Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa, is steeped in history. Here, every nook and corner has a story to tell that becomes even more alluring on the backdrop of the modern face of the place. Popular tourist spots here include Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden with several hiking trails and gorgeous birds and Cape Point Nature Reserve, which teems with wildlife. You can also visit the nearby Robben Island for a slice of history while on vacation.
Dreaming of sipping your morning tea on a seaside balcony, watching the sun sparkle behind the mountain and on the greens? There are several luxury accommodations that provide such an experience and more. Here’s a list of the best 5-star hotels in Cape Town, South Africa, to help you create a cherished memory.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. The Alphen Boutique Hotel & Spa (from USD 467)
Luxurious rooms, reasonable breakfast pricing, and attentive staff.
Spa, pool, and spacious, well-kept grounds for relaxation and leisure.
Perfect for winery tours, charming architecture, and convenient access to local attractions.
Excellent dining experiences at Blanko and La Belle, with delicious breakfast and tapas by the pool.
Located in Constantia in Western Cape province, this boutique hotel, which is a 30-minute drive from the city centre, commingles heritage and modernity. If you like travelling back in time, then you will fall in love with the place.
Established in the 1700s, the property has centuries-old doors and fireplaces contrasted with new-age interiors. One can experience the history of the place spread over 11.5 ac (4.7 hac) of land. The stories of Alphen hosting famous personalities like Mark Twain and Captain Cook are intriguing.
The 18 elegantly furnished suites in this property have gourmet coffee machines. The bathroom has a collection of luxe toiletries, too, for personal pampering.
2. The Westin Cape Town (from USD 412)
This Marriott property in the heart of the city has breathtaking views of the waters and the city skyline. A liquor connoisseur can try the selection of whiskeys and cognacs at Raleigh’s Bar. Else, the minibar in the room can be handy if you want privacy. And if you want a spellbinding stay, the Presidential Suite with its entrance lobby, entertainment room, walk-in wardrobe and even a butler’s kitchen is perfect for you.
The hotel is a five-minute drive to Cape Town and a ten-minute drive to Camps Bay and Clifton Beach. Bo-Kaap, a Malay neighbourhood, is a 15-minute drive from The Westin Cape Town and here you can witness a chapter in the history of Cape Town.
3. One&Only Cape Town (from USD 1197)
Luxurious and worth the cost, but can be expensive for locals.
Beautiful pool, waterfront setting, exceptional spa, and all-day childcare.
Excellent location near V&A Waterfront, with beautiful views and safe surroundings.
Delicious breakfast with South African specialties, Nobu restaurant, but some areas for improvement in service and menu variety.
This luxury hotel on the V&A Waterfront has a panoramic view of Table Mountain. The outdoor infinity pool and the terrace with sun loungers are the perfect places for guests to relax. The exclusive Spa Island offers personalised experiences under the best ESPA therapists.
If entertainment is on your mind, then the hotel’s movie and game lounge is the best place to hang out. And if you’re craving Japanese food, dining at Nobu is highly recommended. Travelling with children? One&Only Cape Town has an array of options for them, including a computer area, a secure garden area and even a kids’ club.
One&Only Cape Town
Address: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
4. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town (from USD 1412)
This hotel property in the heart of Cape Town offers a contemporary and tranquil natural experience. The iconic hotel boasts of hosting great personalities like Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Nelson Mandela. From local cuisine and herbal high tea to an exotic Finnish sauna, this hotel still has some of the best services.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, the hotel offers options such as First Light Walk, Fynbos Sunset Walk and a historic tour of Cape Town, which you can book online. And if you want to stay in the hotel, there’s a tennis court and a children’s club too.
Cape Town Tour Guide
Santie Gouws
Santie Gouws is a full-time registered and accredited Adventure Guide for Hiking, based in Cape Town, South Africa. A born and bred South African, she is passionate about mountains and the region's magnificent and highly bio-diverse fynbos vegetation, and offers exquisite, tailor-made, professionally guided hiking experiences to private groups, as well as 'open' scheduled group hikes, on Table ... Read more
Tours by Santie
5. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (from USD 491)
Reasonably priced with added value amenities like free shuttle service.
Stunning views, spacious rooms, and a spa with reasonably priced treatments.
Perfectly situated with easy access to the city and attractions, but peaceful and beautiful.
Delicious dining experiences with exceptional breakfast and vegan options.
Located on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, this luxury hotel with an award-winning spa offers gorgeous views. The spa boasts services such as restorative treatments, rock pools and traditional touch therapies.
You will be welcomed with a complimentary welcome drink at this hotel. For the epicure, exhilarating dining experiences can be enjoyed at The Azure, which won the 2020 World Culinary Awards, or the modern café that specialises in healthy cuisine.
12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
Address: Victoria Road, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town, South Africa, 8040
6. 21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Luxury Residence (from USD 553)
If celebrity treatment is what you are looking for, this clifftop property is your destination. With only six boutique accommodations that have customised decor and antique furniture, the luxury retreat in Cape Town’s Clifton district is perfect. It offers a mesmerising view of the ocean and the mountains capped with azure sky.
The hotel focuses on farm-to-table, organic food and the spa offers plant-based products - a delight for naturalists. If you’re looking for more, there are provisions for private training, reiki sessions and yoga as well as outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking and beach runs.
7. Taj Cape Town (from USD 170)
This Taj Group’s property will be a great choice for those who want to have a taste of Indian culture and tradition. It is centrally located and is a minute away from the historic Long Street, which is known as the bohemian hangout of Cape Town.
The rooms and suites either overlook the cityscape or Table Mountain and the decor is inspired by Indian heritage. The sauna, steam room and heated lap pool at Jiva Grande Spa are complimentary and treatments with natural products made from Indian herbs and essential oils add to the charm.
Dining at Taj Cape Town is an adventure worth exploring. While Bombay Brasserie tables up Indian delicacies, both classic and contemporary, Mint Restaurant & Terrace, which extends to the St George’s Mall, offers international cuisine.
8. The Table Bay Hotel (from USD 317)
What piques interest in this Sun International property is that it was started by former South African president Nelson Mandela in 1997. Located at V&A Waterfront, the hotel rooms effuse the energy of the buzzing Cape Town with a resplendent view of the ocean, Table Mountain and the busy harbour. The delicacies at Camissa Brasserie, which tell local stories on every platter, await you here.
You can also take advantage of laser therapy at Camelot Spa as well as poolside yoga sessions, available only on Fridays. While most luxury hotels have a gym facility, Table Bay offers personal trainers, too.
The Table Bay Hotel
Address: Quay 6, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
9. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town (from USD 455)
Does the name Robben Island ring a bell? This was the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years and has since been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage site. One can view this historic place from Radisson Blu, which also has a private marina. With guests’ best interests in mind, this hotel was also designed to be accessible.
If you enjoy delicious meals, you’re in for a treat here. Besides local and international cuisines, the onsite Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace offers South African wine. There is nothing more enchanting than enjoying a breakfast buffet while watching the ocean sparkle and play under the bright sun. For the adventurous ones, there are water sports, hiking and paragliding.
10. The Marly Boutique Hotel (from USD 617)
Reasonable pricing for a beachfront boutique hotel with upscale amenities.
Spa, rooftop pool, free parking, affiliated restaurants, room service, and comfortable rooms with sea or mountain views.
Prime location in Camps Bay, close to the beach, restaurants, and shops, with stunning views of Table Mountain and the ocean.
Delicious breakfast, fantastic dining options nearby, and helpful staff for dining recommendations.
The Marly, named after the 17th-century Chateau de Marly, is located in the happening locality of Camps Bay. If one is looking for a 360° view of the mountains, then Baptiste - the rooftop pool, bar and lounge - is the vantage point. Each room, with either a sea or a mountain view, has a gourmet coffee machine. The decor is modern with muted colours and showcases contemporary paintings. If you are feeling romantic, go for the deluxe or superior suites, which have an additional shower on the balcony.
The hotel has several restaurants. You can enjoy the Twelve Apostles range while sipping on a cocktail at Baptiste or have a gourmet meal at Surfshack.
The Marly Boutique Hotel
Address: 201 The Promenade, Camps Bay
Enjoy a 5-star vacation in Cape Town
This old South African city is a perfect choice for a holiday not only for its natural abundance but also its rich history. Choose the best 5-star hotel in the city to experience nature at its best, days of the yore and local cuisines.
History
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