Time for a holiday? We’ve already shared our picks for best design hotels in Phuket and chosen the world’s most sustainable hotels. Whether you’re heading to South Africa to enjoy an international sporting event or if you’re passing through as you seek adventure, no visit would be complete without staying at one of the best boutique hotels in Cape Town.

The best boutique hotels in Cape Town

1. Compass House

Compass House
Compass House

Compass House is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Cape Town’s Bantry Bay. Within the sheltered and wind-free location, you can relax and unwind with the hotel’s beach-front access and breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rooms offer a blend of international flavours, warm ambience, and uninterrupted views of the ocean, with direct access to the 20-metre pool and sun-filled deck areas. Guests can truly indulge with the hotel’s exclusive BVLGARI amenities and spend time in the communal living area complete with stellar views of the sea.

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2. The Silo

 

Celebrating the city’s style and design, architecture and art, The Silo is a premium 5-Star hotel with a commanding presence. Built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex, the design is both eclectic and industrial with views of the V&A Waterfront on offer from most rooms and dining venues.

The Silo’s contemporary African art collection will sate the desires of any art lover, and if that’s not enough, the hotel sits atop the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) which is home to Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art.

Dining at The Silo is everything you could imagine; a chic luxury breakfast, all day drinks with spectacular views from the sixth floor, relaxed dinners in the granary, or private dining in the glass-fronted Wisdom Room. Don’t forget to book a treatment at The Silo Spa to discover total relaxation.

Learn more about The Silo

3. Gorgeous George

Gorgeous George
Gorgeous George

The first hotel in Cape Town to join the prestigious Design Hotels™, Gorgeous George is a boundary-pushing and innovative hotel built within two heritage buildings. Located near the historic Victoria and Albert waterfront, it’s at the doorstep to the Mother City making exploring a dream.

With a rooftop pool at the end of a marble staircase, the views from the sixth floor are ideally taken in with your favourite drink from their restaurant and bar, Gigi.

Choose from one of 32 luxurious rooms. Each room is a blend of the building’s industrial bones, and modern Victorian elements. An eclectic mix of artwork and custom pieces ensures each stay is unique.

Find out more about Gorgeous George

4. Steenberg Farm

Steenberg Farm
Steenberg Farm

Established in 1682, the Steenberg Farm is a Cape Town icon. With a private golf course, wine tastings, spa, pool and two world-class restaurants, the property has it all for the discerning traveller. Stay in one of their premier rooms, suites, or exclusive villas, and you’ll be treated to a new level of relaxation and indulgence.

Here, you’ll also find a renowned winery that produces red, white, and sparkling wines, all imbued with the distinctive terroir of the Constantia Valley, the rich soils that have nurtured the farm for hundreds of years.

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5. Cape Cadogan

How often can you say you’ve stayed somewhere with National Monument Status? At Cape Cadogan, that’s just the beginning of your memorable stay. A private residence, the property offers its guests attentive hospitality within its charming and relaxing surroundings.

With four equally luxuriant levels of boutique accommodations, you’re spoilt for choice between the classic single with queen-sized beds, through to superior rooms with private plunge pools and fireplaces.

When you’re ready to dine, the chefs turn to The Cape’s culinary heritage and homegrown ingredients to create mouthwatering menus. The range of dining experiences include classic burgers in a relaxed atmosphere through to 12 course degustation menus for gourmands.

Find out more about Cape Cadogan

6. 21 Nettleton

21 Nettleton
21 Nettleton

It doesn’t get much more exclusive than 21 Nettleton’s six-room boutique hotel. Located in a heavenly setting between ocean and mountain, enjoy total privacy at this 5-star property.

With a choice of five suites, or a magnificent penthouse, guests will enjoy unrivalled beauty and sophistication. Rooms are appointed with charming individual contemporary soft furnishings, bespoke artworks, and antique furniture.

21 Nettleton also curates personally tailored experiences for their guests. Activities include outdoor massages, romantic golden sunsets, and unique garden dinners under the starlit southern hemisphere.

Find out more about 21 Nettleton

7. Pod

Pod Camps Bay
Pod

Pod comprises 17 exclusive rooms; each utterly unique and distinctive. A hotel with modern design, it’s balanced by the green architecture and incorporation of the hotel’s outstanding natural setting.

Located in Camps Bay, Pod is right on the doorstep of some of Cape Town’s superb beaches, exclusive nightlife, and sensational gastronomic discoveries. With beachfront service at the north end of Camps Bay, you’ll never need to return to the real-world.

Find out more about Pod

8. Four Rosmead

Four Rosmead
Four Rosmead

Luxury and personal attention are just the beginning of a stay at this top-class boutique hotel. Recognised for its historical value as well as its sensitive and stylish renovations, the interiors blend minimalism with contemporary African nuances.

10 bespoke bedrooms are adorned with ensuite facilities, extra length queen, king, or twin beds, air conditioning, and either private gardens, balconies, or courtyard access. Landscaped gardens and a heated pool and sun deck ensure you can escape to your own piece of paradise.

Find out more about Four Rosmead

9. Ellerman House

Ellerman House
Ellerman House

Nestled between the spectacular South Atlantic coastline, and the devastatingly beautiful Table Mountain National Park, Ellerman House is the heart and soul of luxury in Cape Town.

Stay in one of the 13 elegantly and individually-styled rooms or luxe private villas, and enjoy exceptional personalised service. When it comes to making guests feel at home, Ellerman House exceeds expectations; sunset canapes and cocktails, wine tastings, your own private chef, local culture, and live music are all at your fingertips.

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10. NOAH House

Originally constructed in 1860 when it was used as a farmhouse, NOAH House is the perfect blend of heritage Victorian architecture and contemporary design. The stunning property is home to just 10 rooms, each tastefully curated to respect the original structure with a simple aesthetic.

If you’re looking for something special to make your stay even more memrable, be sure to book the property’s restored Land Rover Defender for a cruise around the peninsula topped off with sundowners. Sitting beneath the awe-inspiring backdrop of Table Mountain, guests will love the trendy Tamboerskloof neighbourhood in which the boutique hotel sits too.

Learn more about NOAH House

11. Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel

Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel Cape Town guestroom interior looking out onto Table Mountain
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel

Found close to St. George’s Cathedral in the heart of the cobbled streets of Church Square, Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel is a must-visit. Founded by two local friends with a passion for art, architecture, and history, this 17th-century building has been transformed into a luxe property home to just seven immaculately presented suites.

We suggest going all-out at reserving the Presidential Suite which spans two floors and includes private terraces and even a small swimming pool. Indulge in perfect eggs at the onsite cafe that includes seating in the square, a hotspot beloved by both locals and tourists alike.

Discover more about Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel

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