Hotels in Cape Town

Still wondering what to do in Cape Town? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Cape Town and book your hotel today!

Imagine a city cradled between a dramatic, flat-topped mountain and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. That's the breath-taking vista that awaits you in Cape Town, affectionately known as the Mother City. This vibrant destination is a captivating blend of spectacular natural beauty, rich history, and dynamic urban life. The iconic Table Mountain, often shrouded in its famous ‘tablecloth’ of cloud, looms majestically over the city, offering some of the most incredible views on the planet once you ascend via the Aerial Cableway.

Beyond the mountain, you can immerse yourself in history at the Robben Island Museum, a profound and necessary visit to understand South Africa's past. Then, switch gears to explore the bustling V&A Waterfront, a hub of shopping, dining, and culture. From world-class wine estates like Groot Constantia to the stunning flora of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town offers an unforgettable journey. Ready to find your base in this stunning locale?

Choosing the perfect area for your hotel in Cape Town is key to experiencing the city exactly as you want, whether you are looking for beach relaxation, cultural immersion, or easy access to major sites. Each area offers a distinct flavour that can truly shape your holiday.

The City Bowl, the central business district nestled between Table Mountain and the harbour, is an excellent choice for first-time visitors. It’s where you'll find the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap, the history of the District Six Museum, and a vibrant cultural scene. The City Bowl offers a great range of dining options and is an ideal hub for exploring the mountain and the waterfront.

If you dream of beachfront glamour and sunset views, the suburbs of Camps Bay and Clifton are unbeatable. These affluent areas, along the Atlantic Seaboard, are famous for their pristine beaches, chic restaurants, and lively café culture. They offer a luxurious, relaxed atmosphere, but keep in mind they are slightly further away from the main City Bowl museums and historical sites.

Another great option is the V&A Waterfront precinct itself. This area is continuously bustling, offering world-class hotels right next to major attractions like the Zeitz MOCAA art museum and the Two Oceans Aquarium. It's safe, walkable, and is the departure point for the ferries to Robben Island, making it a very convenient base for a variety of activities.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located approximately 12 miles from the city centre. A hotel in the City Bowl or Waterfront area provides the easiest access to the airport via taxi or dedicated airport transfer services, which take you directly via the main motorways. While there are local trains, transfer services and hired cars are the most common and efficient ways to navigate the city and explore the scenic drives, such as Chapman's Peak Drive, that are slightly further out.

To find the best hotel deals in Cape Town, you'll need to consider the peak summer season, which runs from November to February. This is when the weather is at its finest, and major events like the Cape Town Cycle Tour or the festive holiday season drive prices up considerably.

For better value, look to the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to October. You'll enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates. The low season is the winter, from June to August, when rain is more common, but this is the absolute best time for saving money on your hotel. A detail unique to Cape Town is to look for accommodation in the City Bowl rather than the glamorous beach suburbs, as central city hotels often drop their prices more dramatically during the low or shoulder seasons, unlike the more consistently in-demand coastal areas.