The best places to stay in Cape Town

Deciding where to stay in Cape Town is essential to get the most out of the experience in this famous and exciting city in South Africa!

Cape Town is one of the most beloved and photogenic cities in the world and one of the cities that I have enjoyed the most.

Besides being organized and having a great touristic infrastructure, the city has plenty of accommodation options for all budgets and styles.

But there are some areas that stand out in relation to accommodation.
Therefore, we will explain a little about the best neighborhoods and give you some options for you to decide where to stay in Cape Town.

Where to stay in Cape Town

We will show you different options of accommodation dividing in areas of the city.

This map will help you to understand a little bit more of the neighborhoods in Cape Town:



Booking.com



Gardens

Gardens is a super cool neighborhood in Cape Town. It is full of wonderful boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants.

So if you love art and this is your vibe, it is worth looking for an accommodation option at the Gardens.

We suggest staying at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel! This hotel is super charming and offers an amazing rooftop with an incredible view.

Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & SPA

Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel is the perfect mix of art, comfort and charm. Not to mention the pool that gives an amazing view of Table Mountain.

In addition to the pool, the rooftop has a bar that serves great drinks while you enjoy the view and the water.

It will be difficult to leave! They also have a SPA, jacuzzi and you can order pizza from the room! How awesome is this?!

The Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel has a laundry service, and in the bathroom they have wonderful products and a blessed shower.

I stayed with them for a few nights on both times I went to this city. This place already feels like home for me!

Sea Point

The Sea Point is a neighborhood located a little bit further away from the center of the city, but really close to the sea!

This location is ideal for those who want to enjoy the landscapes and go for great walks around the beach and relax.

Our suggestion around Sea Point is the Blackheath Lodge, one of the most well rated accommodations in Cape Town.

Blackheath Lodge

Apartment at Blackheath Lodge - Acommodation at Sea Point
Apartment at Blackheath Lodge – Acommodation at Sea Point
Photo: Elaine Villatoro

The Blackheath Lodge is really incredible!

I stayed there only for 2 nights in a two bedroom apartment, which is one of the options they have, but it was enough to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the hotel.

The decor is charming, the breakfast is delicious, and the organization and cleanliness are impeccable.

For me, this is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Cape Town.

I even stayed in another hotel of the same owners, in Hermanus, which was the best boutique hotel I have ever stayed in.

Waterfront

Without a doubt, this is the region with the most hotels in the city.

As it is the most touristic area, Waterfront’s prices tend to be higher, but due to the number of options it is possible to find one that suits you.

This area is suitable for those who want to get around on foot and stay close to the city, enjoying good bars and restaurants.

This neighborhood is busy day and night and there always things to do around the area!

We have 2 suggestions for lodging in Waterfront:

The Table Bay Hotel

The table bay - the best hotel in cape town
Bedroom at The Table Bay Hotel
Photo: Booking

The Table Bay is a luxurious 5-star hotel, considered one of the best hotels in Cape Town.

In addition to the excellent services, you will have stunning views of the city’s harbor, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.

One & Only Cape Town

One and Only Hotel - Waterfront
One and Only
Photo: Booking

One & Only stands out for excellent reviews and offers wonderful views of Table Mountain.

There you will also find an infinity pool, terrace with sun loungers and SPA. It will be difficult to get out of there!

Cape Town Downtown Hotels

The center is indicated for those who want economic options in a more commercial region.

In the center of the city, you will have easier transportation and you will also find everything you need.

When choosing an accommodation, look for Long Street, which is the main street in the center and also the safest one. The other streets in the neighborhood tend to be more deserted at night.

Our suggestion on Long Street is Taj Cape Town.

Taj Cape Town

Bedroom at Taj Hotel
Bedroom at Taj Cape Town Hotel
Photo: Booking

Taj is just a few minutes’ walk from various attractions and tour companies, and offers a free transfer to the Waterfront every day.

The hotel has classic and super beautiful decor, and there are 3 different restaurants inside the hotel!

Hotels near Cape Town Airport

If you are going on a short trip, it is worth staying at one of the hotels near Cape Town airport.

The Airport is 22 kilometers away from the city center and there is a bus line from the company MyCiti that runs the airport/center line with buses leaving every half hour.

For those who want to stay close to the airport, Hotel Verde is a great mix of comfort and practicality, being just 400 meters from the airport.

Hotel Verde near Cape Town Airport
Hotel Verde near Cape Town Airport
Photo: Booking

The hotel also offers a gym, an outdoor jogging trail and its own restaurant that serves meals prepared with organic ingredients.

Hostels in Cape Town

For those who are traveling on a budget or looking for making friends during the trip, hostels are excellent accommodation alternatives.

These are considered the best hostels in the city:

Once in Cape Town

Once in Cape Town Hostel
Once in Cape Town
Photo: Elaine Villatoro

If you like to party and meet nice people, Once in Cape Town is a great choice.

In 2017 I stayed at this hostel and really enjoyed it, but that was because I was in a party mood lol, so I didn’t care about the noise.

But in 2018, being more relaxed and working during the trip, I preferred a quieter hostel, which will be my next suggestion for you.

The Backpack

The Backpack - Hostel in Gardens - Cape Town
The Backpack – Hostel in Cape Town
Photo: Elaine Villatoro

If you prefer a more peaceful environment, I recommend staying at The Backpack.

A very well located hostel, super clean and much quieter than the other hostels of this area.

Great for those who want to guarantee a good night’s sleep and those who love a delicious and rich breakfast.

In addition, they have a sustainable appeal and are certified by the Fair Trade Tourism.

I hope this post has helped you choose a nice place to stay in Cape Town. =)


Also read:

The best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa

Great white shark cage diving in Cape Town

What is like to stay at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa