3 Cape Town Accommodation Styles
One of Southern Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities, Cape Town is a lovely mix of colonial buildings, modern architecture, beautiful public gardens, eclectic cuisine and a Mediterranean climate. It’s scenically stunning too – the views from Table Mountain over the rugged cape coastline and the waterfront district are truly spectacular. Like almost every other city in the world it has its fair share of anonymous three and four star hotels, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find some absolute gems here. Broadly speaking you can categorise accommodation styles into three types.
Guesthouses
Don’t be put off by the name – these South African properties are much more like small boutique hotels than a traditional British guesthouse. You can find stately Victorian townhouses like Welgelegen transformed into cozy B&Bs, or modern premises like An African Villa. At the top end are little hotels like Kensington Place and Cape Cadogan complete with romantic courtyards and plunge pools. Whether owner run or hosted by friendly staff you’ll find locals who delight in recommending top restaurants, shopping spots or day tours which really enrich a stay here. Rates start from £150 per night including breakfast at Welgelegen Guest House.
Luxury Hotel
Among luxury hotels is the elegant Cape Grace which, with its prime Victoria & Alfred Waterfront location, is a real Cape Town favourite. Service at this 122 room hotel is outstanding and it’s a lovely spot for families. If a more intimate setting is on your list then Ellerman House should appeal. This luxury boutique hotel, a member of the Relais & Chateaux group, has just 11 rooms and enjoys a spectacular location perched on a cliff above Bantry Bay.
One&Only Cape Town is a contemporary spot in the heart of the action with breath taking views, celebrated chefs and an excellent spa.
Art lovers will enjoy The Silo Hotel, an extraordinary new hotel built in the grain elevator portion of an historic grain silo complex. Beneath the modern six-floor hotel is the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. For a great spot right on the beach The Bay Hotel is a good choice – just a short stroll from fashionable restaurants and shops it’s been welcoming guests to this glitzy part of town since 1997. Rooms at the Cape Grace are from £500 per night including breakfast.
Self catering apartments
Newer to the Cape Town scene is a range of luxury serviced accommodation, perfect for those who’d prefer to be independent or stay a little longer in the city. Many, like African Elite Apartments, overlook the waterfront, while others, like More Quarters on Kloof Street, are perfectly placed for vibrant nightlife and a great range of restaurants.
African Elite apartments, Cape Town
Icon Villas are a range of sea view self catering properties. Prices at African Elite Apartments start from £200 with breakfast per night for a one bedroom apartment with kitchenette and lounge.
Any questions?
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What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
Hi
I wonder if you would be able to recommend any properties in the Rodebosch 7700 area of Cape Town.
Looking to visit in September.
Regards
Dianne
Dear Dianne, thank you for your query, your email address has been passed to one of our team and they will be in touch with you shortly. Best regards
Renate