Cape Town boasts that elusive cosmopolitan combination of the scenic and the chic. Nestled between the striking Table Mountain and the brilliant blue waters of the coastline, the city houses a thriving artistic community, museums addressing South Africa’s complicated past and an array of buzzy restaurants with wine lists stocked with local pours. There’s no shortage of things to do, and, thanks to the Mediterranean climate, there’s no bad time of year to visit.
Whether you seek a glamorous portal to a bygone era or a converted grain silo celebrating creative design, you can trust Forbes Travel Guide’s exclusive list to find it. To discover the best hotels in Cape Town, our incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.
Five-Star Hotels in Cape Town
Delaire Graff Lodge
Tucked between dramatic peaks and the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Delaire Graff Lodge has a magical setting the heart of South Africa’s Winelands. Under the guidance of owner Laurence Graff, the founder of Graff Diamonds, the exclusive lodge nestled on the slopes of Helshoogte Pass offers the ultimate in refinement and warm hospitality.
Surrounded by lush, fragrant gardens — a collaboration with landscape artist extraordinaire Keith Kirsten — the estate provides a scenic space to relax and unwind. See more.
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Painted pink in 1918 to commemorate peace and the end of World War I, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town is one of the city’s most talked-about landmarks. The iconic address has welcomed many famous guests over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, John Lennon, Nelson Mandela and even the Dalai Lama.
Glamour and elegance of another time make this blush-hued beauty a fetching retreat. The hotel’s city-center setting belies the tranquility that awaits inside, with its plush interiors, warm hospitality and magical garden. See more.
Four-Star Hotels in Cape Town
The Cellars-Hohenort
Nestled within Cape Town’s leafy Constantia Valley, The Cellars-Hohenort has a setting out of a fairytale, complete with resident ducklings and a secret garden.
Combining classic charm with contemporary luxury, the 17th-century property proudly showcases historic features, such as an Oregon pine staircase in the cellar built using wood from the structure’s original roof and a massive, exposed beam in the lounge. See more.
Ellerman House
Sitting along the oceanfront in Cape Town, the exclusive Ellerman House exudes style. The cliffside setting affords dramatic ocean and mountain views — you cannot help but unwind with the lulling of the waves and the salty kiss of the sea breeze.
Housed in a restored 1906 Edwardian-style mansion, the historic hideaway of 13 distinctive rooms and suites feels more like a grand beach house than a hotel. Step back in time as this once-private residence enchants you with tales of yesteryear through antiques, original architectural details and masterful works of art. See more.
One&Only Cape Town
As you enter One&Only Cape Town, windows framing breathtaking views of Table Mountain will capture your attention. Overlooking both the marina and V&A Waterfront, the resort delivers a scenic urban escape.
Though you’re just steps from the bustling South African metropolis, you’ll feel worlds away thanks to the waterways that snake around the property. Other indulgences, like a 10,000-plus-square-foot private spa island and one of the continent’s two outposts of acclaimed Japanese fusion eatery Nobu, add to the air of exclusivity. See more.
The Silo Hotel
Towering above the waterfront, The Silo Hotel is an artistic escape filled with a quirky, contemporary air and breathtaking panoramic views.
Smartness and creativity are at the fore at the grain-silo-turned-hotel. Perched above the renowned Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the luxury property continues the celebration of design and offers private tours. Interiors curated by hotelier Liz Biden are stylish and colorful, each space taking you on a unique journey inspired by her travels. See more.
Recommended Hotels in Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
Seamlessly blending Old World Indian charm with modern South African luxury, Taj Cape Town is a city-center stay teeming with sophistication.
Originally home to the South African Reserve Bank, the stately hotel is ideally located in the CBD (central business district), allowing you to experience all that Cape Town has to offer. The property is a short distance from the capital’s famous attractions, including Iziko South African National Gallery, Signal Hill and the lively waterfront. See more.
