find that parking is at a premium. Or having to leave before the sun sets to make it home in time for dinner. Besides, there’s the added bonus of the sound of crashing waves once everyone has gone home…

Examples of hotels in Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard:

3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel โ€“ luxury 15 bedroom guesthouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay โ€“ The Bay Hotel is superbly designed with 78 rooms and suites offering luxury in an unsurpassed setting. No less than four hotel pools with expansive sun decks offer superlative views of the Atlantic Ocean and majestic Lionโ€™s Head.

Other Atlantic Seaboard hotels or see False Bay coast hotels

The Cellars Hohenort


Photograph: The Cellars Hohenort Hotel in Constantia

THREE: YOU ARE HERE FOR THE WINE

Cape Town has two wine routes โ€“ the Constantia Wine Route, right in the heart of the city, and the Durbanville Wine Route, in the Tygerberg hills just 20 minutes drive from the city bowl. It is also  easy to reach what is known as the winelands โ€“ the Helderberg, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Ceres  โ€“ from Cape Town in day trips. A stay in the leafy, historic Constantia or Durbanville valleys is hard to beat for incredible views and easy access to wine.

Examples of hotels in Cape Town’s wine routes:

Nova Constantia Boutique Residence โ€“ a generously well designed space of architectural grandeur. The manicured gardens allow you to benefit from the alfresco lifestyle of the Cape and the design theme expands outdoors allowing guests to relax in privacy cocooned in sheer luxury.

Southern Light Country House โ€“ a stylishly modern guesthouse offering you a home away from home in the lush surrounds of Constantia.

Other Constantia Valley hotels or Hotels in Durbanville and Hotels in Cape Winelands

Welgemoed Manor


Photograph: Welgemoed Manor in Bellville

FOUR: YOU ARE HERE FOR THE DAY TRIPS

Cape Town is a logical base from which to travel to the Cederberg, the Overberg, or up the West Coast. You want to look for somewhere with easy access to the N1, N2 or N7 for a fast getaway. Blaauwberg is ideal for the West Coast, Cape Town North for the N1, or the city bowl is good for all of these.

Examples of hotels in Cape Town for day trips:

Blouberg Manor Boutique Hotel โ€“ just 40 metres from big Bay with views over Table Mountain and Robben island, this Cape Dutch Manor is a wonderful find

Other Cape Town North hotels or Other Blaauwberg hotels

De Hoop Collection


Photograph: One of the cottages at De Hoop Collection

FIVE: YOU ARE HERE FOR THE WHALES

The whales come to our shores annually when the southern right whale calves and mates in coves and bays close to shore. Anywhere along the coast between Cape Town and the seaside town of Witsand you can sight the whales just offshore, particularly Hermanus, De Kelders and Witsand (all excellent for land-based viewing). (For more about the whale coast see Cape Whale Coast).

Examples of whale coast hotels:

De Hoop Collection โ€“ this is one of the best places to spot whales without the crowds

Windsor Hotel, Hermanus โ€“ Nestled on the picturesque shores of Walker Bay, the Windsor Hotel seamlessly blends traditional hospitality with the modern comforts expected of upscale waterfront living. Enjoy a tranquil escape at this exquisite seaside retreat.

Other Whale Coast hotels

PLANNING YOUR CAPE TOWN TRIP

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