7 Best Hotels in Cape Peninsula, South Africa

This surprisingly stylish and great-value guesthouse is within walking distance of all the culinary treasures and bohemian pleasures for which charming Kalk Bay is known—its harbor is nearby, too. Located in a grand old house overlooking the bay, its bright and handsomely decorated rooms feature a contemporary beach-chic style, and most have sea views. Comfortable and stylish public areas include a glassed-in sunroom, meeting room, lovely outdoor terrace, pool and garden, and a small bar. Those planning on a longer stay may want to inquire about the self-catering apartment across the street.

The French-born owner of this gem just past Boulders Beach takes his vocation seriously, providing a level of engagement and service that creates a gorgeous retreat where edgy, rustic, and super-elegant design features and fantastic views of False Bay combine to great effect. With only five rooms—each styled differently, but all mixing polished concrete surfaces in neutral tones with a few carefully selected ornate pieces of furniture—it's all extremely intimate, and made for quiet relaxation. Enjoy a drink on the patio by the pool, hang out in the stylish lounge, or enjoy the aromas coming from the open kitchen as you await your generous breakfast; be sure to book dinner here as these are surely the best meals in town.

Tranquil and intimate with only four rooms (each with kitchenette facilities), this owner-managed guesthouse is tucked away in a lush neighborhood that has some of the best views in all of Hout Bay. Perfect if you're seeking peace and privacy, all rooms are individually decorated with antiques and artwork, and have great views (garden, mountain, or bay). An outdoor bath surrounded by native trees overlooks the small saltwater, solar-heated pool that's worth trying out. Tucked into the ground floor of the house, the garden apartment is very spacious and the only room that accommodates children; the other rooms are all upstairs.

A little gravel road leads to this converted farm, prettily transformed into a handsome five-bedroom guesthouse with wonderful views, stylish, low-key design, and a sense of escape. Much of the original Cape Dutch architectural elements remain, so you get a sense of history and place, but the Belgian owner has gone out of her way to carefully select the many personal touches, from the whitewashed interiors and wicker furniture in the guest rooms to the dreamy layout of the Provencal-style courtyard where you have breakfast––the food, too, is a cut above, and includes homemade jams and fresh-baked bread. Plus there's a scrumptiously large pool and some truly epic vistas.

Situated in family-friendly and often extremely busy Noordhoek Farm Village, this moderately comfortable hotel is at the very least a practical option if you're looking for no more than a place to stay along your way. Rooms are functional and unremarkable aside from the fact that four of them are wheelchair-friendly, a rarity across the peninsula. There's plenty to do right on its doorstep, though it frequently turns into a place where large groups congregate for morning drinks, sometimes after cycling events or in preparation for nearby weddings. It also hosts conferences, which can seriously impinge on privacy, peace, and quiet, never mind the dithering service. There's a small pool and a pleasant courtyard with lemon trees.

Close to the beach, enfolded by mountains, and surrounded by horse farms and lush green space, this collection of self-catering cottages tucked beneath ancient oaks offers a proper countryside atmosphere. The rooms are extravagantly large and the homey atmosphere is well-suited to the countrified setting. There's a good little spa on the premises, and the location is ideal if you want to escape the town's busier locations (like Noordhoek Farm Village and Cape Point Vineyards). You can opt for a rate that includes breakfast or choose self-catering (the latter's a good idea given how many nearby places there are that serve fabulous breakfasts).

This clean and contemporary African-themed guesthouse in a residential area about 3 km (2 miles) outside Simon's Town offers spacious rooms with magnificent views over False Bay. All five spacious rooms have sitting areas with unobstructed views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. The stunning views are courtesy of a residential location perched on a steep hill, however, you'll need a car to do any exploring or get meals beyond breakfast.