Cape Town’s unique setting, between two oceans with its breathtaking backdrop of Table Mountain, is incomparable and it is without doubt one of the world’s most beautiful and vibrant cities. We offer hotels in each of the city’s four distinct areas – the city centre, the Atlantic Seaboard, the Victoria & Alfred waterfront and the Central Peninsula. We would be very happy to discuss with you the relative merits of each and recommend staying in more than one hotel; a stay on the Waterfront followed by a few days in a manor house in Constantia, for example, would make an excellent combination.
Victoria & Albert Waterfront
The historic docklands, which have been revitalised over the last 20 years, are now very popular with visitors who come to experience Cape Town’s vibrant atmosphere and excellent shopping. The setting is wonderful with views up to Table Mountain or out to Robben Island; in addition there are two world class attractions, the Maritime Museum and the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Cape Town City Centre
In the shadow of Table Mountain sits Cape Town’s historical centre. Stately 18th and 19th century architecture contrasts with striking modern structures, all linked by grand boulevards. Leave the main streets and you will find atmospheric squares filled with art galleries and tempting boutiques, or experience one of the numerous food and craft markets.
Central Peninsula
This affluent part of Cape Town is a more peaceful parkland alternative to the vibrant atmosphere of the centre, yet is only 15 minutes by taxi from the heart of the city. There are excellent sporting venues and elegant designer shops offering outstanding value in Newlands and Rosebank, with wine-tasting and alfresco dining in the enchanting Constantia hills. It is here that you will find the remarkable Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Altantic Seaboard
This dramatic coastline stretches from the elegant suburbs of Sea Point and Bantry Bay to the wilds of Cape Point. The coastal road passes through colourful towns, each offering superb seafood and white, sandy beaches. The rock formations of the Twelve Apostles dominate the landscape and the drive south past Chapman’s Peak and the Cape Peninsula National Park is truly breathtaking.
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Located in the Constantia Valley at the foot of the mountains, Steenberg is the Cape’s oldest farm. Dating from 1682, the buildings have been restored and declared a National Heritage Site Monument (its most recent renovation was in 2019). Many of the 24 rooms are decorated with beautiful antiques; while the premier rooms are modern and spacious with private patios.
One of Cape Town’s best boutique guest houses, Four Rosmead achieves an excellent balance of contemporary design whilst retaining the essence of a turn-of-the-century historic house.
Internationally acclaimed for its pioneering work in conservation and environmental research, Grootbos is a stunning eco-friendly development that occupies a 3,000 acre site, overlooking the coastal dunes of Walker Bay, ten minutes’ drive from Gans Bay.
It is hard to imagine a more spectacular location for a hotel; nestled in a marine reserve between the road that links Camps Bay with Hout Bay and the distinctive, towering rock formation, its namesake, the 12 Apostles. It is decorated in an imaginative, contemporary style with much emphasis on bold African prints and natural light.
Located right on the water’s edge, overlooking its own private marina and Robben Island, this fine, modern hotel is ideally placed for exploring the Waterfront and for enjoying a round at the scenic Metropolitan Golf Club (specially reduced green fees for hotel guests).
Once the country home of celebrated Georgian writer and artist Lady Anne Barnard, the Vineyard is set in seven acres of beautiful riverside parkland. Overlooking the shady eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this 211 bedroom luxury hotel is centred on a period-style manor house, home to two award-winning restaurants, ‘The Square’ and ‘Myoga’ and the popular Garden lounge with its regular wine-tasting sessions flowing onto the lawned terraces.
One of the oldest buildings in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the DockHouse has been lovingly converted into a wonderful boutique hotel with just six rooms.
Built in the 1920’s and still privately owned, Winchester Mansions is located in Sea Point. Flanked by giant palm trees and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is one of the city’s best 4-star hotels.
Ideally located just off Kloof Street, the Cape Cadogan is a perfect base for those wanting an elegant home-from-home atmosphere within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of central Cape Town.
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