Last Updated on October 4, 2023 by Lauren Melnick
Wondering where to stay in Cape Town? You’ve come to the right place! With a curated roundup of the best Cape Town hotels and hostels, this list has something for every budget.
Whenever I think of Cape Town, my heart skips a beat.
I mean, it’s Cape Town. One of the most beautiful cities in the world!
The streets are home to the colourful buildings of the Bo-Kaap, Victorian-era mansions from a by-gone era and a never-ending supply of cafes and restaurants.
But where should you stay in Cape Town? That’s a tough question.
You first need to decide which Cape Town neighbourhood matches your travelling style (and wallet size). Once you have that locked down, the next daunting task is choosing from the endless list of gorgeous hotels.
In this post, I’ll give you a rundown of some of the top Cape Town hotels and hostels for every price range and occasion.
The best part? You don’t need to cosy up to bed bugs to find a good deal in the Mother City.
Here are some of the best hotels in Cape Town for every budget!
Psst…Want more Cape Town travel inspiration? Check out these other posts:
- Where to Stay in Cape Town: A Guide to the Best Neighbourhoods
- The Perfect Cape Town Itinerary for One Incredible Week
- 45 Awesome Things to Do in Cape Town: A (Hella Long) Local’s Guide
- 10+ Magnificent Sunset Spots in Cape Town You Need on Your Bucket List
- 10 of the Best Things to Do in Cape Town in Winter
- 12 Secluded Cabins Near Cape Town That Are Perfect for Escaping Reality
Table of Contents
Best Luxury Hotels in Cape Town
The Silo Hotel
For a luxurious Instagrammable getaway, check into the Silo Hotel. It’s a 5-star hotel in Cape Town that’s in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.
Staying here puts you within walking distance (or a short Uber ride) from the most famous attractions in Cape Town.
You’ll be 15 minutes from the start of the Lion’s Head hiking trail, five minutes from the colourful Bo-Kaap district and mere footsteps from the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art).
And if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel, you can have a sundowner at the rooftop bar. It features a jaw-dropping 360-view of the Mother City, or you can spoil yourself with an indulgent spa experience!
Pod Camps Bay
I know I gave Camps Bay a fair amount of shit in my guide to the best neighbourhoods in Cape Town. But it is the best place to splurge on luxury hotels in Cape Town.
At the top of the list is Pod Camps Bay. Located off the trendy main beachfront strip, the boutique hotel is sleek, modern and luxurious.
Your stay will include a sunset glass of wine and cheese board, movie nights with popcorn and beverages, a fully stocked mini-bar and a tasty breakfast.
But wait, there’s more!
POD offers a beach service complete with loungers, umbrellas and sunscreen, romantic turndowns, a fully-equipped gym and an incredible pool that overlooks the ocean.
Tintswalo Atlantic
Tintswalo Atlantic is the place to go for a luxurious romantic getaway in South Africa. It’s one of the best hotels in Cape Town for a honeymoon and is located at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive.
It’s the private rendezvous of your dreams!
In fact, it might be hard to want to leave this five-star boutique lodge.
You’ll have a private pebbled beach with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and decadent spa treatments. There’s also an on-site restaurant that’s perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff.
Ellerman House
Ellerman House is a gorgeous luxury hotel in Cape Town that is minutes from some of the best beaches in the city.
Sandwiched between Lion’s Head and the Atlantic Ocean, you’re in the perfect location to explore the Mother City’s restaurant scene, cultural highlights and the top hiking routes.
Back at the hotel, you can unwind at the exclusive bar, restaurant and spa. Sample some of the 7,500 bottles of rare and vintage South African wines and go on a private tour of the in-house art collection.
But what makes the Ellerman House an exceptional luxury hotel in Cape Town is the open-access kitchen. Hungry guests need only walk in and tell the chefs what they’re craving.
Within minutes you’ll be on the balcony, munching on your favourite meal while overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean.
Read More: Where to Stay in Cape Town: A Guide to the Best Neighbourhoods
Best Boutique Hotels in Cape Town
Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa
Travelling to Cape Town for work? Stay at the swanky Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa. It’s centrally located in the coastal suburb of Sea Point.
You won’t have to wander far to find a plethora of trendy cafes, beautiful beaches and things to do.
What makes the hotel a firm favourite with business travellers is that the rooms come with an Apple Mac! Plus, you’ll have lightning-fast WiFi, a complimentary full English breakfast and a comfy bathrobe to strut around in while you check your emails.
If you get a bit peckish, you can lounge by the pool and order a bottle of champagne with a side of delicious burgers, pizzas or open sandwiches.
And don’t worry about overindulging. The hotel has an exclusive membership with BUC Fitness Club. You’ll have incredible views of the ocean and Lion’s Head while you work out!
Gorgeous George
Gorgeous George is the newest boutique hotel in Cape Town, and boy, is she a stunner! If you love that modern industrial vibe with quirky Victorian design elements, George is a visual feast.
Choose from their studio apartments or suites and stay in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD. You’ll be mere steps from some of the best things to do in Cape Town, including the trendiest cafes, hidden bars, and art galleries.
For breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can wander upstairs to Gigi Rooftop (my favourite restaurant in Cape Town). There’s a stunning rooftop pool (!), complete with a DJ playing chill house every Sunday.
If you’re hard-pressed for what to order, start with their cocktail menu. Gigi has an in-house mixologist who crafts exceptional concoctions you won’t find anywhere else.
Read More: 10+ Affordable Restaurants in Cape Town with a View
The Grand Daddy Hotel
When it comes to boutique hotels in Cape Town, you can’t go wrong with a night or three at The Grand Daddy Hotel. It’s not every day that you get to stay inside an airstream trailer perched on a rooftop in the middle of Cape Town’s CBD.
When you aren’t taking in the 360-degree views of the city, you can catch the latest blockbuster at the on-site Pink Flamingo open-air cinema.
Each of the seven trailers has its own unique theme and queen-sized beds, but if you want to book a showstopper, do your best to grab the Gold Rush trailer.
It’s decked out in gold finishings, luxury design elements and quirky decor items like golden antelope skulls.
With incredible views and unique decor, it’s not hard to see why Grand Daddy is one of the best hotels in Cape Town’s city centre!
45 Awesome Things to Do in Cape Town: A (Hella Long) Local’s Guide
Read More:Sugar Hotel
Visiting Cape Town for work or a holiday? Sugar Hotel is always a good idea.
Located in Green Point, you’re within walking distance from some of the top attractions in the city, plus you’re staying on top of an incredible al fresco-styled eatery, Spice On Main.
Choose from self-catering apartments or hotel rooms with every amenity you need for a comfortable stay.
That’s not all.
You also get a private plunge pool and access to an on-site spa.
Best Budget Hotels in Cape Town
Atlantic Affair Boutique Hotel
Atlantic Affair Boutique Hotel is one of the most affordable hotels in Cape Town. For under R500.00 per night, you can get a gorgeous Penthouse Suite in the heart of Sea Point.
The apartments are self-catering and feature chic and trendy interiors. Unwind in an extra-length king-sized bed and wake up to a private deck with partial sea views.
From your apartment, you can walk to the Sea Point Promenade, catch an Uber to Clifton 2nd Beach or indulge your inner foodie at the weekend Oranjezicht City Farm Market!
MOY Guesthouse and Backpackers
Searching for cheap hotels in Cape Town, South Africa? It doesn’t get any better than Moy Guesthouse and Backpackers.
Situated in the hip neighbourhood of Green Point, MOY is a short distance away from the V&A Waterfront, the CBD, De Waterkant precinct, Table Mountain and Cape Town’s best beaches.
If you’re not looking to share a room with fellow travellers, book yourself into one of the six designer en-suite rooms. You can rest your weary head on a massive king-sized bed and plan your day’s adventures while overlooking the Frangipani front garden.
Each of the rooms are beautifully designed with modern, minimalistic decor and plenty of natural light. You won’t take a bad selfie in here!
For those who are travelling to Cape Town on a budget, the dorm rooms aren’t too shabby. You’ll get an extra-length single bed, individual USB and plug points for all your devices and a bed locker to keep all your valuables safe.
Read More: 18 Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town
Best Hostels in Cape Town
B.I.G. Backpackers
B.I.G. Backpackers is a hostel that could pass for a boutique hotel. It’s THE place to stay in Cape Town if you’re on a budget and don’t want to skimp on the swag.
You can pick up a shared dorm for less than R300.00 or grab a private room for under R1500.00
The hostel is also designed to help you meet your fellow travellers. You can hang out by the pool, curl up with a book in the library or challenge someone to a board game.
When it comes to attractions, you have an endless list of things to do. Conveniently located in Green Point, you’re a 10-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront, the 2 Oceans Aquarium and dozens of restaurants and coffee shops.
91 Loop
Want to experience the best of Cape Town’s nightlife? Stay at 91 Loop.
The boutique hostel is nestled between Bree Street and backpacker party destination Long Street. You’re close enough to walk to all the bars and clubs and far away to get away from it all once you’ve had enough.
Cape Town’s MyCiti bus stops right on the hostel’s doorstep. It gives you zero chance of getting lost and access to the cheapest mode of transport in the city.
The rooms at 91 Loop are affordable, unique and spacious. For something different, try the futuristic pod rooms, standard dorms or a private en-suite abode.
Your booking includes a free breakfast, key-card lockers and rooms, free WiFi and a welcome drink. There’s also the on-site Honey Badger bar and cafe that serves delicious food, artisan beer and select wines.
Have you been to any of these hotels in Cape Town? Did your favourite make the list? Hit ya gurl up in the comments and let’s discuss!
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Chocoviv says
I would love to visit someday….
lauren says
Hope you get to come soon!