Cape Town

Set in extensive established gardens, with arrival along a palm-lined colonnade, its location is unbeatable – the city centre is on the doorstep – but you pay through the nose for what you get. — Rough Guide

Traditionally one of the “Big Five” luxury hotels in Cape Town and still the grande dame of Cape Town’s historic hotels. — Insight Guides

This historic Cape Town hotel, in large, beautifully manicured gardens, opened in 1899, and attracts a loyal and well-heeled mix of locals and guests. — The Telegraph

Amenities include a pool, luxury spa, gym, and two heated outdoor pools, and the on-site fine-dining restaurant... while it has an upscale feel, families are welcome. — Oyster

It retains a traditional charm and gentility that other luxury hotels often lack. — Fodor's

Tiven the full-on views of the ocean (and that sunset), an international-class spa, and a setting that's ideal if you actually want to escape the crowds, the 12 Apostles is a good choice. — Frommer's

Sandwiched between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, this secluded five-star retreat has uninterrupted views of the pristine coastline. — DK Eyewitness

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

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

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a 70-room luxury property with incredible views of both the Atlantic Ocean and its namesake mountain range. — Oyster

A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World group, the Cape Grace is the stately jewel in the crown of the Waterfront’s crop of hotels. — DK Eyewitness

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

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

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

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

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

Little expense seems to have been spared creating this luxury resort. — Lonely Planet

Forty years after hotel magnate Sol Kerzner built the country's first five-star hotel, he has come home to establish Cape Town's most expensive resort. — Frommer's

Situated within Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this contemporary urban resort offers two types of accommodations. — Gayot

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

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

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

The only luxury lodge within Table Mountain National Park offers 10 rooms and one suite (sleeping four) on the very edge of a beautiful rocky bay, a favourite resting ground for whales. — Lonely Planet

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

On a spectacularly elevated site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the premier suburb of Bantry Bay, this gorgeous Edwardian mansion is in a class of its own. — Frommer's

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

With bold artwork inside and magnificent ocean views outside, guests are never quite sure where to direct their gaze when they arrive at Ellerman House. A stay here is a bit like visiting... — Afar Magazine

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

Without a doubt, this is one of the finest (and most exclusive) hotels in South Africa. — Fodor's

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

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

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

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

The Vineyard, built around a 200-year-old homestead in the tranquil and leafy suburb of Newlands, has just emerged from a significant face-lift. — Travel + Leisure

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

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

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa is a popular bet thanks to its convenient location, lovely sprawling gardens and excellent conferencing facilities. — Time Out

The Vineyard is a four-star hotel with three excellent restaurants on its premises and the beautiful Angsana Spa. — DK Eyewitness

A stroll from the heart of Cape Town, Kensington Place hotel is the city’s original boutique retreat, located on the slopes of Table Mountain. Attention to design and dedication to... — Mr & Mrs Smith

High up the mountain, this exclusive, chic property offers eight spacious and tastefully decorated rooms, all with balconies and beautifully tiled bathrooms. — Lonely Planet

The staff is helpful and accommodating and will arrange everything from dinner reservations to daily excursions. — Fodor's

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

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

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

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

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

It's a challenge to remember you're actually in the heart of the Waterfront when you're in this luxe private villa-hotel. — Time Out

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

Victorian splendor meets modern glam at this stunning boutique hotel perched over Cape Town's trendy and ever-popular Waterfront. — Fodor's

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

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

A stylish, good-value, and very warm, welcoming environment -- one of Cape Town's loveliest. — Frommer's

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

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

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

The Victoria & Alfred is the original waterfront hotel, offering spacious rooms with expansive panoramas of the mountain or the basin. — DK Eyewitness

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

Converted warehouse turned stately hotel with a waterfront setting and Table Mountain backdrop. — Jetsetter

Its bustling quayside location is a pleasant setting... modern rooms have either water views or look out at the iconic outline of Table Mountain. — Oyster

Old meets new at this quaint boutique hotel in an 18th-century building in the heart of the central business district's vibey Bree Street. — Travel + Leisure

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

Each room at this elegant boutique hotel, part of the Heritage Sq redevelopment of 18th-century buildings, has its own character. — Lonely Planet

The word “heritage” need not evoke a stuffy yesteryears vibe. — Afar Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Set on a working wine farm up against the Constantiaberg Mountains, this hotel... offers a tranquil setting and great views across the vineyards. — DK Eyewitness

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

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

Located in Cape Town (Lakeside), Steenberg Hotel is minutes from US Consulate General and Red The Gallery. This 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Steenberg Wine Estate and... — Jetsetter

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

A renowned, privately owned four-star hotel on Sea Point’s coastal boulevard. Tailor-made tours to the Winelands or to Cape Point can be arranged through consultation with the management. — DK Eyewitness

Situated on the Sea Point Promenade, this Cape Dutch—style hotel faces the Atlantic on one side and Table Mountain on the other. — Travel + Leisure

The Winchester offers a seaside location... old-fashioned style and some corridors lined with putting greens for a spot of golf practice. — Lonely Planet

The grande dame of the Atlantic Seaboard, a three-storey gabled hotel enjoying an ideal location on the ocean-hugging Sea Point pedestrian promenade and offering the best-value sea views in the city. — The Telegraph

This seafront hotel scores high with travelers for good value for money. — Fodor's

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

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

Seven retrocool American Airstream trailers, decorated by local artists, sit on the roof of the Grand Daddy Hotel, linked by wooden walkways greened by indigenous plants. — Rough Guide

Following in the footsteps of its quirky predecessors Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel and Daddy Long Legs Self Catering Apartments, this plush hotel offers top-notch accommodation with a twist. — Time Out

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

Smack-dab at the heart of the newly rejuvenated Stadium precinct, this hotel is a good alternative to the Waterfront's Cape Grace. — Frommer's

There’s a touch of Old World glamour to the Cape Royale—the imposing facade, the dramatic lobby, the bellmen in top hats. — Afar Magazine

Opt for inner-city chic at swanky serviced apartments, complete with all the expected five-star luxuries and facilities, at Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence. — Time Out

Just a stone's throw from the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Royale offers spacious apartment-style accommodations that make a great base for longer-term travelers. — Fodor's

The Cape Royale has all the hallmarks of a luxury experience. — Oyster

No two rooms are alike at this eight-suite abode on the slopes of Table Mountain. Eclectic décor prevails here: choose from the Flamingo suite, where the eponymous bird presides over the... — Travel + Leisure

Nothing seems too much bother for the staff at this knockout property decorated with stunning pieces of contemporary art by local artists. — Lonely Planet

On the slopes of Table Mountain with stupendous views overlooking the whole of Cape Town, this luxurious new boutique hotel is all tranquil privacy and bold designer style. — Fodor's

Located high on the slopes of Table Mountain, benefiting from superb city and mountain views, with highly-personal service and generous touches like complimentary dinner. — The Telegraph