The best hotels in Cape Town

This backpacker-friendly lodge sits on Hof Street in the Gardens neighbourhood, a short walk from the Company's Garden and St George's Cathedral. Dormitory and private rooms are simple but clean, with lockers and decent beds. The communal area is lively and great for meeting other travellers passing through. Staff are genuinely helpful with directions and local tips. A solid base if you want to keep costs low without sacrificing central access.

Each of the 13 rooms in this Long Street boutique was designed by a different local artist, making it unlike anything else at this price point in Cape Town. The building is narrow and old, so rooms are small, but the creativity makes up for the lack of space. Long Street itself is noisy at night on weekends, so light sleepers should ask for a rear-facing room. Breakfast is not included but dozens of cafes are within a two-minute walk. A genuinely interesting place to stay rather than just a place to sleep.

Mannabay is a small guesthouse on De Waal Road in Fresnaye, tucked into the Atlantic Seaboard hillside with clear views across the city and toward Robben Island. The nine rooms are individually decorated with local art and antiques, and no two feel the same. Breakfast is served on the terrace and is one of the better hotel breakfasts in the city. It is a short drive or Uber ride to beaches and the V and A Waterfront rather than walking distance. The owners are hands-on and make the place feel more like a private home than a hotel.

Perched on Victoria Road in Bantry Bay, this boutique hotel has unobstructed Atlantic Ocean views from most rooms and the pool deck. Rooms are tastefully decorated and the suites with private plunge pools are worth the upgrade. The Sea Point promenade and its cafes and restaurants are a ten-minute walk along the coast. Parking is limited but the staff can usually sort something out. A quieter and more residential alternative to the busy Waterfront area.

Set in a restored heritage building on Bree Street at the edge of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, this hotel is one of the more atmospheric places to stay in the city centre. The Cape Dutch architecture is well preserved and the courtyard is a lovely spot for a drink in the evening. Rooms vary in size so ask specifically when booking. It is walking distance to the Biscuit Mill, the Old Biscuit Mill market on Saturdays, and several well-regarded restaurants. The Bo-Kaap itself is colourful and photogenic and just a five-minute walk uphill.

The Radisson Blu sits directly on Beach Road at the V and A Waterfront, with many rooms facing the working harbour and Table Mountain beyond. It is a reliable international chain option with consistent service, a good-sized pool, and well-equipped rooms. The Waterfront location puts you steps from the Two Oceans Aquarium, the ferry to Robben Island, and dozens of restaurants and shops. Conference facilities are solid making it popular with business travellers. Rates can spike during school holidays but offer reasonable value outside peak season.

Kensington Place is a small eight-room hotel on Kensington Crescent in Higgovale, set on the lower slopes of Table Mountain with sweeping views over the city bowl. The rooms are spacious and the service is attentive without being intrusive. The pool area is a highlight and feels very private given its elevated position. A car is useful here since the location is residential and a taxi is needed to reach most restaurants and attractions. This is the kind of place that gets repeat guests year after year for good reason.

The Fire and Ice on New Church Street in De Waterkant is a well-run Marriott property that punches above its price point in terms of facilities and location. The lobby bar is popular with both guests and locals and creates a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Rooms are modern and comfortable though not especially large. De Waterkant puts you close to the Green Point Urban Park, the Cape Quarter shopping area, and the Waterfront without paying Waterfront premium prices. A dependable choice for those who want brand reliability at a fair rate.

The Silo occupies the upper floors of a converted grain elevator in the V and A Waterfront directly above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. The building is architecturally striking with bubble-shaped windows that bulge out from the concrete facade and frame views of Table Mountain and the harbour. Rooms are enormous by any standard and the design, overseen by Liz Biden, uses rich textures and bold colours throughout. The rooftop pool and bar are among the most dramatic settings for a sundowner in the entire country. Service is thorough and anticipatory at every turn.

Ellerman House on Ellerman Road in Bantry Bay is widely considered one of the finest small hotels in Africa and the rates reflect that. The 1912 Edwardian mansion has only 13 rooms and two private villas, all with Atlantic Ocean views and an extraordinary art collection throughout the property. The wine cellar holds over 7000 bottles and the sommelier-led tastings are a genuine highlight. Every detail, from the personalised itineraries to the private chef options, is handled with exceptional care. This is not a hotel for those who simply want a comfortable bed but for those who want an experience.