Most Expensive Hotels in Cape Town, South Africa: A Guide to Luxury Stays

Nov 08, 2025 0

One of the hardest decisions when you visit Cape Town just might be where to stay. The city and V&A Waterfront have an abundance of luxury hotels-including the Mount Nelson, Cape Grace, One & Only, and Silo-all of which are highly desirable, especially for first-time visitors. But the smaller boltholes, boutique hotels, and private villas in exclusive residential areas are just as popular, offering insider intel on neighborhood gems, from cafes to beaches. They've got access to a more authentic slice of local life-and, of course, greater privacy and flexibility. Not to worry, it doesn't matter what you choose: We've combed our sources to bring you our picks for Cape Town's best hotels, and you can't go wrong with any of them.

Almost 500 years later, the area - with its incredibly beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery - is home to one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Cape Town (Kaapstad in Afrikaans and Ikapa in Xhosa). Known as the Mother City because it was the first to emerge in South Africa, the city owes its multicultural personality to a diverse range of people and events, from the indigenous Khoi and San peoples to local African tribes, from the European explorers to slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar and Mozambique, and from apartheid to democratic freedoms.

Blessed with astonishing beaches, spectacular mountains, world-famous vineyards, scenic drives and tons of trendy bars and fine dining restaurants, it is hard to imagine a more picture perfect destination for a city trip (and frankly, you won’t find a better one).

Here are some of the most luxurious and expensive hotels in Cape Town, offering unparalleled experiences:

1. The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel: One Of The Most Instagrammable Hotels In The World

The Silo Hotel is a magical space towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City. The Silo has been built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex occupying six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). The Silo Hotel is a game-changer. The Silo is a brilliantly imaginative mixture of the traditional and the contemporary, a place where modern African art feels improbably at home with the industrial past of colonial Cape Town.

Read also: Common Nigerian Surnames

Situated in the historic grain silo complex at the V&A Waterfront, a significant site in Cape Town’s industrial and maritime history, the hotel boasts a unique historical background. The project involved a complex and meticulous renovation process to preserve the building’s industrial heritage while incorporating modern luxury and design elements. The Silo Hotel officially opened in March 2017.

From the outside, the greatest visible change to the building’s original structure is the addition of pillowed glazing panels, inserted into the geometry of the hotel floors, which bulge outward as if gently inflated. By night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern or beacon in the harbor.

The Silo hotel has 28 lofty rooms, including a spectacular one bedroom penthouse, which all come with lovely freestanding bathtubs and balconies. The hotel is widely celebrated for its unique architectural style, which includes curved glass windows that project outward, providing breathtaking vistas of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the harbour.

The Penthouse, however, is the hotel’s most expensive suite. It costs between R126,500 and R226,000 per night, depending on the season and whether you choose to stay in a one- or two-bedroom suite.

2. Ellerman House

Situated in the heart of Bantry Bay (one of Cape Town’s most exclusive neighborhoods), Ellerman House, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is an elegant mansion just ten minutes away from the city center and within walking distance of Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. The true splendor of the property rests in faithful preservation of its historical architecture, combined with discreet hospitality and efficient service reflecting the ambience experienced only in the comfort and familiarity of home.

Built for the shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman in 1906, this is one of the most splendid Edwardian mansions on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful coastal sites, with prime views of the boulder-strewn swimming coves below and of sunsets. In the exclusive Bantry Bay area, Ellerman House has 11 rooms, two suites, two villas, and one-and-a-half-acre hillside gardens, all verdant lawns, waving palm trees, and aromatic Cape fynbos beds.

The staff members treat everyone like a houseguest by pressing clothes, running bubble-baths, delivering antique silver pots of just-picked mint for tea, and advising on the perfect wine. Each individually decorated sea- or mountain-facing bedroom features art belonging to the house’s owner, Paul Harris.

He has one of South Africa’s finest private collections, including 19th-century landscapes by Thomas Bowler and contemporary portraits by Gerard Sekoto, which decorates the house and its adjoining gallery. The service within its airy, light-filled spa, its amply stocked cellar, and its sunny restaurant is personalized; chefs happily whip up individual favorites, like rich Cape Malay curries and fresh lobster salads, as well as treats that are set out daily in a help-yourself pantry.

For families, two more-contemporary villas enable children to splash about in their own pool without disturbing those indulging in a formal English tea on the shaded verandas or lazing on a pool lounger while watching seagulls wheel above the Atlantic.

This feels like a gracious grande dame of a hotel-a clubby space that encourages you to slow down and be spoiled.

3. One&Only Cape Town

Situated on the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town places you in the beating heart of the Mother City, blending a rare sense of seclusion with the cosmopolitan energy of the city’s most iconic sights right on your doorstep. This urban chic resort, located in an enviable spot in the city’s fashionable Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, set a whole new standard for South African hotels when it opened in 2009.

Cape Town’s only urban resort, One&Only has a prime Waterfront location next door to the Two Oceans Aquarium and is within strolling distance of the Water Shed, an indoor market filled with must-have local designer brands. Much more of a resort than a hotel, it has space in abundance and everything is dramatically scaled, including the reception lobby leading into Vista Bar and Lounge, the social heart of the hotel where cocktails, high tea, and light meals are served in great style.

The hotel impresses its guests upon arrival with breathtaking Table Mountain views through the massive windows of the spectacular lobby. There are two sections in the hotel, one being the Spa Island (built on a man-made island and centered around a lagoon-shaped pool) with 40 suites and the other the Marina Rise with 91 rooms.

All rooms feature oversized bathrooms and are adorned with fabrics and furnishings recalling the warm, muted tones of Africa. The spa is a destination in its own right, situated on its own island, with 12 treatment rooms, private wet areas, and a yoga pavilion in the garden. Make use of the spa thermal suites, even if you don’t book a spa treatment. His-and-hers hydrotherapy facilities each have a vitality pool, aroma-steam room, sauna, ice fountain and experience showers.

4. Cape Grace

The 5-star Cape Grace Hotel provides the perfect Victoria & Alfred Waterfront setting for discovering Cape Town’s enviable location, which offers both centrality and privacy combined with beautiful views of Table Mountain, the yacht marina and a working harbor. Located in Cape Town's Vibrant V&A Waterfront Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, has reopened on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront following a design transformation by 1508 London, celebrating South Africa’s heritage and artistry.

The essence of Cape Grace is an intrinsic desire to understand guests’ needs so as to ensure truly memorable visits. Each one of the 120 guest rooms and suites is unique and has its own story to tell. The hotel, now the first Fairmont Hotel in South Africa, features interiors showcasing local artwork and materials that harmonize with the natural surroundings. Each of the 112 rooms and suites offers views of the Marina or Table Mountain, with the Cape Grace Suite providing an expansive terrace and luxurious amenities.

Chef Gregory Czarnecki leads the culinary vision at the new Heirloom restaurant, featuring a Tasting Menu of South African-inspired dishes. Additional dining options include a Pool Bar, Library Lounge, and the revamped Bascule Bar & Lounge. The hotel presents guests with the serene Fairmont Spa with treatments inspired by local natural elements including tailored bath rituals, jet lag recovery, detox massages, a salt room experience, guided meditation and tailored packages to help guests benefit from the ultimate relaxation. Even the standard rooms are spacious here, with separate sitting areas, desks, complimentary high-speed internet, and cushioned headboards.

5. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

A wide, palm-lined driveway leads past lush lawns and flower beds to the grand porticoed entrance. What sets this venerable hotel apart is its distinct sense of place and prime location in the historical heart of the city between Table Mountain and Company’s Gardens. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel has long been regarded as the hotel of choice of cultured global travelers since 1899, because of its romantic heritage, warm professional service, timeless style and a magnificent setting.

Painted pink since 1918, the ‘Nellie’ is Cape Town’s grande dame dating back to 1899. The entire property has been meticulously restored and updated several times over the years to keep everything looking perfect. The Mount Nelson holds many trump cards, not least its historic location, unique garden setting, and old-school vibe.

Enjoying a convenient location at the foot of Table Mountain, and just a short stroll from downtown, the resort offers the perfect combination of leafy tranquility and contemporary buzz. The hotel features a sprawling garden, complete with two heated swimming pools, rolling lawns, a palm lined avenue and secluded Rose gardens which lend themselves to romance. Six distinctive accommodation wings offer a variety of 198 individually decorated, elegantly appointed rooms and suites.

Other Notable Hotels

Here's a brief overview of other high-end hotels in Cape Town:

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa: Nestled between the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel: Located in a historic 17th-century building on Church Square.
Steenberg Farm - Hotel & Spa: Housed in restored Cape Dutch heritage buildings on the oldest wine farm in Constantia.
Kensington Place: Ultra-private hotel near the city's best attractions.
Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel: Elegant Georgian-era townhouse in a fashionable neighborhood.

These hotels offer a range of unique experiences, from beachfront locations to historic settings, ensuring a memorable stay in Cape Town.

Hotel Comparison Table

Here's a comparison of some of the most luxurious hotels in Cape Town:

Hotel	Location	Unique Features	Price Range (USD per night)
The Silo Hotel	V&A Waterfront	Unique architecture, rooftop bar, contemporary art	$800 - $3000+
Ellerman House	Bantry Bay	Oceanfront mansion, extensive art collection, personalized service	$900 - $4000+
One&Only Cape Town	V&A Waterfront	Urban resort, spa island, Table Mountain views	$700 - $2500+
Cape Grace	V&A Waterfront	Harbor views, South African heritage, fine dining	$600 - $2000+
Mount Nelson	City Center	Historic hotel, lush gardens, old-world charm	$500 - $1800+

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on season and availability.