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Cut Cape Town in half like a piece of seaside rock, and the word cool would be emblazoned all the way within. From the turn-of-the-century vibes and microbreweries of Long Street to the summit of Table Mountain, by way of Company’s Garden and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town really is a special city. Destinations like Cape Town deserve stays worthy of their special status. So forget the cookie cutter international hotel brands and dingy backpacker hostels, and treat yourself to one of the coolest hotels in Cape Town.
1. O on Kloof
Situated in the affluent Sea Point neighbourhood, O on Kloof sits just ten minutes from the nearest beach. A similar distance from hiking routes to the Lion’s Head scenic outlook and Signal Hill, O is something of a sanctuary, though still within easy reach of all Cape Town has to offer.
It’s ambience is one of elegant sophistication, with contemporary architecture rich in glazing. This marries perfectly with interiors boasting a slightly more traditional feel of comfort and homeliness to each of O on Kloof’s uniquely decorated rooms and suites.
The spa, treatment rooms and small indoor pool may be something special, but it’s the exterior sun deck – complete with hot tub – that’s the star of the show. It’s sun loungers look west over the Sea Point rooftops to the Atlantic – making it perfect for a sundowner.
2. The Silo
Topping out the Zeitz MOCAA gallery, I think The Silo is one of Cape Town’s most impressive architectural achievements of recent years. It’s also one of the greenest. Located on the edge of the tourist-friendly Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, its elevated position gifts it views stretching from Table Mountain to Robben Island. These are made all the more impressive thanks to its billowing super-height windows and exterior balconies.
Art fans will delight not only in the presence of Africa’s largest collection of contemporary art next door, but also The Silo’s very own private art collection. But with Cape Town being all about the natural beauty of Table Bay, you’ll probably find yourself drifting from the exquisite range of five-star rooms and suites to the sky terrace and rooftop outdoor pool.
3. Grand Daddy Hotel
Its style and its proximity to downtown attractions such as Greenmarket Square make Grand Daddy Hotel another cool place to stay in Cape Town. Formed out of a heritage building which has been providing accommodation for over 120 years, this is not a hotel stuck in its ways.
Making use of Cape Town’s extraordinary catalogue of artists for its design aesthetic, Grand Daddy manages to capture that side of the mother city which has enthralled visitors for decades. Rooms are on the chic side of quirky, giving a sense of place without it becoming overbearing or cliché.
Yet what makes Grand Daddy stand out, quite literally, is its rooftop trailer park. Said to be the only one in the world (and who’s going to argue?) it features seven aluminium shelled airstream caravans decked out as rooms. Each are totally individual, with their style coming straight from the minds of local craftspeople.
4. Villa Lutzi
Perhaps the most traditional guest house experience on my list, Villa Lutzi remains a personal favourite. There’s nothing flashy here, just great personal service and attention to detail. The handful of rooms (there are just 11 in total) are clean, well-sized, and bright, while the grounds contain a small area of lawn and a pleasant outdoor pool.
Located within a quiet residential neighbourhood a short stroll uphill from central Cape Town, it feels like you can reach out and touch Table Mountain’s hiking routes. A place for taking it easy and doing not very much not very quickly, there’s also an honesty bar, guest lounge, and library (mostly of German language works).
5. POD Camps Bay
Close enough to the Atlantic waves that Camps Bay Beach is visible from its glass-encapsulated balconies, POD Camps Bay sits in the ever-popular suburb a short drive or bus-ride from the centre of Cape Town.
With class written all over it, this boutique hotel sits in a structure which belongs on an episode of Grand Designs. Featuring a full complement of polished concrete, massive areas of glazing, and a seamless connection between inside and out, it’s got twenty-first century living down to a T.
Beyond the facilities you’d expect (in-room Nespresso machine, hairdryer and satellite TV) POD also offers guests use of a small cardio gym, lap pool, cocktail bar, and joy-of-joys, a late departure lounge with shower.
6. The Vineyard
Drift a little further away from central Cape Town and you’ll soon hit the southern suburb of Newlands. The neighbourhood lies at the base of Table Mountain. This makes The Vineyard ideally placed for accessing Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden and the hiking trails that start from the eastern side of the mountain.
Fusing a home built in 1800 with contemporary extensions, natural light floods the interiors of The Vineyard, while the overall ambience is one of being pampered. Its eight acres of grounds offer plenty of spaces to catch up on reading or greet the resident giant tortoises. A glassy fitness centre promises to get the blood pumping, with the spa on hand to lower your heart rate to how-am-I-still-conscious levels of relaxation.
The coolest hotels in Cape Town
The coolest hotels in Cape Town take their lead from the city. They’re innovative, contemporary and vibrant, yet also authentic, artistic and homely. Say goodbye to the soulless spaces of the big chains, and hello to stays which could charm the socks off the grumpiest man you’ve ever met.
