WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE TOWN | OUR HOTEL + THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUR TRIP
Where you stay in Cape Town shapes your whole trip. The city is spread out between the mountain and the sea, and each neighborhood has a completely different feel, from the buzzy V&A Waterfront to the beach clubs of Camps Bay to the restaurants and bars around Bree Street. On our trip we stayed at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, and it's a great home base for exploring the city.
Here's where we stayed, why I'd recommend it, and my picks for every other part of the city (plus the Winelands), so you can choose what fits your trip and your budget.
WHERE WE STAYED: RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL, WATERFRONT CAPE TOWN
Best for: Ocean views, a great location and better value than the big-name Waterfront hotels
The Radisson Collection sits right on the Atlantic at Granger Bay, between the V&A Waterfront and the Sea Point Promenade. You get the best of both: the Waterfront's restaurants, shops and harbor are an easy walk (or a very quick Uber) away, but the hotel itself feels calmer, with the ocean right outside.
What I'd recommend it for:
The views: most of the 175 rooms and suites have balconies looking out over the marina or the Atlantic.
The infinity pool: the outdoor pool looks straight out to sea, and there's an indoor pool too for cooler days.
Sunset drinks: Tobago's Restaurant, Bar & Terrace faces the ocean, so it's a perfect spot to end the day.
The spa: Amani Spa & Wellness is right in the hotel when you need a massage after a long day of exploring.
The location: you're close to the Waterfront, Green Point and the Sea Point Promenade, which makes it easy to get to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and the city center.
Our room: We stayed in a junior suite, and it was beautiful. It was spacious, with a king bed, a separate sitting area and a balcony looking straight out over the ocean. The best part? From our balcony we could watch dolphins and seals playing in the water. It's hard to beat that as a way to start the morning!
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPE TOWN BY NEIGHBORHOOD
V&A WATERFRONT
Best for: first-timers, families and anyone who wants to walk to restaurants
The Waterfront is the easiest place to stay on a first trip. It's safe, walkable and packed with restaurants, shops, the Zeitz MOCAA museum and the ferry to Robben Island.
Splurge: The Silo Hotel, a design hotel built into a historic grain silo, with jaw-dropping views from its pillowed glass windows.
Classic luxury: Cape Grace or One&Only Cape Town, both right on the water.
Great value: the Radisson Collection (above), just around the bay.
CITY BOWL AND GARDENS
Best for: foodies and anyone who wants to be close to the best restaurants and bars
Stay here to be near Bree Street, Kloof Street and the Company's Garden, with Table Mountain right above you.
Splurge: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, the iconic pink hotel in Gardens.
Stylish and walkable: Gorgeous George, a design hotel with a rooftop pool in the middle of the city.
CAMPS BAY
Best for: beach days, sunsets and a glamorous, resort feel
Camps Bay is Cape Town's answer to the French Riviera, with palm-lined beaches backed by the Twelve Apostles. It's beautiful, but you'll need an Uber to get almost anywhere else.
Splurge: The Marly, a boutique hotel right across from the beach.
Classic luxury: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, between Camps Bay and Llandudno.
SEA POINT AND BANTRY BAY
Best for: sea views, morning walks on the promenade and a more local feel
Sea Point has a long oceanfront promenade, great casual restaurants and easy access to both the Waterfront and Camps Bay.
Splurge: Ellerman House in Bantry Bay, one of the most beautiful hotels in the country, with an incredible art collection.
SHOULD YOU STAY IN THE WINELANDS?
We did the Winelands as a day trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and it was easy from Cape Town. But if you have the time, one or two nights in Franschhoek is a dream.
Splurge: La Residence, a romantic boutique hotel in the vineyards.
Stylish and central: Leeu House, right on Franschhoek's main street, walkable to restaurants.
HOW I'D SPLIT YOUR TIME
For a first trip, I'd spend at least four nights in Cape Town, then add one or two nights in the Winelands or head off on safari. We combined Cape Town and the Winelands with a stay at Hippo Lakes in the Waterberg, and it was the perfect mix of city, wine country and the bush.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best area to stay in Cape Town for first-timers?
The V&A Waterfront. It's walkable, has lots of restaurants and shops, and is close to Table Mountain, the city center and the Atlantic seaboard. Staying just around the bay at Granger Bay or in Green Point gives you the same convenience with a calmer feel.
Is the Radisson Collection Hotel within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront?
Yes. It's on the water at Granger Bay, an easy walk from the Waterfront. An Uber is a quick, inexpensive option at night or if you're tired.
How many nights do you need in Cape Town?
At least four nights for a first trip. That gives you time for Table Mountain, a Cape Peninsula day trip, a day in the Winelands and plenty of great meals.
Where should I eat in Cape Town?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I'm Alexandra
I'm a travel-obsessed planner, foodie and firm believer that a well-planned trip makes life better. Want a trip like this one planned around you? Tell me where you're dreaming of going, and I'll take care of the details.
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