With its vibrant harbourfront, stellar beaches, rich heritage, and proximity to some of the best winelands in the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town remains one of Africa’s most endearing destinations. It also has more than its fair share of chic urban hideaways. Here are some of our favorite Cape Town boutique hotels.
One of Africa’s most vitalistic cities, Cape Town has seen its fortunes shift over the past decade and the result is a metropolis that’s as cool as the oceans that surround it. A chic dining scene, a cosmopolitan waterfront, and of course some of the continent’s coolest boutique hotels, make it a destination that must be on your bucket list.
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The Silo
Towering above Cape Town’s picturesque Victoria & Albert waterfront, The Silo, the city’s newest boutique hotel, has emerged from a converted grain elevator. Once the tallest building in sub-Saharan Africa, and reimagined by London’s Heatherwick Studio, The Silo boasts just 28 individually-designed and decorated guest rooms, including a spectacular penthouse with ocean views.
The hotel’s three fabulous restaurants and bars are set to become some of Cape Town’s hottest hangouts and include The Willaston Bar and Granary Café on the 6th floor, vibrant spaces with magnificent views of Table Mountain, as well as a rooftop bar and swimming pool. Opening below the hotel will be the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), a modern art museum set to rival the likes of the Tate Modern in London and MoMA in New York.
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Grand Daddy
Housed in a century-old heritage building on bustling Long Street, Grand Daddy is an eclectic urban hideaway that boasts just 24 rooms, including two signature suites, but it’s the clutch of unique Airstream trailers (yes, just like in The Accountant), housed on the rooftop, that you’re here for.
Each individually-designed trailer captures a different aspect of the iconic South African road trip and features a queen-sized bed, a wet room with a shower, air-con, and a bar fridge. Steps away are the hotel’s Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema, which plays classic flicks under African skies, and Thirty Ate, a stylish diner serving hamburgers and gourmet sandwiches.
Compass House
With only eight elegant guest rooms marrying comfort with style, Compass House is the jewel in the crown of beautiful Bantry Bay. With hardwood flooring throughout, all guest rooms at this elegant retreat feature floor-to-ceiling windows, plasma TVs, and Linn audio systems. For the ultimate indulgence, book ahead for The Suite, a sophisticated space fitted with a super king-sized bed dressed with 100 percent cotton linens, and a spacious marble bathroom with deep soak bathtub, walk-in shower, and Bvlgari amenities.
Leave time to swim a few laps in the 20-meter infinity pool, wreathed by lemon, kumquat, and orange trees, followed by a relaxing massage at the intimate signature spa.
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POD
Perched high above Camps Bay, luxurious boutique hideaway POD features just 17 guest rooms, each of which boasts king-sized beds, 40-inch LED televisions, Nespresso machines, and all-important complimentary minibars. If you’re looking to impress opt for the chic Deluxe Suite, which opens onto a private balcony with breathtaking beach views, or a Luxury Room, complete with plunge pool, ideal for impromptu entertaining with new-found beach bunnies.
In addition to its sexy accommodations, POD features an elegant lounge and chic cocktail bar as well as a gym with cardio and weight training equipment.
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Cape Grace
An exclusive waterfront property located on its own quay, a short stroll from the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, Cape Grace has a distinctive naval feel thanks to halls and rooms laced with maritime antiques. Eclectic and intriguing, this is a home-away-from-home for many well-heeled return travellers to Cape Town, who come here for the impeccable, intelligent service, the daily wine tasting sessions, the individually-designed rooms (opt for one overlooking the iconic harbourfront), and fine dining Signal restaurant. When you’re not exploring the quayside, there’s a pool, a gym, a spa, and elegant living spaces in which to enjoy new company over a well-made cocktail.
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