It doesn’t matter if you are simply looking to spoil yourself with a change of scenery or a person of leisure living day-to-day enveloped in comfy duvets made of cherubs’ hair-locks and clouds of Olympus. Cape Town is a city that attracts tourists from every nook and cranny of the world and as such it caters to a vast range of people. In this article, Geraint Bojé lists some of the most luxurious boutique hotel stays to be found in the Mother City, Cape Town.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email editor@whatsonincapetown.com
GRAND DADDY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Step into one of Cape Town’s most unique, fun, and luxurious hotels right in the convenience of the city centre. Open and operating for more than 120 years, this beautiful, historical, heritage building is something to behold.
A Cape Town landmark with its focus on local design, it warrants exceptional service, world-class hospitality, and an essential experience.
The hotel offers many different styles of accommodation, but all carry one trait in common, namely, luxury. From fancy suites to the iconic and quirky trailers on the rooftop, Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel is an absolute mandatory venue for travellers seeking a different experience.
Where: 38 Long Street, Cape Town
Website: granddaddy.co.za | Email: info@granddaddy.co.za | Tel: 064 104 5113
Facebook: @Grand.Daddy.Hotel | Instagram: @granddaddyboutiquehotel
THE SILO HOTEL
Setting a new standard for luxury in Cape Town, The Silo Hotel is a five-star premium hotel casting a massive shadow figuratively and literally. It towers over the V&A Waterfront and is encircled by all the natural and manufactured wonders of the city.
Built inside the grain elevator section of the historic silo complex, it occupies six floors above Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa). Now, when a building houses this much art, it is only logical that the building itself must be a work of art. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the most notable change to the original structure is the addition of the ingenious glass windows, resulting in glistening beacons throughout the day and night.
Offering luxury and celebrating art, The Silo Hotel is a tribute to timeless and classic glamour.
Where: Silo Square, Waterfront
Website: theroyalportfolio.com | Email: info@thesilohotel.com | Tel: 021 670 0500
Facebook: @thesilohotel | Instagram: @thesilohotel_
MOUNT NELSON
Mount Nelson is the international gem of Cape Town hotels. Brought to you by Belmond Hotels, Mount Nelson is a venue frequented by many celebrities since the early days of its existence. These are the likes of John Lennon, Cara Delavigne, Ed Sheeran, and Oprah Freakin’ (yes, that’s her middle name) Winfrey. Or, if you’re more of a local-based fan, Mount Nelson frequently lodges people such as Siya and Rachel Kolisi, Joanne Strauss, Maps Maponyane and even Bonnie Mbuli.
Regarded as one of the city’s top five-star hotels, it offers a mix of the contemporary hustle and bustle and the feel of a lush green escape from the city. With mountain views and swimming pools, picnic- and play areas, to the hair salon, spa and afternoon tea, Mount Nelson truly offers a variety on its premises. For the adventure seekers wanting to explore the whole of Cape Town, there is a list of activities to find on their website.
Where: 76 Orange Street, Gardens
Website: belmond.com | Email: reservations.mnh@belmond.com | Tel: 021 483 1000
Facebook: @MountNelsonHotel | Instagram: @belmondmountnelsonhotel
THE CAPE MIILNER
Situated in Tamboerskloof, The Cape Milner is a modern boutique hotel stay within walking distance of the lively and entertaining Kloof street.
Pleasant views are aplenty in this hotel. Enjoy the Victorian heritage complemented with modern finishes and splashes of urban African design. However, nothing beats the iconic Table Mountain.
Furnished with a state-of-the-art conferencing facility, relaxing pool decks, an in-house gym, and its Glass Lounge venue, The Cape Milner promises an engaging and personalised experience with a contemporary ambience.
Where: 2 Milner Road, Tamboerskloof
Website: capemilner.com| Email: res@extraordinary.co.za | Tel: 021 426 1101
Facebook: @TheCapeMilnerHotel | Instagram: @the_cape_milner
CAPE HERITAGE HOTEL
If you want to experience Cape Town’s vibrant street life, we recommend another one of the city’s boutique hotels, the Cape Heritage Hotel – a well-preserved relic of 18th century Cape Town.
An integral part of the restored Heritage Square, the Cape Heritage Hotel lavishly blends contemporary chic with historic graciousness, making this hotel a tangible mix of old-fashioned beauty and simplicity personified.
A cute feature about this hotel is the fact that each of the 17 rooms is decorated to match specific environments, and enhance its individual historical character. It also has a plethora of excellent restaurants, bars and boutique shops literally within a stone’s throw.
Where: 90 Bree Street, Cape Town
Website: capeheritage.co.za | Email: info@capeheritage.co.za | Tel: 021 424 4646
Facebook: @capeheritagehotel | Instagram: @capeheritagehotel1780
LABOTESSA HOTEL
The Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel is situated in Church Square. This means loads of the historical buildings and areas surrounding it were cobbled and erected many moons ago (17th century, to be exact).
Claiming to be the pinnacle of a love of art, history and luxury, Labotessa proves exactly that by its suite furniture and presentation. Every room represents the harmonious combination of state-of-the-art technology and historical design, echoing the vision of the founders Johan Du Plessis and Jan Fourie.
Offering six signature suites with a panoramic view of Lion’s Head and Company Gardens, Labotessa’s very own Fragrance Boutique and the Café and Terrace Restaurant, we highly recommend this hotel on your list of places to lodge.
Where: 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town
Website: labotessa.com | Email: stay@labotessa.com | Tel: 021 010 6600
Facebook: @labotessahotel | Instagram: @labotessahotel
CAMISSA HOUSE
Camissa House is a fantastically beautiful hotel tucked away in the mountainside of Oranjezicht. The name derives from the Khoi-san word for the sweet waters that have drizzled over Cape Town for centuries. In celebration of the cape and its wonders, Camissa House is determined to connect people with the tranquillity and delight the Western Cape has to offer.
Containing eight rooms, each with their own magnificent view of the city’s iconic sights, Camissa House flaunts the innate peace and relaxation that is Cape Town.
Where: 28 Bridle Road, Oranjezicht
Website: camissahouse.com | Email: res@camissahouse.com | Tel: 021 001 5890
Facebook: @camissahouse | Instagram: @camissahouse
GORGEOUS GEORGE
Few hotels give you that authentic in-the-city atmosphere, and Gorgeous George is definitely one of them. Located in the heart of the Mother City, this hotel is the quintessential conglomerate of that trendy city feel along with natural artsy Cape Town.
The great thing about Cape Town is the abundance of history and heritage. Gorgeous George is yet another one of these restored buildings, boasting its design and beauty in a natural setting. An example of this is the marble staircase that leads to the 6th floor, where you will find a very popular and beloved rooftop pool and restaurant named, Gigi Rooftop.
With 32 luxurious rooms set in an industrial tone for that city-chic, we highly recommend Gorgeous George as a boutique stay in Cape Town.
Where: 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town
Website: gorgeousgeorge.co.za | Email: reservations@gorgeousgeorge.co.za | Tel: 021 612 0999
Facebook: @gorgeousgeorgehotel | Instagram: @gorgeousgeorgecpt
CLOUD 9 BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Cloud 9 is a lovely boutique hotel conveniently situated in Tamboerskloof, granting easy access to the majority of Cape Town’s trendy restaurants and venues within walking distance.
The Cloud 9 premises consists of five heritage buildings that date back to 1892. Due to the Victorian heritage, Cloud 9 preserved and maintained most of the original elements to ensure the building doesn’t lose those traditional and attractive kinks.
Also fitted with a spa and a hair salon, this hotel boasts an incredible view of Table Mountain to complement the luxurious relaxation as one floats in the swimming pool. We recommend you secure your spot asap.
Where: 12 Kloof Nek Road, Gardens
Website: hotelcloudnine.com | Email: stay@hotelcloud9.com | Tel: 021 424 1133
Facebook: @cloud9boutiquehotel | Instagram: @cloud9hotel
CARTEL HOUSE HOTEL
For something a little more contemporary, there is the luxury-rich Cartel House, for our hustle and bustle on-the-job kind of readers.
A hotel devised of plush finishes and tasteful interior design, furnished with skyline views of Cape Town’s city, the Cartel House is considered the home away from home. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick business trip or if you need a space to recharge while experiencing elegance, this hotel is an easy option.
Where: 113 Loop Street, Cape Town
Website: cartelhousehotel.com | Email: CHH@ideascartel.com | Tel: 021 824 1781
Facebook: @cartelhousehotel | Instagram: @cartelhousehotel
