6 Best Hotels in Southern Suburbs, Cape Town

With acres of gardens and spectacular views across the Constantia Valley, this idyllic old-school hideaway in two historic buildings makes the world beyond disappear. Built within the former winery and manor house of an 18th-century wine estate, large and elegant rooms are furnished in either a grand English-country or more pared-down, contemporary look. Rooms on the Hohenort side are gorgeous, with four-poster beds, fine draperies, reproduction antiques, and (upstairs) amazing views across the valley from private decks. Numerous exquisitely outfitted public areas, from a library to nooks and crannies across the stunning garden, mean you're never short on private places to disappear.

Steenberg brims with genuine countryside charisma, its style a successful integration of contemporary sensuousness and well-preserved heritage personality. More than any of the hotels in nearby Constantia, here you get a sense of staying in the Winelands, surrounded by vineyards. You can explore the property either on foot or by golf cart with a staff member (mainly to get you to the bistro which is across the property), and they have a few mountain bikes you can borrow, too. Not only are there magnificent manicured gardens between the various historic buildings (including the original slave bell), but there are excellent mountain views as well. There's a large variety of accommodations, from fairly straightforward loftlike "Classic" rooms in the Barn, to heritage-style "Classic" rooms, huge suites, and villas where you want for nothing. A daily shuttle will transport you to the V&A Waterfront and back free of charge. This historic wine farm occupies a parcel of land that was, centuries ago, a popular halfway stopover for passengers and crew traveling between the Simon’s Town harbor and the enclave around Table Bay that would eventually evolve into the city of Cape Town.

Situated on 11 acres of gardens in a verdant part of Constantia, this glamorous and avant-garde boutique hotel was originally an 18th-century Cape Dutch manor house and working farm. Luxurious rooms are in two buildings, all decorated in a bold style that marries the voluptuous excess of velvet and gilt with elegant historical decorum to fantastic effect. Rooms are spacious and bright, almost decadently kitted out, and overlook the gardens and a gorgeous walking trail. There are several places to sink in for a meal, a drink, or a relaxing moment of respite all around the property, and if the environment doesn't satisfactorily help you unwind, there's a chic little spa to slip into for a few dreamy hours.

A smart integration of original Edwardian elements and contemporary features, this guesthouse-style boutique hotel in an old mansion is close to Wynberg's fabulous Chelsea Village precinct. The house itself is gracious and very handsomely put together, with elegant, super-comfortable guestrooms in the main house as well as in the cottages around the edge of the garden. There are wonderful mountain views from some if not all the rooms. There's a handsome little lounge with a bar, a breakfast room, and seating outside in the courtyard which is sublime in spring and summer. And, despite being quite low-key, the intimate fine-dining restaurant is overseen by Gregory Henderson, a renowned chef who creates a mind-boggling tasting menu using foraged and hyper-local ingredients. The nearby town resembles the high street of a small English town, lined with cafés, galleries, boutiques, and antique stores in original Georgian houses. It's also home to Maynardville, a park where every summer there's a Shakespeare festival with outdoor performances. 

Located on the Cape's oldest—and still working—wine estate, this intimate and beautiful luxury hotel built mostly within renovated heritage structures is surrounded by manicured gardens, vineyards, a modern tasting room, two great restaurants, and a championship 18-hole golf course. Renovated to a luxurious, contemporary standard, the original barn and manor house now are home to spacious, elegant guest rooms in tones of silver and aqua furnished with antiques that contrast perfectly with the gorgeous modern touches. Premier rooms built in 2006 are more modern in look and feel, but also have lovely private patios. Three Heritage Suites, each with its own design style and decor, offer exceptional accommodations in two stories, all with fully equipped kitchens and private pools and lovely views. The estate's Catharina's restaurant is famous for its Sunday brunches spilling out under the giant oak trees in good weather, and the more casual Bistro Sixteen82 is an ideal spot to while away an afternoon sampling the estate's fabulous vintages and feasting on an excellent array of tapas. Don't leave without trying the estate's famous Sauvignon Blanc.

Located on more than 7 acres of rolling gardens overlooking the Liesbeek River, Cape Town's oldest hotel—built in and around the 18th-century home of Lady Anne Barnard—boasts comfortable rooms and numerous excellent facilities. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and stylishly decorated in tones of fresh pale green or silver and gray, enjoying either the spectacular views of Table Mountain’s backside or the beautifully landscaped courtyard. With four dining options, friendly service, endless places to sit and enjoy the views, as well as plenty of comfy nooks to tap away on a laptop, this hotel succeeds in keeping both leisure and business travelers happy. Although 15 minutes by car from the city, the hotel is walking distance from plenty of shops and only a five-minute drive from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.