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Where to Stay in Cape Town

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Cape Town Western Cape, South Africa Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options from Hostels to Luxury Hotels

Standard Lodging

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options with a social atmosphere. They showcase both dormitories and private rooms. Popular with solo travelers and backpackers.

  • Guesthouses & B&Bs

    Personalized service, often owner-managed, with diverse styles and charm. Find them throughout the city and suburbs.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish institutions with unique design and personalized service. They focus on a distinctive atmosphere.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Five-star properties with extensive facilities, fine dining, spas, and prime locations.

Unique Local Stays

  • Self-Catering Apartments/Villas

    Popular for longer stays or groups, with privacy, kitchen facilities, and a home-away-from-home feel. Widely available.

  • Farm Stays

    Located in the surrounding Winelands or rural areas, a tranquil experience amidst vineyards or nature.

  • Safari Lodges

    Luxury safari lodges exist in the nearby Western Cape (e.g., Aquila, Sanbona) or as multi-day extensions in other provinces. Unique wildlife viewing.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Campsites and glamping options are available in nearby nature reserves (e.g., Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, Silvermine) and throughout the wider Western Cape. Great for outdoor lovers.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area a distinct character and set of advantages.

City Bowl CBD, Gardens, Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant

Pros
  • Central location
  • Easy access to attractions
  • Diverse dining/nightlife
  • Good public transport links
Cons
  • Can be noisy
  • Some CBD areas feel less safe after dark
  • Research specific locations for less busy streets

V&A Waterfront

Pros
  • Very safe
  • High-end amenities
  • Great for families
  • Easy access to tours and boat trips
Cons
  • Can feel overly touristy
  • Higher prices for accommodation and dining
  • Less of a local feel

Atlantic Seaboard Sea Point, Green Point, Camps Bay

Pros
  • Stunning views
  • Proximity to stunning beaches
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Trendy restaurants
Cons
  • Can be expensive
  • More reliance on taxis/ride-sharing to reach the CBD

More Neighborhood Considerations

Southern Suburbs

Quiet, green, family-friendly, good for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts, less urban feel. Further from city attractions, a car or ride-sharing is recommended. Quiet, residential, and peaceful.

Woodstock & Observatory

Bohemian, artistic, and evolving. Trendy, artistic vibe, good value, authentic local experience, unique markets. Some areas can be gritty, stick to main, well-lit areas after dark.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures your preferred accommodation at a good price.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (From november To february): Book 6-12 months in advance, especially for holidays. High demand leads to quick sell-outs.
  • Shoulder Season (From march To may & September to October): Book 3-6 months in advance for a better selection and favorable prices.
  • Low Season (June to August): More flexibility. Booking 1-3 months in advance usually is sufficient, with the potential for for last-minute deals.
  • Special Events: Major events (South Africa Cycle Tour, A Festival of jazz music) can cause price spikes; check local event calendars.

Trusted Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, Expedia, Hotels.com. (IHG Hotels)
  • Local Platforms: Safarinow.com and Lekkeslaap.co.za focus on South African accommodations. Direct bookings sometimes yield better rates.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary by property. Check terms. Numerous provide free cancellation. Deposits might be needed for self-catering or longer stays.
  • Negotiation: Generally not customary for established properties. For smaller guesthouses during low season, a polite inquiry about direct booking rates might be possible.

Seasonal Pricing

High Season Prices
  • Significantly higher (November to February), especially around Christmas and New Year.
  • Prices drop between peak and off-peak seasons.
  • Lowest during winter (June to August).
  • Major events cause price spikes.
Price Fluctuation Examples
  • Christmas & New Year: Peak rates.
  • March-May: Better value.
  • June-August: Best deals.
  • Event weeks: Higher rates.

Always Confirm

Booking Details

Double-check dates, room types, and inclusions before finalizing your booking.

Policy Check

Review cancellation and deposit terms to avoid unexpected charges.

Event Calendar

Local events impact availability and pricing; check before booking.

Accommodation Recommendations

Top picks across different categories, diverse experiences.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Hostels

Social and central, ideal for meeting other travelers.

  • Once in Cape Town (City Bowl)
  • The Backpack (Gardens)
  • Hostelworld for more alternatives.
Mid-Range Hotels & Guesthouses

Good amenities and reliable service without luxury pricing.

  • Mojo Hotel (Sea Point)
  • Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge (V&A Waterfront)
  • The Walden House (Gardens)

Luxury & Unique Stays

Premium Hotels

Opulent comfort with extensive facilities and prime locations.

  • The Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront)
  • Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (Gardens)
  • One&Only Cape Town (V&A Waterfront)
  • Ellerman House (Bantry Bay)
Special Interest Stays

Options for families, solo travelers, and longer visits.

  • Family-friendly: V&A Waterfront hotels/apartments, self-catering options.
  • Solo Traveler: Hostels (Once in Cape Town), guesthouses in safe areas.
  • Long-Stay: Serviced apartments, vacation rentals (Vrbo).
  • Cultural/Historical: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Taj Cape Town, Labotessa Boutique Hotel.

Family-Friendly Options

  • V&A Waterfront Hotels/Apartments

    Properties like One&Only, Radisson Blu Le Vendome, and various self-catering options.

  • Hotels/Villas with Pools

    Look for these in Camps Bay or the Southern Suburbs.

  • Self-Catering Apartments

    Often preferred for families, space and kitchen facilities.

  • Discovery AND Activities

    Family attractions near V&A Waterfront, beaches for outdoor fun.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels

    Once in Cape Town or The Backpack for social interaction and meeting other travelers.

  • Guesthouses

    Consider guesthouses in safe, well-connected areas like Gardens or Sea Point for comfort and security.

  • Walkable Areas

    Areas like the City Bowl and Sea Point are easy to explore on foot.

  • Public Transport

    MyCiTi bus system provides access to many attractions.

Long-Stay Accommodations

Serviced Apartments

Many hotels, like Cape Town Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre, apartment-style accommodations.

  • Convenience of hotel services
  • More space than a standard room
  • Often include kitchenettes
Vacation Rentals & Guesthouses

Ideal for stays of a week or more, local living experience.

  • Vacation rentals (Vrbo)
  • Guesthouses may offer reduced rates for extended stays
  • Offers a home-away-from-home feel

Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Iconic pink hotel with a rich history dating back to 1899, offering a glimpse into Cape Town's past.

Taj Cape Town

Housed in two historic buildings – the former SA Reserve Bank and the BoE building – it blends cultural heritage with luxury.

Labotessa Boutique Hotel

Located in a historic building in Church Square, offering a boutique experience with a sense of place.