Cape Town is having a major moment and, in the midst of its spring (September to November), now is the time to visit. These are five of the best hotels in Cape Town.
Why Cape Town and why now? The incredible annual migration of Southern Right Whales in South Africa takes place from June through November and is visible from Cape Town’s beaches; in spring visitors can enjoy some exceptional hotel deals and the best restaurants in town before high season kicks in; and, thanks to the introduction of a UK flight route by Norse, the city is more accessible than ever.
With spring in full bloom, ditch the Christmas crowds to make the most of an altogether quieter shoulder season. These are the best hotels in Cape Town.
For Heritage Hospitality (And A Five-Star Spa): The Belmond Mount Nelson
Within the city’s affluent Gardens suburb, just moments from the dining hub of Kloof Street, the Belmond Mount Nelson is the Grand Dame of Cape Town. Just as stylish now as when she first opened over 125 years ago, ‘The Nellie’ – as she’s affectionately known among locals – is an urban oasis in the heart of the city, and her nine-acre estate is home to one of Cape Town’s oldest horticultural gardens, enveloped in an abundance of hibiscus, bougainvillea, frangipani, jasmine, and roses.
Despite her advancing years, she’s never looked better. This is classic, heritage hospitality with a capital H, where staff are faultless, guests are greeted by name, no ask is too much and thoughtful touches abound. From a pink bookmark carefully inserted in a bedside tome, a lens cleaning cloth gently laid next to your glasses, bottles of sunscreen brought to you at the pool and the ingredients for a perfect Martini placed in your room for cocktail hour, it’s the little extras that make such a destination property so very special.
The best rooms to book? One of the quaintly quiet yet stunning suites overlooking the adults-only pool and with a backdrop of Table Mountain. The Mount Nelson is known for its afternoon tea, served on the sun-drenched garden terrace to the dulcet sounds of soft jazz, with a tea sommelier to assist in selecting from its 60-strong tea menu. Loved by a celebrity clientele, it’s one of the best spots in town for people watching, and it’s perfectly possible to while away an afternoon in the garden working your way through the cocktail menu .
You should, however, book into its Librisa Spa; housed in a trio of restored Victorian heritage homes next to the main pool, it’s a healing sanctuary with a menu of restorative rituals using locally sourced spa products that will leave you feeling refreshed and revived. Soothing sage green corridors lead you to silent treatment rooms, after which relaxation beckons in the sun-dappled conservatory – fringed with bamboo, it’s a haven of tranquility. The Mount Nelson Rose is a signature – a centuries old massage with a local twist of hand-crafted herbal poultices coupled with rose petal and geranium massage oil.
For The View: Atzaró Cape Town
With nearly a quarter of a century of refined luxury hospitality experience in Ibiza, last year saw the opening of Atzaró’s first properties outside the island, including the mesmerising Atzaró Cape Town alongside a Botswana safari camp. Originally opened as a private-use villa, it sits on the slopes of Table Mountain, the last building on the road before it makes way for mountain paths taking you up to the cableway. Sitting in the mountain’s shadow, the views are – quite simply – breathtaking.
This is a real home from home, with just seven luxury suites across the hotel, each designed and named in reverence to South Africa. Breakfast is served in the light-filled reception space overlooking the pool terrace, with dishes changing daily and freshly cooked by the in-house chef. Sliding doors open on to a terrace showcasing views from the very top of the city across its rooftops, and stretching all the way to the City Bowl and the glistening ocean beyond. Filled with local art, artefacts and books, guests are encouraged to make themselves comfortable and enjoy the self-service honesty bar.
Atzaró is dedicated to conservation, sustainability and the support of local communities, and is committed to preserving Cape Town and its cultural heritage. From local food and drink products in its mini bars, toiletries in the bathrooms and accessories like woven baskets and rugs, there are elements of local craftsmanship across the property.
The jewel in the crown here is the hotel’s Lion’s Head Suite, a 710-square-foot top-floor escape with light and space in abundance. With a four-poster bed and Table Mountain peeking in through the window above it, indulge in the City Bowl views from the freestanding bathtub and roll back the glass doors to watch the stars rising above Signal Hill on the wraparound terrace. It might not be in the centre of the city, but this is a peaceful escape. The property is also available for exclusive hire, accommodating 14 guests with 24-hour service and a dedicated concierge to help plan your break.
For The Dazzling Sunsets: The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Halfway along the sweeping coastal stretch of Victoria Road lies the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, a boutique bolthole poised above the roaring Atlantic and flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles Mountain range and Table Mountain National Park. The only hotel on this spectacular stretch of road, this mountainside retreat is one of Cape Town’s most charming, with the original structure built in 1929 as a private residence before opening its doors as a luxury hotel in 2002 after extensive renovations.
Seventy rooms and suites boast ocean or mountain views, luxury toiletries by B|Africa, and pillow menus for the perfect night’s sleep. Each room leads directly onto the mountainside too: pre-order a picnic and head off on a hike to Stanley’s Rock, a remarkable geographical feature shaped by millennia of wind and rain – a top spot for sundowners.
The Leopard Bar is a style icon, serving an impressive selection of South African wines and beers and inventive cocktails, and, between July and December, it’s a popular spot for whale watching as Southern Right Whales come in to calf. Whatever the season, reserve a table on the terrace and soak up the spectacular sunsets that stretch across the Atlantic Seaboard as the lights of the city start twinkling in the distance and clouds swirl over the mountaintops beyond.
The Twelve Apostles takes full advantage of the Cape’s bountiful seasonal produce and rich culinary traditions at its restaurants. At the helm of The Twelve Apostles’ kitchens for ten years, executive chef Christo Pretorius draws on an international influence married with the exceptional local flavours of the Cape to craft inspired menus that champion local cuisine. Azure restaurant is a celebration of the ocean: dine on local delicacies like Saldanha Bay oysters, False Bay octopus, crayfish, mussels and Cape Hake.
For The Food And Wine: Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
In the heart of Cape Town’s vineyard, Constantia, the Cellars-Hohenort Hotel is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre but feels like another world. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it’s steeped in history; the original property dates from the late 1600s and borders the world-famous Groot Constantia wine estate. The property is home to over 2,500 rose bushes as well as its own vines, not to mention two African tortoise who spend their days munching their way across the nine-acre estate.
Fifty-one rooms include the self-contained two-storey, three-bedroom Madiba Villa, which is tucked away in its own gardens and comes with a private plunge pool, a personal driveway, plus dedicated concierge and butler services.
The Conservatory restaurant was relaunched in October 2023 under head chef Daniel Blignaut and has gone on to become an icon of the city’s dining scene. Creative, inventive menus focus on seasonal, regional produce, with dedicated vegetable, herb and citrus gardens overseen by head gardener Leigh-Ann van Wyk and harvested daily. Expect dishes like their legendary double baked cheese soufflé and seared Outeniqua springbok loin with dauphinoise and a coconut masala emulsion.
Of course in wine country it’s not just about the food. Cellars-Hohenort boasts an impressive menu of over 500 wines, focused mainly on the unique expression of the Constantia Valley, alongside some of the other fine growing regions of South Africa like Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Swartland. Each of the three properties in The Liz McGrath Collection, features menu pairings and curated dinners with local winemakers.
For The Location: The Cape Grace
Situated right in the centre of Cape Town’s iconic V&A waterfront, you won’t find a property more central than the Cape Grace, a Fairmont-managed hotel: step outside and the main hub of the city is just seconds away. The property officially reopened in May 2024 after a full-scale renovation overseen by interior design studio 1508 London, which saw the ground floor transformed with light and space as walls were replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out across the harbour. Interiors are an homage to South African heritage and culture, with a rich display of local artwork throughout the property, traditional touches, and natural colours juxtaposed with geometric detailing.
Each of the 112 rooms has its own French windows or balconies with striking views over Table Mountain or the marina, plus bookshelves filled with local tomes (all the books in the property highlight South African subjects or local authors). The two-bedroom Cape Grace penthouse suite is home to its own private terrace, lounge, bar, butler’s pantry and panoramic views, while on the third floor the Fairmont Spa opened last summer with treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, salt room and a transformative experience shower.
An outdoor heated pool is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the waterfront, and just underneath it is Bascule Bar & Lounge which, renowned for its unrivalled whisky selection, has long been an icon on Cape Town’s cocktail scene. Grab a table out on the waterfront and while away an evening sipping on their signature serves and watching the world go by, or visit The Library Lounge, a sophisticated sanctuary ideal for afternoon tea or a light bite – with views across the marina and shelves lined with a carefully curated selection of books.
The Heirloom Restaurant under chef Wesli Jacobs, blends fine-dining tasting menus with heritage-driven South African ingredients, drawing inspiration from local flavours with a menu that commemorates the land, the people, and the culinary practices passed down through generations. Expect dishes like smoked snoek paté, grilled west coast sardines and Cape Malay mussels, charcoal roasted south coast rock lobster tail, and veld-raised beef.
Lead image credit: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
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