In 2014 Cape Town was named the World Design Capital AND The Best Place To Go In The World by The New York Times and The Telegraph. It is, hands down, the best city in the world (and we live here, so we know!). From boho-chic to classic elegance, Cape Town is home to some of the world’s leading hotels. With the ever-changing market, Africa&You’s team of experts set out to review our top selection of these amazing properties. And we want to share with you our top 10 pick of the best!

Africa&You can arrange your stay at any one of these fantastic hotels and ensure your ultimate holiday dreams are met and exceeded. Contact us to find out more!

1) The Belmond Mount Nelson

It may be the oldest 5* hotel in Cape Town, but we firmly believe ‘The Nellie”, as we locals affectionately like to call her, is still the best. Set in 9 acres of beautiful gardens featuring art sculptures and a backdrop of the magnificent Table Mountain. Although the epitome of old-fashioned elegant luxury, the Mount Nelson spans across the coolest areas of Cape Town and guests are provided with secret maps on where to find the best insider local hotspots – from art galleries to little known fabulous eateries to the best hip clothes shops. Its location could not be more central, yet it is a peaceful oasis of calm where guests can cut off from the world. High Tea at the Nellie is loved by guests and locals alike. And after high tea wander down to the SPA for an Africology massage & swim in your choice of outdoor pools. No wonder it’s our top pick of the fabulous hotels in Cape Town!

2) Cape Cadogan & More Quarters

The Cape Cadogan is a real boutique gem. A beautiful old Cape-Dutch building dating from the 19th century it’s bang in the heart of the hip and happening part of Cape Town, yet exudes an atmosphere of cool, calm luxury chic. When you walk through the gorgeous old doorway the sound of the city melts away. It’s peaceful, relaxing and exquisite. With just 12 immaculate rooms it is intimate and sophisticated and offers breakfast in it’s leafy courtyard next to the plunge pool. Guests are offered free transfers to the V&A waterfront and other parts of Cape Town and there is free Wi-Fi throughout. Just off Kloof-street its position can’t be beaten. It’s our newfound love. Although a separate hotel, the neighbouring More Quarters is an apartment hotel catering excellently for families. We grouped them together as to us they come a joint 2nd and belong to the same wonderful hotel group. They are both the epitome of sophisticated stylish luxury.

3) Camps Bay Retreat

A little known magical enclave hidden away in a quiet corner of hip and trendy Camps Bay, the Camps Bay Retreat exudes relaxation. It’s luxurious, calming and guests are welcome to indulge in the array of pampering treatments on offer. Try out their one-of-a-kind nature bath under the trees with a spectacular view out to the ocean, walk over the wooden suspension bridge over a leafy gully, and keep trim on the tennis court. There are meditation areas, mountain rock pools and a beautiful verandah where breakfast is served. 5 minutes from one of the world’s best beaches, this is one of our ultimate luxury hide-aways.

4) The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa is an iconic hotel in Cape Town. Situated underneath the spectacular 12 Apostles mountain range which stretches from the back of the famous table top along the Atlantic coast towards Cape Point, the hotel is a famous Cape Town landmark. With no other buildings nearby it is painted white to act as a beacon to passing ships. The hotel is famous for it’s indulgent spa, forest trails and picnic sites on the Table Mountain National Park right behind it, and has its very own helipad (should you choose to arrive from the air!). There’s an in-house cinema with free sweet treats and Popcorn and wonderful childcare facilities. The terrace at the Azure restaurant, where high tea is served, looks out over the ocean. Sip your tipple of choice whilst watching one of Cape Town’s famous dazzling sunsets. Elegant grandeur is the name of the game. A hotel in one of the most stunning locations in Cape Town.

5) The Cape Grace

Located on one of the old quays at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace is a beautiful old gem steeped in Cape Town history. And inside is a pandora’s box of eclectic delights. Chandeliers are adorned with deep sea trinkets rescued from imaginary ship-wrecks and the walls are decorated with large works of art and contemporary design elements giving an accomplished mix of classic and modern. Downstairs the cosy Bascule bar allows guests to taste the finest whiskies from around the world (and their in-house whisky aficionados can educate you in the intricacies of the blends) and the views of the mountain are second to none. The Cape Grace is every bit as graceful and elegant as her name would suggest.

6) The One&Only

Cape Town’s One&Only sits right at the entrance of the V&A Waterfront and is the height of sophistication and fine luxury. In the grand entrance, with a full backdrop of the majestic Table Mountain, you’ll find Ruben’s restaurant and Nobu – 2 of the finest restaurants in Cape Town. Cross a small footbridge across a waterway from the main hotel and find yourself on an island paradise with a private pool, palm trees and luxury guest villas. With a stunning spa offers peace and tranquility and the children’s area offers everything from dance classes, African Arts&Crafts through to computer games and movies. The décor is elegant and stylish with a hint of Afro-chic. The One&Only certainly does not fail to impress.

7) POD

POD is hip, minimalist and oh so chic. Each room is individually designed – sleek, sharp, cool and tranquil. Sip a cocktail by the infinity pool bar on a designer sun-lounger and look out over Camps Bay Beach. Tucked away just behind Camps Bay’s main strip of stylish restaurants, cool bars and boutique shops, it is quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to be in the centre of it all. Its 15 rooms feature open plan interiors, glass walls, balcony plunge pools, rain showers and pods containing their luxurious spacious beds. Honeymooners are treated to rose petals, chocolates, and sparkling wine, there’s secure parking, gym and a wellness room. Celebs and the international fashion crowd frequent POD. And we can definitely see why.

8) The Bay Hotel

The Bay couldn’t be better situated right bang in the promenade in glorious Camps Bay. Upon entry you are greeted with the glam vibe of the area – 2 solar-heated swimming pools lined with comfortable loungers where beautiful bronzed holidaymakers sip cocktails and soak up the view. Chilled tunes are played from the pool bars and the various restaurants offer anything from sushi to tapas to fresh salads and seafood. The rooms are pool-facing, sea-facing or mountain facing and offer comfortable relaxation amongst the great vibe of Camps Bay.

9) Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa

The Dock House is a petit gorgeous boutique hotel at the V&A Waterfront, with just 6 immaculate rooms. It boasts a designer spa & outdoor pool area with views out over the waterfront to the ocean. Formerly the home of the V&A Waterfront’s harbour master, it is in a wonderfully private setting. Attention to detail is key and the opulent décor and superb surroundings are to die for. Guests dine on the delights produced by its gourmet chef served on the pool terrace and breakfast is served in the morning room. For something a little different, but when elegant exclusivity is called for, The Dock House is the perfect choice.

10) The Victoria & Alfred Hotel

The V&A Hotel is in the heart of the V&A Waterfront with spectacular views over the harbour and a perfect view of Table Mountain. The hotel has a charming old colonial feel with a unique mix of modern and classic with rustic brick walls, wooden staircases, spacious rooms and a stunning restaurant deck with an unbeatable Cape Town backdrop. A stones throw from the Aquarium, the restaurants, shops and bars of the Waterfront and you could not wish for a better location, and the hugely helpful staff go out of their way to arrange transfers to Camps Bay, the Winelands and other tours and activities around the beautiful Cape Peninsular.