Vacation in South Africa – Are you thinking about your time in Cape Town and where to stay? The options really are endless as there are various geographic locations and advantages and disadvantages to each. So we can talk you through it all for sure.
In the meantime, we have highlighted some of our favourite accommodation for Cape Town holidays. Properties come and go along with levels of service, luxury and so with our finger on the pulse we will ensure your time in the ‘Mother City’ is nothing short of sensational.
There are affordable gems to uber luxurious and complete boutique not to mention exclusive use villas.
Cape Grace
Firstly location, location, location. Set on its own quay away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district of the V & A waterfront, The Cape Grace has a grandstand view of Table Mountain, flanked by gleaming yachts on one side and on the other: a working dockyard that offers a heaving, often theatrical show of maritime life in progress.
The Cape Grace certainly does have personality. Created by the passionate staff, wonderful food, seamless service and genuine hospitality. Each room is custom-designed with unique and refreshing décor to reflect the beauty, charm and unerstated elegance that has made the Cape Grace famous. The pick of the rooms are the top floor Rooftop Terrace and Rooftop Luxury Rooms.
A real delight (for Danica) was the Spa and its post treatment relaxation station that has some stunning views towards Table Mountain.
If whiskey is your tipple then you will love the Bascule Whiskey, Wine and Cocktail Bar, especially after an exciting day sightseeing. There are over 400 varieties from around the world on offer. Join local whiskey connoisseurs and enjoy a slice of Cape Town’s social energy.
We adore the Cape Grace and its understated elegance.
This is a fantastic option for those of you looking for five star treatment in a cracking location. The Cape Grace often promotes offers such as stay for four, pay for three nights during the low season (May-August).
One & Only
Sol Kerzner, one of South Africa’s best known and most successful businessmen known as ‘the Sun King’, recently opened the first One&Only property on his native soil. Famous for building Sun City, Atlantis Bahamas and Altantis The Palm, Dubai, the One&Only brand is one of the leading luxury hotel marques in the world. So we had big expectations when we visited.
Located in the heart of the Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town certianly does tick all the hallmarks of One&Only – supreme location, authentic style, genuine hospitaility and a lively energy.
The hotel is grand starting with Vista, which the name suggests, offers incredible views towards Table Mountain and is propably one of best locations for a sundowner cocktail in Cape Town. The rooms – the largest in all of Cape Town are located between Marina Rise and the Island, even the spa is located on its own private island and the pool is the largest hotel pool in Cape Town. Then there is ‘Maze’ by Gordon Ramsay and ‘Nobu’s’ debut opening in Africa so you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to dining out.
One&Only Cape Town is very much a resort style hotel, a complete contrast to its neighbour, Cape Grace. One is old world and one is new world. So it depends on your preference in holiday style.
Twelve Apostles
Promoted as the edge of the world – this is absolutely is a magical place where mountains plunge to the sea. From the moment you arrive, you realize this is someplace special. Rich colours, bold décor, warm and welcoming hospitality and impeccable service.
You can choose between a sea or a mountain facing bedroom. All of the rooms we saw had outstanding natural light that created this airy and peaceful feel. The bedrooms were all different in style, a mix of contemporary African to classic European. The linen looked so inviting you simply wanted to throw yourself on the bed, not ideal behaviour in a luxury hotel inspection so I refrained myself!
I was then shown a few suites. Imagine open plan rooms filled with handwoven fabrics, inspirational artworks large bed, comfortable lounge area and private balcony.
The best was yet to come. If you want something truly out of this world, it has to be the presidential suite. This is sophistication and elegance on holidays. The open plan lounge and dining rooms are decorated with local wood, natural stone and soft fabrics. Every touch of interior design met perfection. The adjoining bedrooms, his and her dressing rooms and bathrooms impressed me but nothing more so than the terrace that boasted endless views of the ocean.
And then there was the Sanctuary Spa where tranquility reigns supreme. You walk into a world where you immediately relax. There are rock pools, spas and relaxation areas.
Time for outside air and the pool area was next. There is a platform set into the mountain with sun loungers and below that, a rock pool with waterfall where you can cool down. You are literally surrounded by the mountains and natural fynbos and flora so unique to the Cape. What took my breath away was the unrivalled ocean view and mountain background.
This is luxury at its best – escapist luxury that’s thrilling and soothing simultaneously.
Cape Cadogan
Another accommodation offering luxury and intimacy is Cape Cadogan. This small boutique hotel has been refurbished beautifully and succeeds in capturing the essence of the grand old colonial home it once was back in the 1800s.
It is located in a quiet residential street just a few minutes walk away from the buzzing Kloof and Long Streets.
From the moment you arrive you are greeted with personal touches that genuinely make a difference to your stay. It could be petals on the bed and a chilled bottle of wine (newly weds or honeymooners) or an individually written card and basket of fruit.
There are six luxury ensuite bedrooms and six standard ensuite bedrooms beautifully decorated in a classic modern bohemian chic way (their description, but it is accurate!) apparently inspired by Oscar Wilde’s bohemian and flamboyant lifestyle during the later part of the 19th century. So just imagine modern and antique furniture, dramatic fabrics on the common areas and soft mellow tones in the bedrooms. Room eight is beautiful with a terrace that overlooks TableMountain and a massive bathroom!
You can expect a stunning breakfast made to order that is on par with some of the best we’ve experienced. Try the croissants!
There is a small swimming pool and nice terrace area. However its your own private terrace or courtyard that touched our hearts. Some of our clients still rave about the delicacies and treats that are always on offer, from mini cupcakes, mixed chip mix, to chocolates, fruit platters and the warming complimentary port and sherry served after 6pm. If you want a great hotel experience in Cape Town away from the tourist crowds, you absolutely cannot go past this place.
More Quarters
This is the sister property of More Cape Cadogan and blends luxury apartment accommodation with the services of a hotel right in the city centre just off our favourite street – Kloof Street.
There are nine spacious one bedroom apartments located on an oldy-worldy cobbled side street. Inside you will be impressed with the big living room, full kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and outdoor patio. A delicious breakfast is provided daily as part of your stay in a beautifully decorated room above the reception area with views of Table Mountain. It includes both a spread of continental breakfast and a cooked to order item of your choice (try the French toast!).
There are also two huge two bedroom apartments that easily accommodate four adults. Two large bedrooms, two modern bathrooms and spacious central lounge and kitchen are ideal for longer stays or family holidays.
And then, if you are travelling with a group of friends or family wanting something completely to yourselves there is the Redcliffe house. This beautiful historical home is utilised by the owners for just three months of the year. The rest of the time, it is offered as luxury accommodation featuring four bedrooms, large kitchen, lounge, dining area and a swimming pool for your exclusive use.
The service is exceptional here whether you stay in the private house or one bedroom apartment. Every need is met and service is attentive yet completely unobtrusive. This is our idea of the perfect getaway. Next time we will take the whole family.
Welgelegen
This stunning boutique guesthouse is actually two buildings, both restored to their former ‘turn of the century’ glory offering guests an intimate and luxurious stay.
In total, thirteen bedrooms are available and each one has its own stunning style. The personal touches include dressing gowns and complimentary port! Some rooms offer balconies that overlook Table Mountain.
Welgelgen offers comfort inside and out. Internally there are elegant lounge areas, beautiful dining room with wine and port available in the early evening. Outside, there are lovely terraced areas and a courtyard with sunloungers, a plunge pool, tables and chairs in the garden ideal for lazy afternoons.
You will surely feel at home here and be close to the action with Kloof Street, the Company Gardens, National Museum and Pan African Gallery just minutes walk away.
Four Rosmead
Built in 1903, Four Rosmead is a classified monument that has been sensitively and stylishly remodeled and the result is a cape contemporary classic centrally located around the leafy upper end of Kloof Street. The building is beautiful and furnished in an eclectic and contemporary yet tasteful way. It is subtly African enhanced by the artwork produced by local talent displayed throughout and available for purchase.
There are eight rooms and each one is individually styled and named. The Leeuwenzicht was one of our favourites with its gigantic walk-in shower and balcony with a superb view of Lion’s Head. Breakfast is a treat and can be enjoyed inside or outside in the landscaped gardens or on the patio overlooking the pool deck and herb garden. The swimming pool is lovely with sun loungers and perfect for lazy afternoons.
Again, it is the little touches that make it special – like beach kits and local CDs playing for you in the evenings.
Offstreet parking is available if you have a hire car. You won’t need it because the location is very convenient for both the centre of Cape Town and Table Mountain and Camps Bay.
Are you ready for Africa?
We tailor holidays to suit you.