Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Cape Town

“Cape Town went beyond our expectations. People truly couldn’t do enough for us during our stay – we felt safe and cared for at all times. Plus, the scenery was spectacular! This was really the perfect way to begin our safari.”

Before taking off on a Botswana safari, Moyra from Canada spent a few days in Cape Town. But this African city isn’t just a stop along the way – this is a destination all on its own. From the world-class restaurants on Kloof Street to the renowned wine regions and postcard-perfect beaches, the city’s offerings are diverse. What makes a holiday here even better is a stay at one of the luxury hotels in Cape Town.

Butler service, helicopter tours, and curated art collections are just some of the things you can expect at the best luxury hotels in Cape Town. Let’s explore 10 you should consider for your South African holiday:

1. Mount Nelson: A Cape Town Institution

The Mount Nelson Hotel has been an iconic destination in the city for well over a hundred years, a standout for its powder-pink exterior. Upon driving through the gates and entering the property, you feel as if you’ve arrived in a Victorian-era luxury estate. The grand scale of the property – complete with sweeping staircases, chandeliers, chequerboard floors, and ornate mirrors – has 198 rooms and suites, two swimming pools, a tennis court, a spa, and even a hair salon.

Price per night: Signature Suites range from US $ 885/R16,000 to US $995/R18,000 a night.*

Discover Africa tip: Even if you don’t stay at Mount Nelson, visit for their high tea, a quintessential experience for luxury holidays to Cape Town.

2. Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

If you’re looking for five-star luxury hotels in Cape Town with an ocean view, the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is the perfect choice. Located in the luxurious suburb of Camps Bay, the calming views of the ocean are the backdrop to a stay here. There are 70 rooms and suites (including the Presidential Suite) in the hotel, which boast views of either the Atlantic Ocean, Twelve Apostles mountain range, or Table Mountain National Park.

Price per night: Classic Rooms start at around US $447/R8,077 a night.*

Must-do while here: Take your Cape Town holiday to another level with The Art of Flight experience from the Twelve Apostles. You’ll board a helicopter which will take you on a tour around the coast before stopping for a delicious lunch.

3. Cape Grace

Situated on a private quay in the V&A Waterfront, a shopping and restaurant mecca in Cape Town, the Cape Grace is perfect for travellers wanting to be close to the action while still being able to retreat into an exclusive setting with every need and want taken care of. After walking around the V&A Waterfront shopping at luxury stores, having lunch overlooking the ocean (or perhaps visiting the Time Out Market), walking around the Two Oceans Aquarium, and browsing local crafts and brands at the Watershed, you can head to your suite (one of 112), put on the plush slippers and relax with a coffee or tea (from the fully equipped station).

Price per night: Prices start at around US $ 538/R9,700 a night.*

Good to know: The Cape Grace boasts a stunning pool and adjoining bar. During a stay here, you can reserve your sunbed to ensure you have the perfect day of poolside relaxation.

4. Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Along Kloof Street – an energetic hub of some of the best restaurants in the city – lies Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel. After crossing the threshold, emerald green walls and (depending on the time of year) a roaring fire set the scene for an elegant experience. There are just 29 rooms, the ultimate being the Cape Cadogan Residence. The perfect choice for travelling friends and family, this suite includes three en-suite bedrooms, a private deck and pool, and a butler to ensure every need is seen to.

Price per night: A Classic Room is US $ 642/R11,582 a night.*

Must-try: Upper Union is the on-site restaurant, a place where global flavours are tinkered with until the perfect bites are created. As winner of Contemporary Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, Upper Union shouldn’t be missed.

5. One&Only

Resort-style luxury awaits at the One&Only, a five-star hotel spreading across two islands at the V&A Waterfront. The design of the hotel has perfectly balanced opulence with comfort, offering plush accommodations where there is always another touch of luxury to appreciate, whichever way you turn. This is the home of the only Nobu restaurant in the whole of southern Africa, further singling the One&Only out as a premier destination on the continent.

Price per night: Ranges upwards from about US $ 887/R16,000 a night.*

Must-visit at the One&Only: The hotel has its own gallery, Art@Africa. This space exhibits contemporary works from African artists to celebrate the spirit of this vibrant continent.

6. The Silo

A celebration of modern architecture and detailed design, the Silo immediately catches the eye due to the pillowed-glass windows that afford incredible views of the V&A Waterfront, the harbour, and Table Mountain. The Silo is spread out over six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) – the hotel has created its own artworks within the gorgeous rooms. Rich jewel tones punctuate the 28 suites, with the penthouse being the ultimate accommodation choice. Complete with a spa room, walk-in cupboards, and a cinema room, a stay at the penthouse will take your Cape Town holiday to another level of exclusivity.

Price per night: A Silo Room starts at US $ 1,453/R26,200 a night during mid-season.*

For travelling families: If you’re travelling with young children, book the Tiny Tea experience, a child-size version of the hotel’s afternoon tea offering.

7. Camissa House

With only eight rooms, Camissa is a boutique experience perfect for guests looking for an intimate and less-crowded experience during their Cape Town holiday. The location of Camissa House cannot be beaten – right on the doorstep of Table Mountain, it’s also only a 10-minute transfer from the city’s most beautiful beaches and just five minutes from the centre of Cape Town. Rooms take inspiration from the Cape Floral Kingdom and full advantage of the surrounding views and natural light.

Price per night: Luxury rooms start at US $ 344/R6,200 per night.*

Good to know: A stay here includes daily breakfast, house beverages, daily high tea, and 24-hour butler service.

8. Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel

This luxury boutique hotel beckons those who are looking for a touch of historic charm; Labotessa is located in Church Square, with its neighbour being St George’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican cathedral in southern Africa. An aesthetic of timeless elegance flows through the hotel, seen in the original French oak floors, marble finishings, Diptyque Paris products, and refined decor.

Price per night: Starts at around US $ 590/R10,650 a night.*

Must-do experience: The tea experience at Labotessa is inspired by Diptyque fragrances. Sip your choice of TWG tea and relax while indulging in finger sandwiches and artisanal macarons.

9. The Clarendon Bantry Bay

Set between the mountains and the ocean in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after suburbs is The Clarendon, a boutique hotel that features sublime swimming pools and lush gardens. Construction of this hotel took into account the gorgeous sea views, and every effort has been made to ensure the awe-inspiring vista is enjoyed wherever you are. Winding staircases, opulent furnishings, and an elegant cream palette come together to create this refined stay.

Price per night: Rates start at around US $ 278/R5,000 a night.*

Must-do experience: A cocktail on the terrace as the sun sets over the ocean – this simply cannot be missed.

10. Ellerman House

Ellerman House in Bantry Bay is a celebration of simple luxury and South African excellence. As you walk through the doors of this property overlooking the ocean, calmness washes over you. Every inch of the hotel is a testament to the passion and care of the staff here, from the meticulous details of the luxurious rooms to the meals at OneEighty. At the restaurant, you’ll be blown away by the culinary landscape, which is a meeting place of the different food cultures of the city. Ellerman House has curated a stunning collection of South African art that tells the story of the nation, which is displayed around the hotel.

Price per night: The Classic House Room starts from US $ 1,054/R19,000 per night.*

Must-do experience for oenophiles: Dive into the history of South Africa as a wine region and taste extraordinary vintages at the Wine Gallery in Ellerman House. When coming to South Africa, Cape Town deserves a few days of exploration. The above luxury hotels are destinations within themselves thanks to their incredible amenities and fine touches that make a stay out of this world.

* These prices are estimates and can change depending on the season.