Accommodation
Standards of accommodation are very high in Cape Town and cover an impressive range of options. In the city centre, you’ll find outstanding boutique hotels, luxury guesthouses and welcoming hostels which often boast spectacular views of Table Mountain or the ocean. Move further along the Garden Route, and you’ll discover country retreats in beautiful settings, ecolodges in old-growth forests and sumptuous beds in grand Victorian homes – at prices that would only get you a B&B in a Western country. Other than in the cheapest rooms, you’ll always get a private bath or shower, and you’ll often have use of a garden and pool, or even your own private patio. One unusual prospect – and one of the few ways to experience life as it is for the majority of South Africans – is to stay in an African township on the Cape Flats.
Although there’s not much in the way of low-cost hotels, modest budgets are catered for by two main options. Backpacker lodges offer basic hostel accommodation in dorms, usually from around R200 per person, and private rooms. There’s been a rise in “boutique” backpackers, which, as well as dorms, offer almost luxurious doubles, percale cotton sheets and feather duvets. Some backpacker places have family accommodation, some are quiet, but most, as is to be expected, are about socializing. They are independently run and listed in the free Coast to Coast guide, which covers the whole country and is widely available in tourist information offices and hostels countrywide.
Self-catering apartments are especially good if you are travelling as a family. You can expect kitchens to come with crockery and cutlery, and for linen and towels to be provided.
Nature lovers and hikers in search of isolated splendour can stay at the self-catering cottages and glamping sites dotted about Table Mountain National Park (book at the SAN Parks desk at Cape Town Tourism Office on Burg St, or on 
021 487 6800, 
tmnp.co.za). For example, the four-bed Orangekloof Tent on the mountain costs R545 for two people; at the other end of the scale, the more luxurious, twelve-person Olifantsbos Guest House, right on the beach in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, goes for R3620 for up to four people. Note that availability can be very limited over summer weekends.
Besides the many online booking services, the Cape Town Tourism website (capetown.travel) can help you find accommodation for all budgets.
essentials
Booking If you want to stay in a particular guesthouse in a central location, in high season, it’s recommended that you book several months in advance.
Rates In this guide (including the “Beyond the city” chapters), accommodation prices are, unless stated otherwise, quoted as the lowest price for a double room with two people sharing in high season, though for backpacker hostels the rate for dorms is per person. Note, however, that on the ground many rates are quoted per person sharing rather than per room, with a single supplement applied to solo travellers – check on this when you book. Apart from at backpackers, an English breakfast is normally included – if not, it should be available to order. Wi-fi access is free unless noted in the review.
Seasons High season refers to the South African summer (Oct–March), when Cape Town is packed full to the brim – though note that prices rise again within this period, during Christmas and New Year and also over Easter. Autumn (April–May) and spring (Sept) are the shoulder seasons. There’s a lull in the midwinter low season (June–Aug), during which time you can find good-value places to stay, often with hefty discounts.
the City centre
From Long Street and the surrounding area, you can walk to the museums, trawl Cape Town’s best bars and clubs, eat at numerous restaurants and easily find transport to the Waterfront or out of the centre. There are backpacker lodges and hotels on Long Street itself, and you’ll find several places to stay in quieter locations to the east, around the Company’s Garden and the museums. Expect rooms fronting Long Street to be noisy.
Cape Heritage Hotel 90 Bree St 021 424 4646, capeheritage.co.za; map. An exceptionally stylish, elegant and tastefully restored boutique hotel located in the redeveloped eighteenth-century complex at Heritage Square, where a walkway shaded by South Africa’s oldest fruit-bearing grapevine links the hotel and central courtyard. The spacious rooms are decorated with contemporary handcrafted objects and original paintings. The service is charming and there’s also a roof terrace and Jacuzzi. R2850
Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel 134 Long St 021 422 3074, daddylonglegs.co.za; map. Once part of the same chain as Grand Daddy Hotel, and still affiliated with country cousin Old Mac Daddy, this playful boutique hotel’s rooms were conceptualised by local artists, with themes from karaoke to the Karoo. One- and two-bedroom self-catering apartments are also available. Doubles and one-bedroom apartments R1250, two-bedroom apartments R1450
Dutch Manor Antique Hotel 158 Buitengracht, Bo-Kaap 021 422 4767, dutchmanor.co.za; map. Travel back in time in this townhouse, which dates back to 1812 and is filled with period furniture, lavish tapestries and four-poster beds. Its pervasive sense of history is spoilt only by the proximity of busy Buitengracht, which the hotel’s small balcony overlooks. The central location is certainly handy. R2200
Grand Daddy Hotel 38 Long St 021 424 7247, granddaddy.co.za; map. The Grand Daddy has a rooftop trailer park of seven retro-cool American Airstream caravans, decorated by local artists and linked by wooden walkways. Opt for one of these novel but small silver trailers or for one of the double rooms, which are also imaginative, colourful and funky. Doubles R2895, trailers R3695
iKhaya Lodge Dunkley Square, Wandel St 021 461 8880, www.ikhayalodge.co.za; map. This small hotel is on a pretty square, right by the Company’s Garden and the museums, and close to a few good restaurants and bars in the regenerated East City area. There’s a fun African decor, and accommodation ranges from rooms with balconies to single, doubles and triple loft apartments. Doubles R1225, loft apartments R1700
Long Street Backpackers 209 Long St 021 423 0615, longstreetbackpackers.com; map. Long Street may be famous for its backpacker hostels, but they mostly look tired compared with options in other areas – Long Street Backpackers, the strip’s longest serving is one of the most dependable. It consists of a dozen small flats arranged around a leafy, mosaic-clad courtyard and bar. Dorms R190, doubles R350
Rose Street 28 28 Rose St, Bo-Kaap 021 424 3813, rosestreet28.co.za; map. This good-value B&B consists of three townhouses on Rose street and Wale Street, simply but stylishly decorated with shared kitchen and courtyard and a friendly atmosphere. The main lodge occupies a grey-painted house in a row of colourful Bo-Kaap residences, with three dinky rooms inside. R890
Rouge on Rose 25 Rose St, at Hout St 021 426 0298, rougeonrose.co.za; map. Nine modern, comfortable suites with bohemian studio chic reflecting the pastel Bo-Kaap facades outside. Beaded artworks liven up the muted urban decor and the suites are certainly spacious, with free-standing bath tubs, great views and self-catering facilities in some. R1800
St Paul’s Guesthouse 182 Bree St, at Buiten St 021 423 4420, stpaul.org.za; map. Established in 1933 by the neighbouring Anglican church, St Paul’s is a welcome budget alternative to backpacker lodges for travellers who don’t like reggae music. Appealingly simple and tranquil rooms have access to a vine-shaded courtyard, with breakfast included and secure parking available. R750
Scalabrini Guest House 47 Commercial St 021 465 6433, scalabrini.org.za; map. This backpackers with a difference is attached to the Scalabrini Centre, which provides protection and support to vulnerable immigrants. Spacious, wooden-floored dorms and rooms, a kitchen, lounge and laundry service are on offer, and proceeds fund the centre’s work – which guests can learn about in reception. It’s an interesting area on the edge of the creative East City district, with numerous pubs and cafés nearby. Dorms R260, doubles R660
African township homestays
One of the best ways to get a taste of the African townships is to spend a night there, which is made possible by the growing number of township residents offering B&B accommodation. You’ll have a chance to experience the warmth of ubuntu – traditional African hospitality – by staying with a family and sitting down to eat with them. They will often take you around their local area to shebeens (unlicensed bars), music venues, church, or just to meet the neighbours. Prices start around R400 for a double or twin room, which is considerably cheaper than the centre of Cape Town, and you’ll get to experience something totally different.
Some B&Bs will send someone to meet you at the airport; if you’re driving, they’ll likely give you detailed directions or meet you at a convenient and obvious landmark. Many properties are listed on Airbnb and you can make bookings through Khayelitsha Travel (021 361 4505, khayelitshatravel.com), while Maboneng Township Arts Experience and the Guga S’Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre can suggest options in Langa.
GUGULETHU
Liziwe’s Guest House 121 NY 111 021 794 1619, mycapetownstay.com/Liziwe_s_Guest_House. Experience ‘Gugs’ while staying in one of Liziwe Ngcokoto’s seven en-suite rooms, which have simple African decor and, in some, balconies with Table Mountain views. There are traditional African meals, township tours and visits to Gugulethu’s memorials and Mzoli’s shisa nyama (township braai). R700
Khayelitsha
Kopanong B&B C329 Velani Crescent 021 361 2084 or 082 476 1278, kopanong-township.co.za. One of Khayelitsha's most dynamic B&B operations, run by the tireless Thope Lekau, who is on a mission to replace the busloads of tourists with guests who engage with township life. This Khayelitsha tourism guru and her daughter will treat you to a history of the city’s largest township, introduce you to local music and dish up a hearty breakfast. Traditional dinners and tours are available with advance notice. R780
Majoro’s B&B 69 Helena Crescent 021 794 1619, mycapetownstay.com/MajorosBB. The charming Maria Maile hosts guests in her family home, which has a double and a twin sharing a bathroom and kitchen, in an upmarket part of the township. Meals include traditional dishes such as mielie pap (maize porridge), after which you can watch TV with the family or visit a local shebeen. The next day there's an English breakfast of sorts, which may include bacon and egg alongside fish cakes, sausages and home-made steamed bread. R900
Malebo’s 18 Mississippi Way 021 361 2391, airbnb.com/rooms/2156844. This B&B consists of five rooms, three en-suite, in the welcoming family home of chef Lydia Masoleng and husband Alfred. Her generous breakfast and traditional Xhosa meals are a treat, and activities include shebeen outings, township tours and Sunday church visits.R550
langa
Nomase’s Guesthouse Cnr King Langalibalele/Washington Dr and Sandile Ave 021 694 3904 or 083 482 8377, tinyurl.com/y7729hun. Just a few hundred metres from Langa train station, the Langa Heritage Museum and Guga S’Thebe Arts & Cultural Centre, the matriarchal Nomase offers clean, homely and secure rooms. The four en-suite bedrooms have plasma screen TV, one has a fridge and there’s a kitchen with fridge and microwave. Breakfast is R30, dinner can be arranged and minibus taxis pass along the main drag outside. R450
V&A Waterfront and De Waterkant
In keeping with the gentrified ambience of the V&A Waterfront (usually referred to simply as the Waterfront), accommodation here tends to be expensive and you will find better value elsewhere. The waterside tourist precinct is a good choice nonetheless, offering shopping in a safe and self-contained area, pedestrianized walkways leading to restaurants and cafés, and a charming harbour atmosphere. Nearby, De Waterkant is an area of pretty, cobbled streets and terraced houses, with upmarket self-catering accommodation and good restaurants within easy reach of the city’s best nightlife.
Breakwater Lodge Portswood Rd, Waterfront 021 406 1911, www.breakwaterlodge.co.za; map. One of the Waterfront’s more affordable options occupies a historic nineteenth-century building – a prison to be exact. The modern hotel inside is linked to the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, and offers a bar, restaurant, secure parking, and accommodation from studios to family rooms. R2150
Cape Grace West Quay Rd 021 410 7100, capegrace.com; map. Among the Waterfront’s many top-end hotels, the Cape Grace stands out for its sheer style, amenities and gracious customer service. Bascule Bar and Signal Restaurant are here, plus a range of luxurious rooms and suites, and sumptuous public areas overlooking the marina and Zeitz MOCAA. Staying here is memorable: the doormen greet you by name, champagne corks nudge the fruit juice in the lavish breakfast spread, and the introductory Cape wine tasting is on the house – as are the nightly port and sherry in the library, when the concierge team relieves parents of their little ones. R9948
De Waterkant Village 137 Waterkant St, De Waterkant 021 409 2500, dewaterkant.com; map. These comfortable and contemporary self-catering properties include studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments and houses, dotted around De Waterkant’s hilly streets. Guests can use the café, travel desk and services at affiliated guesthouse the Charles, thus enjoying a mix of hotel facilities and apartment privacy. Apartments (two person) R1400
St John’s Waterfront Lodge 6 Braemar Rd, Green Point 021 439 1404, stjohns.co.za; map. A 15min walk from the Waterfront, this solid, no-frills choice occupies a salmon-hued suburban house on a hillside street. Accommodation comes in dorms and private rooms, all with shared ablutions, and an en-suite flatlet, while the communal facilities include a swimming pool, an outdoor BBQ area, a sun deck and a travel centre. Dorms R140, doubles R530
City Bowl suburbs
The City Bowl suburbs are popular for accommodation, and the most northerly sections are just a 5–10min walk from the Company’s Garden and the museums. A few backpacker lodges can be found on and around Kloof Street, the vibey continuation of Long Street, with some great cafés and restaurants. It’s quieter and leafier than the city centre, especially the further up the mountainside you go, and you’ll find gardens, good views and swimming pools at the more comfortable guesthouses. New Church Street is also quieter than Long Street, and well located for both the city and Table Mountain.
Gardens
Ashanti Lodge 11 Hof St 021 423 8721, ashanti.co.za; map. This massive two-storey Victorian mansion has marbling and ethnic decor, soaring ceilings, a nicely kept front garden and a swimming pool with sun terrace. The private double and twin rooms, available en-suite or with shared bathroom, and six- to eight-bed mixed and female-only dorms are simple, colourful affairs, while campers can pitch their tent outside. The bar is very lively, so if you are not a party animal, you might prefer their guesthouse, which offers en-suite double, twin and triple rooms, round the corner on Union St. Ashanti also has a backpackers in Green Point. Camping R140, dorms R250, doubles R780
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel 76 Orange St, rear entrance on Kloof St 021 483 1000, mountnelson.co.za; map. Cape Town’s grande dame: a fine and famous high-colonial Victorian hotel, built in 1899 (and extended in the late 1990s). Perfectly located, the building is set in extensive gardens, and the main entrance is via a majestic palm-lined driveway. Behind its jolly pink facade (originally painted to celebrate the end of WWI), the Nellie reflects its historical clout in room rates. Its location and grounds make its rooms, suites and garden cottages popular among movie-industry internationals, parliamentarians and anyone whose work trip is being sponsored; everyone else enjoys visiting for afternoon tea. R9185
Once in Cape Town 73 Kloof St 021 424 6169, stayatonce.com; map. One of the most exciting new backpackers to open in recent years, hip Once offers four-bed mixed and female-only dorms, doubles and twins, all with en-suite bathroom, safes, universal chargers, reading lights and breakfast included. The adjoining café-bar, Yours Truly, has a stunning terrace and there’s always something going on, from free walking tours to market visits. Dorms R315, doubles R1135
Tamboerskloof
The Backpack 74 New Church St 021 423 4530, backpackers.co.za; map. An excellent backpackers made up of four interconnected houses, where the interior has a spacious maze-like effect. It’s on the cusp of the City Bowl suburbs and the city centre, and easily walkable to the likes of Kloof St and the Company’s Garden. The Backpack has some of the best communal and outdoor spaces in town, given funky flourishes by beadwork, schwe schwe fabric and township art; including a pool terrace, lounge area, restaurant, bar, courtyard, travel desk and craft shop. Choose between three- to eight-bed mixed and female-only dorms, including an en-suite option, as well as private rooms and self-catering studios. Dorms R390, doubles R920
Blencathra 4 Cambridge Ave, at De Hoop 021 424 9571, blencathra.co.za; map. A large, relaxed family house with stunning views on the slopes of Lion’s Head, 2km from the city centre and 4km from the Atlantic. Rooms are peaceful and spacious; many are en suite, and options include a four-bed women-only dorm. The sunny garden has seating, a swimming pool and a cute chalet with basic self-catering facilities. Dorms R200, doubles R500
Zebra Crossing 82 New Church St 021 422 1265, zebra-crossing.co.za; map. A no-frills backpacker lodge, with a leafy garden and limited off-street parking – perfect if you are looking for something affordable that’s close to town. On the northern edge of the City Bowl suburbs, it’s an easy walk to the Kloof Street restaurants and pubs, as well as those in the city centre, with amenities including a travel desk and a café-bar, pleasant courtyards and terraces under vines. Accommodation is in spacious dorms and private rooms including a family option, with the best offering views of the mountain. Dorms R190, doubles R690
Oranjezicht
2Inn1 Kensington 21 Kensington Crescent 021 423 1707, 2inn1.com; map. Entering from a broad, quiet street into these two adjacent renovated houses, with bright, sleek furnishings and quiet music drifting over the lounge and dining area, gives the feel of walking into a soothing urban hideaway. The building backs onto a 10m swimming pool and deck area with sunbeds, complimentary sundowners and mountain views. The tasteful rooms mostly have private terraces and there are spa treatments available on site. R2700
Acorn House 1 Montrose Ave 021 461 1782, acornhouse.co.za; map. Set among a row of guesthouses high on the slopes of Table Mountain, this century-old residence has maintained its grandeur with a sweeping lawn, colonial furnishings and elegant lounge, and added comforts such as the pool and sun loungers. Each room is unique; those at the front of the house offer great city views, while the back shows off Table Mountain. Family rooms have their own lounge and courtyard. Excellent value for money, great service and small touches make a stay here personal and memorable. R1700
Lézard Bleu 30 Upper Orange St 021 461 4601, lezardbleu.co.za; map. This guesthouse offers six en-suite rooms, furnished with maple beds and private patio or balcony in a spacious open-plan 1960s house. The cosy lounge is perfect for reading, and a wall of sliding doors opens onto an outside deck, plus each bedroom overlooks the garden and swimming pool. It also boasts one of the best accommodation spaces in central Cape Town – a treehouse room. R1800
Redbourne Hilldrop 12 Roseberry Ave 021 461 1394, redbourne.co.za; map. This small and intimate B&B, with just a few rooms in a house dating to 1928, oozes hospitality and the quiet charm of being a guest in someone’s home. Behind the modernised facade, the interior is all high ceilings, wooden floors and antique furniture. There’s an outside plunge pool and a small breakfast room with a panoramic view of the city. R1750
from top Kwandwe Private Game Reserve; shamwari game reserve
HIGGOVALE
Kensington Place 38 Kensington Crescent 021 424 4744, kensingtonplace.co.za; map. High on the side of Table Mountain, this stylish eight-room boutique has sweeping city views from its contemporary lounge, which is adorned with artworks and coffee-table books. There’s a dazzling little pool and attentive staff. R4200
Rosedene Guest House 28 Upper Kloof St 021 424 3290, rosedene.co.za; map. Long-running Rosedene has struck a balance of relative affordability in this exclusive area, and of lofty views with restaurants nearby and the city centre below. Likewise, chatty staff run the reception, where tour guides ferry guests away, but the rooms up top feel far removed from the urban bustle. R1850
Vredehoek
African Sun 3 Florida Rd 021 461 1601, airbnb.com/rooms/771176; map. A small self-catering apartment, attached to a family house a little over 1km from the city centre. Furnished with pared-back ethnic decor, it’s run by friendly couple Don and Patricia, a travel writer and poet respectively. Expect well-informed local knowledge, a good bottle of Cape red on arrival and a bush shower on the patio. R507
Southern suburbs
The southern suburbs – Rosebank, Claremont, Newlands and Rondebosch, on the mountain's forested side – are home to the Kirstenbosch gardens, Newlands cricket and rugby grounds and Cape Town's university. Bohemian Observatory is a few minutes’ drive from the city centre and offers buzzing cafés, a couple of backpacker lodges and lively nightlife.
African Heart 27 Station Rd, Observatory 021 447 3125, backpackersincapetown.co.za. This creatively decorated hostel is set in a Victorian house with wooden floors, comfy couches, bold murals and mosaics. There are several chill-out areas and an outdoor braai area, and main drag Lower Main Road is nearby. Great if you are connected with nearby Groote Schuur Hospital, the university or various humanitarian aid projects in the neighbourhood – or just want to stay in vibey Observatory. Dorms R175, doubles R600
Carmichael Guesthouse 11 Wolmunster Rd, Rosebank 021 689 8350, carmichaelhouse.co.za. Round the corner from the Irma Stern Museum, a Swiss-French couple offers six spacious rooms in a grand yellow two-storey Victorian mansion, among stained-glass windows, pine floors and period fireplaces. There’s a garden, a swimming pool and secure parking. R1800
Elephant’s Eye Lodge 9 Sunwood Drive, Tokai 021 715 2432, elephantseyelodge.co.za. This friendly four-star B&B has four rooms in a converted Cape Dutch farmhouse and two self-catering cottages. Set in large grounds with a pool, it's minutes from Tokai Forest, a golf course and Constantia's wine estates. It’s a 40min drive or train (to Retreat station) from the centre. R1200
Vineyard Hotel Colinton Rd, off Protea Rd, Newlands 021 657 4500, vineyard.co.za. One of the city’s top stays, where the rooms are luxurious and better value than in the city centre. It’s in a grand 120-year-old hotel, on the site of a cottage built in 1799 by Georgian diarist Lady Anne Barnard. The extensive gardens are like those of a peaceful country estate, offering guided walks and children’s activities, all with views of Table Mountain’s forested slopes. Has a spa and indoor and outdoor pools – a great choice for a pampered stay. R4040
Atlantic seaboard
There's a range of accommodation in Sea Point, which makes it a good alternative to the City Bowl if you want to be close to both the city centre and the ocean. Green Point is another appealing choice, as it’s the closest suburb to the Waterfront, city centre and De Waterkant, though it’s not directly on the water. The mountainside suburb of Camps Bay offers views over the Atlantic, with an upmarket Californian feel to its laidback restaurants and bars, and it’s just a hop over Kloof Nek to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and city centre. Neighbouring Clifton has similar appeal. Further south and isolated around a bay is Llandudno, which, although it lacks shops or restaurants, boasts some similar vistas and a beautiful beach. Hout Bay is the main urban concentration along the lower half of the peninsula, with a harbour, waterfront development and bus lines to town. Below Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek and Kommetjie offer coastal seclusion with mountain views.
Green Point
The B.I.G. Backpackers in Green Point 18 Thornhill Rd 021 434 0688, bigbackpackers.com; map. A backpacker lodge with a light, clean, modern feel, catering to a quieter crowd looking for a short-term home away from home. It has three fully equipped self-catering kitchens, computer facilities, a library and two games rooms with big-screen TV, while outside are a sunny garden with braai facilities, a plunge pool and parking. The rooms and four-bed dorms are spacious, stylish and include breakfast and en-suite bathroom. Dorms R380, doubles R1200
Dysart Boutique Hotel 17 Dysart Rd 021 439 2832, dysart.de; map. This luxury boutique hotel is styled in Afro chic, with artworks dotting the slick and polished interior. The dozen rooms and villas have flat-screen TV and minibar and most have a private balcony or patio. The real draw, however, is what lies outside: two infinity pools, and wooden decking with sunbeds, umbrellas and tables – perfect for relaxing with a cocktail. R2000
Jambo Guest House 1 Grove Rd 021 439 4219, jambo.co.za; map. In a quiet cul-de-sac off Main Rd, this small, atmospheric establishment offers four luxury en-suite rooms, each decorated in a unique style, and one garden suite. The lush, leafy exterior and enclosed garden with a pond are delightfully soothing, and the service is excellent. R1900
Wilton Manor 15 Croxteth Rd 021 434 7869, wiltonguesthouses.co.za; map. This beautifully renovated Victorian guesthouse is set on a quiet street, close to Cape Town Stadium and the Waterfront. Outside is a spacious and sunny deck with a homely atmosphere, breakfast tables and a plunge pool. R1800
Sea Point and ThREE ANCHOR BAY
Blackheath Lodge 6 Blackheath Rd 021 439 2541, blackheathlodge.co.za; map. Down a quiet backstreet, but close to the Sea Point action, this guesthouse gets everything right. The sixteen rooms in the Victorian home are large and airy (some with Lion’s Head and sea views), and the king-size beds are the most comfortable you’ll find in Cape Town. Breakfast is served in a courtyard-garden deck overlooking the pool and bar. R3200
Huijs Haerlem 25 Main Drive 021 434 6434, huijshaerlem.co.za; map. This elegant and gay-friendly guesthouse is made up of two adjacent houses furnished with antiques and separated by a pool. Rooms have a sea view, a vista of Signal Hill or overlook the lovely garden. R2100
The Villa Rosa 277 High Level Rd 021 434 2768, villa-rosa.com; map. A friendly guesthouse in a two-storey Victorian house on the lower slopes of Signal Hill, 500m from the beachfront promenade. Decorated with simplicity and style, all rooms have TV, phone and safe, but only some have sea views. R1300
Winchester Mansions Hotel 221 Beach Rd 021 434 2351, winchester.co.za; map. In a prime spot across the road from the seashore, this 1920s hotel has an atmosphere straight from the pages of Agatha Christie, though the rooms are fresh and contemporary. A cool Italianate courtyard restaurant is overlooked by balconies draped in luxuriant creepers. R2850
Camps Bay, CLIFTON and Bakoven
Boutique@10 10 Medburn Rd, Camps Bay 021 438 1234, boutique10.co.za. A stay here is as if you’re a welcome guest at a friend’s lavishly appointed house, occupying one of only four suites, each supremely comfortable with unique decor. Restored with reclaimed timber from an old hotel, the light and airy open-plan lounge features French doors that open onto the outside decking area, which is complete with sunbeds, plunge pool and a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head. R3295
Camps Bay Retreat 7 Chilworth Rd, Camps Bay 021 437 8300, campsbayretreat.com. The secluded Earls Dyke Manor, set on a four-acre nature reserve beneath Lion’s Head, is located a 5min walk away from the beach. Stay in the mansion which dates from 1929, with its plush colonial furnishings, lounge, reading room, fine-dining restaurant and bar, or cross the ravine on a rope bridge to the contemporary Deck House and Villa. The estate has a spa, three swimming pools (including one made to look like a natural mountain pool) and a tennis court. R5000
Cape View 232 Kloof Rd, Clifton 021 438 8748, capeviewclifton.co.za; map. Sunk into the mountainside, this exclusive guesthouse has views down the coast of the Twelve Apostles from its pool terrace. All suites are sea facing and have a balcony overlooking the ocean. R6800
Ocean View House 33 Victoria Rd, Bakoven 021 438 1982, oceanview-house.com. A mountain stream runs through the grounds of this family-run boutique hotel, set among ancient milkwood trees and koi ponds in a gorgeous garden bordering a fynbos reserve. The dozen spacious rooms are comfortably and stylishly furnished and have either mountain or sea views. R2650
Hout Bay, NOORDHOEK and Kommetjie
Eco Wave Lodge 11 Gladioli Way, Kommetjie 073 927 5644, ecowave.co.za. A short stroll from the beach, Eco Wave offers simple and stylish backpacker accommodation in a two-storey house with balconies overlooking the sea as well as a TV lounge and small garden. There is also a self-contained apartment with fully equipped kitchen, braai and garage. R600
Hout Bay Hideaway 37 Skaife St, Hout Bay 021 790 8040, houtbay-hideaway.com. An outstanding guesthouse bursting with luxurious touches and decorative verve, from the Persian rugs and Art Deco armchairs to the huge beds. Each of the four rooms has a mountain or sea view and decks where your private breakfast is served. At the back, there’s a saltwater pool in a fynbos mountainside garden. R2100
Houtkapperspoort Hout Bay Main Rd, Constantia Nek; around 4km from Hout Bay and 17km from the city centre 021 794 5216, houtkapperspoortresort.co.za. These rustic one- to three-bedroom, stone-and-brick self-catering cottages sit right by the Table Mountain National Park, in the valley between Hout Bay and Constantia. You can take paths straight from the estate up the mountain slopes, play tennis or take a dip in the pool. R1470
Monkey Valley Resort Mountain Rd, Noordhoek 021 789 8000, monkeyvalleyresort.com. Spread over several acres of Chapman’s Peak, some 40km south of the city centre, is this attractive group of mainly wooden-and-thatched rooms and cottages. Overlooking Noordhoek’s Long Beach, the site is surrounded by indigenous vegetation and has a restaurant and both self-catering and B&B accommodation. Doubles R1480, cottages R2360
Sunbird Mountain Retreat & Lodge Boskykloof Rd, Hout Bay 021 790 7758, sunbirdlodge.co.za. Four pleasant, spacious, self-catering cabins and a guesthouse that includes a family unit, all nestled in a forest high up on the mountainside. Every room has a great view, and there’s a secluded swimming pool. Cabins R800, doubles R1200
Tintswalo Atlantic Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay 021 201 0025, tintswalo.com/atlantic. Perched on the rocks below Chapman’s Peak, with a view of the dramatic Sentinel Peak and the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning luxury lodge is the only hotel in Table Mountain National Park. The large bedrooms are lavishly furnished with tropical beach-house chic, each with ocean views and unique in style, and you might spot whales from the wooden deck as you wander to the pool, lounge, bar and restaurant. Dining here is a gastronomic pleasure, with multiple courses making for a lingering, atmospheric dinner as you gaze across the black water at the twinkling lights of Hout Bay. R10780
False Bay seaboard
This is a great area if you want to enjoy the beach and some excellent restaurants. Once a favourite because of its stunning beach views, Muizenberg, 25km from the centre, is becoming popular again, especially amongst surfers. To its south is salubrious St James, but the real crown jewel is Kalk Bay with its harbour, antique shops and arty cafés. Accommodation is limited in Kalk Bay – look for an apartment with safarinow.com. Fish Hoek, further south, is recommended for its beach but not much else; a better option is pretty Simon’s Town, 40km from the city centre. The historic seafaring town is now technically part of the Cape Town metropolis, but still regarded by many as a separate entity.
muizenberg, kalk bay and fish hoek
Chartfield Guest House 30 Gatesville Rd, Kalk Bay 021 788 3793, chartfield.co.za; map. This well-kept, rambling house sits halfway up the hill overlooking the harbour, with terrific sea views from some rooms and a hop and a skip down the cobbled road or steps to some of the peninsula’s finest restaurants. R900
The Mountain House 7 Mountain Rd, Clovelly 083 455 5664, themountainhouse.co.za; map. Built in the garden of local architect Carin Hartford, this beautiful two-bedroom self-catering cottage has windows on all sides to capitalize on the incredible mountain setting, and the living space flows out to a timber deck. Between Fish Hoek and Kalk Bay. R1100
Samhitakasha Cob House Organic B&B 13 Watson Rd, Muizenberg 021 788 6613, cobhouse.co.za; map. One of Cape Town’s greenest B&Bs, this mud-and-straw cob house is run by a friendly couple and set just 200m from the beach. It contains just one room, which works as a double or can sleep up to four, and the reasonable rate includes a room-service organic breakfast. Owner Simric Yarrow, a teacher, storyteller and musician, offers interesting local tours (offbeatcapetown.yolasite.com). Double R750, family R950
Stoked Backpackers 175 Main Rd, Muizenberg 082 679 3651, stokedbackpackers.com; map. Vibey, well-run backpackers next to the station, over the railway line from Surfers Corner. There’s a vegetarian café and the travel centre can organize activities in False Bay and beyond. There’s a range of quality in the four- to twelve-bed dorms; the best en-suite rooms are on the upper levels with sunrise sea views. When there's no wind, the upstairs terrace overlooking the beach is stunning. Dorms R200, doubles R865
Tranquility Guest House 25 Peak Rd, Fish Hoek 021 782 2060, tranquil.co.za; map. This warm and welcoming place, walking distance to the beach, is situated on Fish Hoek mountainside and offers good ocean views. There are four flowery B&B en-suite rooms, and guests can soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi. R1800
Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town Boutique Backpackers 66 St George’s St 021 786 1964, capepax.co.za; map. Conveniently located in the heart of Simon’s Town, 1km south of the station, this boutique backpacker joint offers bunk-bed dorms and fairly spacious doubles, plus there’s a large balcony with a view of the waterfront. You can rent bicycles here and ride to Cape Point, or arrange a kayak tour to paddle past the penguin colony. Dorms R220, doubles R660
Whale View Manor Main Rd 021 786 3291, whaleviewmanor.co.za; map. In the guesthouse area on the south side of town, this imposing white villa houses a four-star boutique hotel and spa. It’s right next to the surf and the ten rooms come with a sea or mountain view, while the contemporary public spaces are sunny and relaxing. R1950