The best places to stay in Cape Town

Discreet retreat for high-flyers

Another option is the Dock House Boutique Hotel and Spa, also on the V&A Waterfront. The hotel is a "discreet retreat in an elegant, 19th-century building with many original features", says Cond Nast Traveller.

The hotel has the approval of those in the know: "the fashion world makes a bee-line here, as dovisiting dignitaries and executive high-flyers".

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Prices from £247 (Dockhouseboutique-capetown.com; 00 27 21 421 9334).

Stateroom chic at Cape Grace

It's a favourite with celebrities Leonardo diCaprio and Bill Clinton have stayed here but you're more likely to meet families and older couples. In the bedrooms, a combination of nautical stripes, chandeliers and French windows with harbour views make it feel as if you're sleeping on a luxury cruise liner.

It's "stateroom chic minus the seasickness". Leave your curtains open at night and when you wake in the morning you'll glimpse the sun rising over Table Mountain.

Prices start from £310, B&B, fora harbour-facing room. Rooms with views of Table Mountain cost an extra £50 a night (Capegrace.com; 00 27 21 410 7100).

Historic estate for nature-lovers

It is a historic estate that "feels like a country club revamped for the under-50s". Guests in "slinky cozzies lie poolside, and don skinny jeans for dinner on the terrace", and the 19 "boudoir-glam suites" have gold-lam headboards and "tasselled ottomans and velvet cushions".

Suites cost from £140, B&B(Alphen.co.za; 00 27 21 795 6300).

A stay by the beach

Prices from £90, B&B, (Atlantichouse.co.za; 00 27 21 437 8120).

A more traditional African experience

There are witty touches, suchas cookie jars filled with marshmallows,and baskets and sun umbrellas to take tothe beach", which is just a ten-minute walkaway.

Prices from £129, B&B (Houtbaymanor.com; 00 27 21 790 0116).

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.