South Africa’s legislative capital Cape Town boasts immense diversity. There are lots of activities, accommodations and local landmarks that welcome visitors regardless of their sexual preference. The city’s lively LGBTQIA+ district De Waterkant, nicknamed “The Pink Strip” by locals, is home to tons of entertainment. This includes the famous drag bar Beefcakes which is perfect to enjoy a night out, followed by a trip to Cafe Manhattan for a bite to beat the hangover. Sandy Bay, Cape Town nude beach is another equally popular hotspot among gay travellers. Each year in late February or early March, Cape Town comes alive in the vivacious spirit of Cape Town Pride Festival that you can participate in. Consider making a comfortable accommodation your base to explore this colourful city to the fullest. Scroll over for the best gay-friendly hotels in Cape Town, South Africa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and the property's inclusivity for guests from all walks of life. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2024.
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1. President Hotel (from USD 160)
The 349-room President Hotel, overlooking the vast Atlantic Ocean and impressive Lion’s Head mountain, is an excellent choice for a stay. Interestingly, it was the accommodation partner for Mr Gay World 2019.
This resort-style hotel features a lavish outdoor infinity pool, where you can cool off in the evenings. For some self-pampering, consider heading to the on-site Five on Main salon or Placecol Spa. When the hunger pangs kick in, you can step into one of the multiple in-house cafes and restaurants. What’s more? Your lovely pooches are also welcome at this property.
President Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay
8.69 km (5.4 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
2. The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa (from USD 239)
The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa offers 24 well-appointed guest accommodations, a few of which offer access to a private balcony too. After a hearty complimentary breakfast, you can head to the on-site G-Spa for some full-blown relaxation. This can be followed by a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, dotted with sun loungers where you can relax in the glorious sun with your partner. For meals, you can try in-house G Kitchen’s delicious fare that will surely restore your energy.
The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa
Address: 3 The Glen, Sea Point
8.73 km (5.5 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
3. The Grey Hotel (from USD 120)
A comfortable stay awaits you at The Grey Hotel. It enjoys an excellent location in De Waterkant district and offers 13 cosy accommodations to choose from. While you can relish day meals at The Piano Bar, the hotel’s rooftop Skybar is the perfect spot to kickstart your evenings before heading out to explore the neighbourhood.
There is also a swimming pool on-site, where you can wash away any tiredness. The pool is located on the rooftop, affording you opportunities to take in the view of the city.
The Grey Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 49 Napier Street De Waterkant
8.13 km (5.1 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
4. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront (from USD 441)
The 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront is a good stay option that offers 177 well-appointed guest accommodations. In the evenings, you can head to either the indoor or outdoor pool for an energizing swim. This can be followed by a relaxing session at the full-service Amani Spa & Wellness. Furthermore, to add a bit of romance to your stay, consider booking out a couple’s suite for private use with your special someone, which includes a spa gift and a bottle of champagne, among others.
As for your culinary options here, consider stepping into Tobago’s Restaurant for a hearty meal or the poolside bar for a drink and some snacks.
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town
Address: Beach Road
9.94 km (6.2 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town Tour Guide
Jakes
Jakes is registered and accredited with FET Certificate Tourist Guiding. He is competent to advise clients on all essential aspects of travel in South Africa having passed the SA Specialist course from South African Tourism. As a good story teller, he makes any historical situation or site come to life; and this is what makes him to stand out as a knowledgeable and exciting guide. “I’m always ... Read more
Tours by Jakes
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. Radisson RED V&A Waterfront
At the pet-friendly Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, you can choose from 252 vibrantly done-up accommodations. As you start your days with a cooked-to-order breakfast, consider following it up with a power-packed workout at the hotel’s equipped gym. In the evenings, you can spend hours at the rooftop pool and bar, and dine at OUIbar + KTCHN before calling it a day.
Later, retire to your comfortable accommodation equipped with plush bedding and laptop-friendly spaces.
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Address: Silo 6, South Arm Road
8.82 km (5.5 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
6. Hyatt Regency Cape Town (from USD 168)
The centrally located Hyatt Regency Cape Town is a top 5-star hotel in Cape Town. It offers air-conditioned guest rooms as well as suites, including options with a private balcony. While here, you can head to the outdoor pool for a stimulating morning swim, followed by a relaxing sunbathing session at the shared terrace.
While lunch at the on-site 126 Cape Kitchen & Café will be a great idea, consider heading to Urchin Restaurant to relish some excellent seafood specialities in the evenings. Alternatively, delicious grab-and-go food options will be available at The Market, so you can have a late-evening picnic with your loved one.
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Address: 126 Buitengracht Street
7.48 km (4.7 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
7. One&Only Cape Town (from USD 1466)
A comfortable stay awaits you at the 5-star One&Only Cape Town. To add some learning and fun to your stay, consider hitching coffee-making sessions, mixology masterclasses and cooking classes among a range of curated experiences offered by the hotel. Then, beat the tiredness by hitching a sensational treatment at One&Only Spa on-site. Otherwise, you can dip into the outdoor pool to cool off a bit.
This swimming session can be followed by a few lazy hours and delicious cocktails at Isola’s sun-lounger terrace. Alternatively, you can enjoy some live entertainment along with drinks at Vista Bar & Lounge. Nobu restaurant on-site also serves amazing Japanese-Peruvian flavours that you must try while here. And, wine connoisseurs can relish a drink from Wine Studio’s diverse selection.
One&Only Cape Town
Address: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
8.96 km (5.6 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
8. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Indulge in 5-star luxury at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. This brilliant boutique hotel offers 70 comfortable guest accommodations, including sea-facing options that will treat you to stunning views each day. You can begin your day with a free breakfast, followed by rejuvenating body therapy at the in-house spa. Alternatively, there are two pools that are ideal to cool down on hot afternoons.
The hotel also features a private 16-seater cinema hall where you can enjoy scheduled movie screenings alongside complimentary snacks. You can even consider heading to The Leopard Bar for a drink before dining at Azure Restaurant or The Café Grill.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Address: Victoria Road Camps Bay
6.87 km (4.3 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
9. DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside (from USD 178)
At DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town - Upper Eastside’s 183 guest accommodations, you will spend a relaxed stay. Readers will enjoy using the library on-site, while fitness enthusiasts can hit the 24-hour gym to break a sweat at any time of the day. Then, you can request in-room massages to soothe your tense muscles. If you prefer stepping out, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to the famous V&A Waterfront on prior booking.
Upon return, you can catch a sports screening or live entertainment alongside drinks at the hotel’s in-house estreet bar. This can be followed by a full-fledged meal at Liberty’s Restaurant.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside
Address: 31 Brickfield Road, Woodstock
6.24 km (3.9 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
10. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel (from USD 1351)
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel is a historic landmark in Cape Town. They offer 198 sophisticated accommodations, including a selection of restored Victorian cottages that feature the brilliant work of London-based designer Inge Moore. You can start your days with a stroll through the hotel’s manicured English country gardens, followed by breakfast at Oasis restaurant. Then, consider heading to the on-site Librisa Spa for an indulgent body treatment. There are two outdoor tennis courts also on-site, where you can bring out your competitive spirit.
For a bite, consider trying sensational Asian flavours at The Red Room. Alternatively, Planet Bar or The Lounge are ideal spots for a casual drink and fun conversation with your partner.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Address: 76 Orange Street
6.5 km (4.1 mi) from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Spend your holiday in the colourful Cape Town
With inclusivity reflected in all its aspects, Cape Town is a wonderful destination to visit. You can plan your next getaway to this South African gem and expect to return home with tons of memories worth cherishing. And consider adding to the experience by picking a gay-friendly accommodation listed in this article.
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