All of us at African Portfolio love spending time in Cape Town. There are always new restaurants to discover, new tours to try, sights to see, and hotels to check out. Diane, Susan and Anouk were in Cape Town recently, and were reminded of how much they like certain hotels just a little more than others! So we thought it would be fun to share our favorite accommodation options when visiting Cape Town.
Of course there are many more we highly recommend as much depends on the time of year, and what our clients are tastes are. But we believe you can’t really go wrong with the following ….
Ellerman House – The original home of Sir John Ellerman, this boutique hotel’s historic architecture and stunning seaside setting make it a favorite of ours in the Cape Town area.  Amenities abound here: lounge around the large heated pool, with enchanting views of Bantry Bay and Robben Island. Savor delectable regional fare on the terrace, in the vibrant, colorful garden or in the exclusive restaurant. This superb venue is staffed by acclaimed international chefs who will prepare something from the a la carte menu or something just for you.  While here, take advantage of the fully equipped gym and sauna, and indulge yourself at the Ellerman Spa. Each of the nine en suite rooms and two suites is individually decorated to create a unique and thoroughly luxurious atmosphere, and the private balconies offer humbling views of this superlative environment. When you’d like to venture off the grounds, we recommend you enjoy an evening stroll on nearby Clifton Beach, or take the quick 10 minute drive to Cape Town’s famed Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. A Relais & Chateaux property, the Ellerman bears all the hallmarks of that esteemed company: a holistic experience featuring unobtrusive, and unparalleled service. If you are an art-lover, you won’t ever want to leave this hotel.
Twelve Apostles – Shaded by the Twelve Apostles Mountain range and facing the Atlantic ocean, the Twelve Apostles Hotel is ideally situated to afford both mountain and sea views. The Hotel has 55 deluxe guest rooms and 15 luxurious suites, all with either mountain or sea views. Facilities include satellite TV, air conditioning, mini bar, hair and beauty salon and security system. Each has a welcoming ambience with great lighting, warm fabrics, natural wood shutters and decadent bathrooms with marble finishes. Enjoy the spacious, comfortable and well-equipped suites, emphasized by unique local touches; chandeliers made from recycled clay and candy-stripe wool carpets adorn each room, while the contemporary African and classic European styles create wonderful, inviting spaces. The Azure Restaurant offers superb indigenous and international cuisine. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a 24hr Cafe, which is an al fresco styled casual restaurant. It offers a flexible menu and beautiful mountain views.
Cape Grace – A glimmering jewel on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the Cape Grace Hotel is one of Cape Town’s most sophisticated properties.  Set against iconic Table Mountain on its own private quay, the hotel was renovated in 2008 and fully embraces its South African heritage—the décor blends historic elegance and contemporary style. Each of the 122 rooms is spacious yet warm, with exquisite detailing in every facet of the room: from 600 thread count sheets to heated towel racks. By day, lounge by an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by trellised gardens, and in the evening dine on superb regional cuisine in the comfort of the award-winning restaurant. When you want to explore this spectacular city, you’ll enjoy Cape Grace’s central location, with quick and easy access to the airport, city center and popular tourist destinations. Superb service is a hallmark of Cape Grace service—the staff is warm and friendly whether they are checking you in or serving you a drink aboard the hotel’s privately owned, 56-foot yacht. Speaking of drinks, Bascule Bar—set on the water’s edge—is a perfect place to savor an alfresco meal matched with a glass of superb Cape wine. The Cape Grace is a bastion of sophistication in a city regularly ranked among the world’s best.
Cape Cadogan (and More Quarters) – Declared a national monument in 1984—and ideally located in the City Bowl area of Cape Town—the Cape Cadogan is a boutique hotel that evokes the stately elegance of a 19th century manor.  The hotel exudes Victorian charm blended with a sort of bohemian-chic flair, and the result is an atmosphere that would make Oscar Wilde proud. The reception areas are individually decorated and designed for comfort and tranquility. The common area features a fireplace (a cozy spot to lounge with a book from the library, and perhaps a glass of wine) and a plunge pool (ideal for cooling off in the summer), not to mention the on-site gym. Each of the 12 well-appointed suites and one villa are decorated with an eclectic mix of contemporary and antique furniture, and feature modern amenities such as personal bar fridge, tea/coffee maker, satellite TV and DVD player. The service is impeccable, whether it is the concierge recommending the perfect restaurant on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or the chauffeur offering you a complimentary ride there. Next door you’ll find More Quarters, luxury one, two and three-bedroomed apartments offering families in particular the extra space that’s so welcome on vacation – but with all the amenities the Cape Cadogan has to offer!
Kensington Place – Set on the slopes of Table Mountain in the suburb of Higgovale, Cape Town, lies the five star boutique experience of Kensington Place. A quiet leafy suburb, Kensington Place is surrounded by a small landscaped garden and its elevated position allows for views over the city, harbour and Table Mountain. Kensington Place is an intimate hotel with only eight rooms that are all meticulously designed, with a blend of luscious textures and contemporary detail. Rooms are king size (except for one standard room), en-suite with gowns and slippers, include air-conditioning and under floor heating, audio visual facilities, iPod docking station, laptop with complementary WiFi, minibar, snack box, beach bag with beach towels and private terraces. Well known for personal attention and hospitality, guests are warmly welcomed, can enjoy the lounge and terraces day and night; there is a bar and dining room, swimming pool, DVD and music library, full concierge service, 24 hour room service, off street parking and complementary gym membership. From Kensington Place visitors can easily access the V & A Waterfront, Table Mountain Cableway, the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, or the city.
Cape Heritage – Situated in Heritage Square in the heart of Cape Town, the Cape Heritage is a boutique four star hotel that is historic yet contemporary, intimate yet lively and stylish yet cozy. Originally built in 1771, the hotel has 15 individually decorated bedrooms that not only retain the charm of the past but are also equipped with an array of modern comforts.  The hotel opens out onto a courtyard which houses the oldest living grapevine in South Africa and is the centerpiece of the hotel, where breakfast is served and around which five renowned and independent restaurants provide great food in a vibrant atmosphere. Most of the floorboards are 200 year old Cape Yellowwood and burnished hardwood. Throughout the hotel, sash windows reach up to high beamed teak ceilings and the original plasterwork has been preserved to showcase the detailed workmanship.   Rooms include: extra length king size bed, en suite bathrooms – most with separate walk in shower, satellite TV and DVD players with free DVD hire, air conditioning and heating, safes and fully stocked minibar and free wireless internet access.  Hotel management and staff go out of their way to make your stay as memorable and stress free as possible.
Contact us for more information about combining your safari with a stay in Cape Town. We have great rates at all of these properties and also offer excellent custom private touring with hand-picked local guides.