Cape Town

Having opened its doors in 1899 to accommodate the passengers of the Union and Castle lines, this is the undisputed grande dame of colonial hotels. — Frommer's

The sugar-pink painted ‘Nellie’ recalls Cape Town’s colonial era with its chintz decor and doormen in pith helmets. — Lonely Planet

In the shadow of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s grandest hotel is pretty in pink and packed with colonial charm. — Jetsetter

The colonial traditions of the century-old Mount Nelson Hotel will please anyone yearning for a quieter pace of life. — Concierge

The attentiveness of the personnel and the richness of the appointments conspire to create a feeling of exclusivity and elegance, with a reputation that certainly precedes itself — Star Service

With its holistic spa and natural setting this luxury hotel is made for tranquil escapes. — Gayot

At this Dutch-style hotel near Camps Bay, guests have views of the ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountains. — Condé Nast Traveler

Set along a secluded stretch of Atlantic coast, this 70-room mini-resort is a sanctuary where mountain views, sea breezes, and heady indigenous plant life converge. — Travel + Leisure

Offers a dramatic seaside location, five-star service, a world-class restaurant and, in winter, unbelievable value for money – small wonder this member of Leading Hotels of the World is always busy. — The Telegraph

This smart hotel is poised above the Atlantic rollers on the beach road between Camps Bay and Llandudno. — Concierge

Located on the marina and a short drivefrom many of Cape Town's most popular attractions, Cape Grace is an eleganthotel with 120 rooms and suites. — Oyster

Fair Trade in Tourism accredited, this is one of the Waterfront’s most appealing hotels. — Lonely Planet

Of the larger Waterfront hotels, the Grace remains the most elegant, and it's still the first choice for visiting VIPs, though Dock House is by far the most exclusive. — Frommer's

The 121-room hotel has a somewhat younger clientele than its main luxury competitor, the Mount Nelson, and prides itself on extremely personalized service. — Concierge

There’s a reason Cape Grace always tops the best hotels lists: everyone loves a classic. — Afar Magazine

Hands down, this is Cape Town’s most glamorous hotel. — Afar Magazine

Glamorous property in the lively Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with peerless views of Table Mountain. — Andrew Harper

Arguably Cape Town's most glamorous hotel, the latest offering from the One & Only international hotel super-group is situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. — Time Out

The most jaw-dropping in terms of amenities and price. It has two acclaimed restaurants with celebrity buzz, Nobu and Reuben's, with the latter treating guests to a free breakfas. — Oyster

Large luxury urban resort located in the Waterfront Marina, with excellent facilities and services that include a fittingly large pool, daily children’s programme, an award-winning spa, and views. — The Telegraph

Classy yet comfortable womb-like rooms you’ll hardly ever want to leave; excellent service; small but sexy public spaces; and a great Higgovale location, overlooking the city and harbour. — The Telegraph

Frequently raved about in glam international mags, this urbane establishment puts its guests' comfort above all else - why else would breakfast be served all day? — Time Out

Higgovale is a posh residential neighborhood unfurling down the slopes of Table Mountain, and the slick eight-suite Kensington Place is its best address. — Travel + Leisure

This award-winning boutique hotel has beautiful views of the city, harbor, and mountain, and you feel surrounded by greenery. — Frommer's

Setting a high benchmark for intimate boutique hotels, Kensington focuses on sexy contemporary stylings with unobtrusive yet attentive service. — DK Eyewitness

Known for its historic charm and esteemed restaurants. Its sprawling garden grounds are planted with grape vines that actively supply several local wineries. — Oyster

I'd rather stay here than at any of the large hotels at the Waterfront. The rates clarify why GQ voted it Best Value for Money Destination. — Frommer's

On six acres of rolling gardens overlooking the Liesbeek River in residential Newlands, this comfortable hotel was built around the 18th-century weekend home of Lady Anne Barnard. — Fodor's

The public spaces are decorated in elegant Cape Dutch style, with contemporary artworks, and an outstanding panorama of Table Mountain from the extensive and gorgeous grounds. — Rough Guide

This historic hotel is located in a verdant seven-acre garden on the banks of the burbling Liesbeek stream with marvelous views of Table Mountain’s eastern slopes — The Telegraph

A historical landmark on the granite outcrops of Bantry Bay, this classic turn-of-the-century mansion is recognized as one of the top boutique hotels in the world. — DK Eyewitness

With a jaw-dropping cliffside location above Bantry Bay, this luxury Cape Town hotel offers low-key glamour, splendid isolation and spectacular sea views. — The Telegraph

Rub shoulders with the international jet set society at this outstanding Relais & Chateaux property that's blessed with gorgeous views and dressed to kill in layers of antiques. — Time Out

Imagine you’ve been invited to stay with an immensely rich, art-collecting Capetonian friend. — Lonely Planet

This adults-only (14 and up) Relais & Chateaux property houses a fabulous private modern art collection in elegantly furnished rooms and airy public spaces. — Condé Nast Traveler

Being right on the lip of the Atlantic, each of the ten luxury island-themed suites... has views that'll have you humming 'Cocomo' in no time. — Time Out

Perched on stilts between ancient milkwood trees, the ten wood-and-glass suites are so close to the pounding waves that it’s possible to toss pebbles into the rock pools from your private deck. — Condé Nast Traveler

Cape Town already feels like it’s at the tip of the world, and at Tintswalo Atlantic that sensation is magnified as guests get cozy in a suite clinging to the cliffs just a few feet above the ocean. — Afar Magazine

When to go: The summer months (December through February) are ideal. Which room to book: Sicily Island Suite is done in muted grays, whites, and metallic colors that don't compete with... — Concierge

The only luxury Cape Town hotel located within Table Mountain National Park...also the only hotel in the city that is right on the beach and offers sublime ocean views. — The Telegraph

With acres of gardens and spectacular views across the Constantia Valley, this idyllic getaway makes the world beyond disappear. — Fodor's

For a sophisticated stay in pristine semi-rural surroundings, this Constantia hotel set in a historic manor house is ideal. — Time Out

This gorgeous country hotel is only 20 minutes from the city centre, yet the sprawling gardens and birdsong soundtrack will have you feeling as if you’ve escaped to a rural idyll – and you have. — The Telegraph

Home to the famous restaurant of the same name, this five-star hotel is a luxury country-living experience in close proximity to everything that Cape Town has to offer. — DK Eyewitness

An oasis of sorts, it's perfect if you're interested in a mountain retreat. — Frommer's

Steeped in the pioneering spirit of colonial Cape Town, this distinguished hotel is set on the city’s thriving harbor. — Travel + Leisure

It is an ideal choice for individual travelers or those who want to stroll the area without safety concerns. The majority of guests are tourists who want a mix of shopping, dining and nightlife. — Star Service

The chic loft rooms, with whitewashed brick and the exposed girders of the old warehouse, are the ones to opt for here. — Lonely Planet

This was the Waterfront's first hotel, and it remains the most centrally located choice. — Frommer's

In a "magnificent location" on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this "meticulously run landmark" overlooks the harbor and fronts Table Mountain. — Condé Nast Traveler

Contemporary design meets colonial charm at this four-star luxury boutique hotel in a historic 18th-century building. — DK Eyewitness

An exceptionally stylish, elegant and tastefully restored boutique hotel, dating back to 1771, located in Cape Heritage Square just below the Bo-Kaap. — Rough Guide

Built as a private home in 1771, this centrally located boutique hotel has teak-beamed ceilings, foot-wide yellow-wood floorboards, and numerous other details that recall its gracious... — Fodor's

The busy streets of Cape Town offer little refuge for the weary traveler, but downtown's Heritage Square is keeping a secret — Star Service

Quirky, characterful rooms bedecked with Persian rugs and Oriental treasures in an 18th-century building in the historic heart of Cape Town. — The Telegraph

The Grand Daddy’s star attraction is its roof-top trailer park of penthouse suites made from seven vintage Airstream trailers decorated by different artists and designers. — Lonely Planet

Occupying a charming low-rise historic building on a bustling corner of Long Street, this quaint lodging is packed with plenty of spunk. It is only a short stroll from shopping, dining,... — Star Service

Blending the work of contemporary local designers, the Grand Daddy Hotel is best known for its rooftop trailer park. — Travel + Leisure

Legendary, luxurious and with a stylish eatery, The Grand Daddy is original and quintessentially Cape Town — On the Grid

A relatively high level of luxury and a strong buzz make this one of the liveliest hotels in town. — Frommer's

Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is a fairly modern affair of shiny shopping mall, behemoth Ferris wheel, and massive harborside restaurants, to name a few highlights — Afar Magazine

It’s location, location, location at this smart city inn overlooking the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. — Condé Nast Traveler

Butlers dressed in white kurta-style pyjamas greet you at this super-elegant, six-bedroom property crafted out of the former harbour master’s house. — Lonely Planet

A glamorous six-room boutique hotel, decorated throughout with ornate French mirrors, crystal chandeliers, contemporary charcoal artwork, and luxurious antiques. — Travel + Leisure

Infinitely more stylish and exclusive than any other Waterfront options, it's so discreetly situated that hardly anyone knows of its existence. — Frommer's

Offering clean, contemporary design, POD is perfectly angled to catch the Camps Bay action from its bar and spacious pool and deck area. The cheapest rooms have mountain rather than sea views; luxury. — Lonely Planet

Entering POD is like stepping into the pages of a slick design magazine... and the marvelously svelte model-and-gym-rat set crowding the nearby bars and beaches. — Frommer's

This sexy designer boutique hotel enjoys a great location on a quiet corner just a block from Camps Bay's main drag. — Fodor's

Pod is an uber-hip 17-room boutique hotel near Camps Bay’s beachfront, staffed with a small, intelligent team. — The Telegraph

Rooms have a natural aesthetic and views of the beach or mountains; most have balconies, and some have private pools...breakfast is free and includes daily specials,. — Oyster

Ideally situated a hop and a skip from the Waterfront and adjacent to the always-busy CTICC, this statement hotel has even more to say since its recent image and name overhaul. — Time Out

At this sleek, contemporary, business-focused hotel connected to the Cape Town International Convention Centre CTICC, the corporate feel is softened by warmer colours in the rooms. — Lonely Planet

Within walking distance of both the downtown area and the V&A Waterfront, this sleek hotel is a favorite of Americans and business travelers in Cape Town. — Star Service

The super-sophisticated e-butler service in the foyer is enough to get excited about—and that's before you've even set foot in the rooms. — Fodor's

The location means easy access to both downtown and the waterfront tourist hub, and it's particularly convenient for conference attendees. — Oyster

This Gone with the Wind–style heritage-listed villa presents a very classy boutique operation with some rooms opening on to the secluded courtyard. — Lonely Planet

One of the original farmhouses built on the slopes of Table Mountain, this elegant double-storied Georgian is just steps away from bustling Kloof Street, yet it's a thoroughly peaceful sanctuary. — Frommer's

An elegant oasis housed in a 19th-century national monument, Cadogan is one of the very best guest houses in the city, with 15 individually decorated rooms. — The Telegraph

In the 12-room hotel, Italian crystal chandeliers and framed pastel prints complement the cheery whites and golds of the walls, curtains, and bed coverings, and beaded screens add a little flair. — Travel + Leisure

Comprising the original hotel, nearby luxury apartments and the more private Owners Villa, the Cape Cadogan continues to provide stylish sanctuary for city visitors. — Time Out

The whole of Cape Town is clamoring for a table at Bombay Brasserie, and the bang-on central location... make it the luxe business hotel to book. — Travel + Leisure

This 177-room landmark property offers the signature hospitality and luxury accommodation expected from this upscale chain. — Gayot

Elegant sleep in the heart of Cape Town, with myriad dining options, a champagne bar and a splurge-worthy spa. — Jetsetter

Located near St. George's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, the Taj Cape Town is one of the most luxurious hotels in town. — Star Service

By far the most luxurious hotel in the city centre...old-money-beats-nouveau-riche atmosphere, sumptuous décor, three restaurants and indoor pool. — The Telegraph

Three terraced Victorian houses in the sunny hills of Cape Town’s Tamboerskloof district make up this 12-room boutique hotel. — Travel + Leisure

The upscale property feels warm and personal. The owners provide expert advice... arrange for taxis and car rentals, and offer free cake and sherry in the evening. — Oyster

Elegant African-inspired surroundings set the scene at this small hotel, comprised of three renovated and interlinked Victorian terraced houses in Tamboerskloof. — Time Out

Unbeatable rates in Tamboerskloof, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most charming suburbs, where narrow streets are lined with Victorian and Edwardian terraces. — The Telegraph

There’s a sophisticated, colourful ‘African modern’ design theme at this appealing guesthouse, sheltering behind the facade of three 19th-century terrace houses. — Lonely Planet

Luxury on a grand scale, yet you're invited to kick off your shoes and let your hair down. — Frommer's

Rodwell House is my favourite option on the False Bay coast, which has far more history and charm than the glitzy Atlantic seaboard. — The Telegraph

An ideal position opposite St James tidal pool and the catwalk that winds its way all the way to Muizenberg ensures that those who love the sea are in their element here. — Time Out

Just 30 minutes outside Cape Town in the charming town of St. James, the opulent 1930s house-hotel... sits atop a hill with a gorgeous view of the ocean. — Travel + Leisure

St. James is where the English aristocrats holidayed, and the air of moneyed elegance hasn't dissipated. Emphasis is on space, light, and comfort. — Fodor's

The original buildings on this working wine estate have been painstakingly restored, the gardens manicured to perfection, and the vineyards replanted on the slopes of the Constantiaberg. — Fodor's

Travellers regularly vote Steenberg – a luxury hotel situated in Constantia, the closest wine-growing region to Cape – as their favourite luxury hotel in Africa, and with good reason.... — The Telegraph

Overlooking False Bay in the Constantia Valley, this small boutique hotel is located on the Steenberg Vineyards, part of the region’s oldest farm. — Travel + Leisure

Located on Cape Town's oldest wine farm, which has buildings dating to 1682, this small resort is a 20-minute drive from the city center. — Condé Nast Traveler

Views of the vineyards and False Bay, along with impressive suites, ensure a memorable experience in this luxury home-from-home. — Time Out