4 Best Hotels in Hout Bay, South Africa

This stylish, modern guesthouse high on a hill in residential Hout Bay enjoys stunning bay and mountain views and makes the perfect pampered base from which to explore far and wide. With only five rooms—all ultracontemporary with complimentary espresso machines, Apple TV, and high-end bath products—and an equal number of sink-in, sit-back cushy lounging areas (including a plush daybed under a massive fig tree), you'll never want for a spot to kick back and imbibe the fantastic views and peaceful setting. The delightfully strange "cottage" (it's like a ship's cabin made from teak and bamboo, perfect for relaxing) looks over the saltwater, solar-heated pool and there's a shaded outdoor breakfast patio.

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 the heart of Hout Bay's shops and restaurants, this classic Cape Dutch edifice decorated in a playful funky African style has been a working hotel since 1871. The 16 rooms are airy and light, successfully melding elegant antiques, modern comforts, and African fabrics and beadwork. Wooden floors, dazzling chandeliers, and free-standing baths in some rooms complete the picture. The bright and creative design aesthetic extends to the hotel's public spaces, including a stylish bar (serving a tapas menu till the wee hours), and a lovely (if dark) lounge area with a cozy fireplace. A spa, pleasant courtyard under ancient oak trees sitting next to a small pool, and two restaurants are all on offer. Just a few minutes' walk from Hout Bay's buzziest restaurant and shopping area (and a popular weekly outdoor market), the hotel also sits next to walking trails up the mountain, and is just a few kilometers from the beginning of Chapman's Peak Drive.