Luxury boutique Hotels in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most magical city’s in Africa, and the world. Its unique combination of a dramatic backdrop of natural landscape, coupled with over 350 years of European colonial history, first world infrastructure and sunny Mediterranean climate, make it one of the hottest tourist destinations on the planet. Not to mention the myriad of sites and experiences on offer to make a truly memorable holiday..

So, when planning a vacation to this wonderful part of the world, what are the best luxury boutique hotels in Cape Town to look at, where are they situated, what makes them so special, which type of people frequent them, and who offers real deal at the top end of this price category?

For an intimate and romantically luxurious feel, along with a personable but discreet staff, look at the following:

Top 5 Five Star boutique hotels

1. Ellerman House
2. Kensington Place
3. Camps Bay Retreat
4. The Clarendon, Bantry Bay
5. Mannabay Fine Boutique Hotel

Ellerman House sunset

Camps bay beach sunset

Ellerman House is arguably THE most exclusive boutique hotel in Cape Town – its commanding and private location perched on the cliffs above Bantry Bay (a rather exclusive suburb of Cape Town) make for one of the most breath-taking views to boot.. if money is no object, but luxury is, then you’ve arrived. This is an exquisite historic house once owned by a shipping tycoon that drips with phenomenal taste.

With outstanding city views, Kensington Place is a very different offering with a more affordable price-tag – situated in a quiet and secluded part of the City bowl, just beneath the slopes of Table Mountain. A highly contemporary exterior and interior is beautifully decorated to suit the modern dweller who enjoys the latest in artistic trends.

Camps Bay Retreat is a beautiful more traditional establishment with a touch of the colonial and an air of homeliness which instantly relaxes you. Perched high above Camps Bay the sea views are also magnificent – and the comfort here is so wonderful it will leave you not wanting to eave the property!

The Clarendon Bantry Bay is an architectural feat of note. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean this very swish property transports you to another world.. heavenly is a word that springs to mind. the peace and tranquillity here is unmatched, and your will find yourself drifting off into paradise.

For a more exotic stay in Cape Town, Mannabay Fine Boutique Guest House is located centrally with views over the harbor and Atlantic Ocean beyond – it is very eclectic and vibrant, with a heady atmosphere that brings a smile to your face. Nothing is too much to ask, and you will be waited on hand and foot.

MannaBay Fine Boutique Hotel Suite

Now if you’re nervous by the prospect of seeing the same few faces at breakfast in the morning and would rather a slightly larger hotel in which to cruise about, have a look at these.

Top 5 Five Star hotels

1. The Bay Hotel
2. The 12 Apostles
3. Steenberg Luxury Hotel
4. The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
5. The Mount Nelson Hotel

If you’re seeking the glitz of the strip in centrally located Camps Bay, Cape Town, there’s no better hotel than The Bay. With sweeping views of the ocean in front and the Twelve Apostles mountain range behind, The Bay sits plum in the middle of this pristine destination. Swathed in comfort, this modern hotel provides every amenity you could wish for, all within walking proximity of the beach, fine restaurants and bustling night life.

A 5 minute drive from Camps Bay sits The 12 Apostles Hotel among the slopes of a nature reserve overlooking the ocean. With 70 rooms, two restaurants, two pools, a couple of bars and a spa, The 12 Apostles Hotel offers magnificent modern luxury and tranquillity, all within easy reach of the major attractions of Cape Town.

Twelve Apostles hotel and spa dining

For any golfer visiting Cape Town the Steenberg Luxury Hotel is ‘THE’ place to stay. It provides a world-class course in the surrounds of one of the Cape’s most historic wine farms – and not only are the wines outstandingly delicious and highly awarded, but there are two fabulous restaurants to enjoy them!

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel is owned by one of Cape Town’s most renowned hotelier’s; Liz McGrath. No detail goes unattended by this fastidious and tasteful lady – The Cellars is a fine example of a historic hotel which is lavishly and exquisitely decorated. Fine Dining is another feature of the hotel, whose restaurant called The Green House, is regularly selected within the top 10 of South Africa.

The Mount Nelson Hotel (Est.1899) is the grand old pink lady of Cape Town. One of the most historic of all, it possesses a rich and fascinating past during which many great and famous have walked through its doors. Beautifully furnished, and serviced, you would never realise that this iconic hotel was tucked away among lush gardens in the center of town. It’s a pretty haven, and a special one for families.

The Mount Nelson Hotel Pool