The best luxury hotels in Cape Town

As Cape Town becomes ever more popular, the number of luxury hotels grows. There are classic, historic hotels and modern boutique hotels with everything from OTT lavish décor to more low-key, comfortable, chic styles. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up some of the best luxury hotels in Cape Town.

Ellerman House
The art gallery at Ellerman House.

Ellerman House

Perched on the cliffs of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is confidently established as one of the finest hotels, not just in Cape Town, but in the world. The house is furnished in a comfortable, classically luxurious style, whilst the two villas are more modern in style. Art plays a major role in both the house and villas, and there’s even an onsite art gallery. Ellerman’s art expert can take guests on a tour through the property, whilst oenophiles can visit the wine cellar with its terroir wall and giant corkscrew wine rack.

Ellerman House
Ellerman House. 

Kensington Place

A little city haven, Kensington Place is tucked in a leafy neighbourhood called Higgovale, just above the city bowl. It’s a comfy, boutique hotel that feels like a home away from home, with just eight suites, private terraces, a pool and garden. KP has been furnished in warm, soft colours to give the luxury hotel its homey feel.

Kensington Place
Kensington Place. 

Cape View Clifton

In the popular neighbourhood of Clifton, home to the city’s most popular beaches, Cape View Clifton has a coastal location that overlooks the Atlantic, with views of the Twelve Apostles. It’s a sleek hotel that manages to effortlessly balance comfort with style. The rooms are big, with plenty of living space (especially the deluxe suites), which makes CVC a great choice for those spending a few days in the Mother City.

Cape View Clifton
Cape View Clifton.

Mount Nelson

The Belmond Mount Nelson – or the Nellie as it’s affectionately known in Cape Town – is probably the city’s most well-known and historic luxury hotel. Located in Gardens, with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants all around, the Nellie – painted a pastel pink shade and furnished in an old, English colonial style – is famed for its impeccable service, fine dining restaurant, Planet, and high tea.

Mount Nelson
The Nellie

Cape Grace

The ever-popular Cape Grace is down at the V&A Waterfront on its own private quay. Guests consistently report excellent service and the hotel, which has a nautical theme, has spacious rooms with different details in each one. If whisky is your tipple, make a point of visiting Bascule Whisky bar, which has one of the biggest whisky collections in the southern Hemisphere.

Cape Grace
Cape Grace.

One&Only Cape Town

Another waterfront hotel, the One&Only, like the Nellie, sees its fair share of celebrities taking advantage of the great service and facilities. The hotel is set amongst the canals of the V&A Waterfront, tucked away, but still in the most bustling tourist centre of the city. There’s an on-site Nobu and a Reuben’s, fabulous cocktails and an excellent spa.

One&Only Cape Town
One&Only Cape Town. 

The Silo

The newest addition to Cape Town’s hotel scene, The Silo is located above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA) in a restored grain silo in the V&A Waterfront. The hotel, owned by Liz and Phil Biden’s Royal Portfolio, is styled in Liz Biden’s distinctive blend of classic and contemporary, with eclectic pairings of old furnishings and modern art. The huge floor-to-ceiling pillow windows offers views across the harbour and up to Table Mountain; for a panoramic vantage point, head to the rooftop bar and pool.

The Silo
The Silo.

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