The best places to stay in Cape Town

From a discreet getaway to stateroom chic, Ruth Jackson looks at the best places to stay near Table Mountain.

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.

"A former residence of the harbourmaster, the hotel consists of just five rooms and one suite, in soothing taupe and greys; chandeliers and antiques break up the clean-line aesthetic." It also has a garden with pool.

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

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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

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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

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

A more traditional African experience

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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

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

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping among many other titles both online and offline.