5 Best Hotels in V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Enjoying a slightly unlikely location in the middle of a working section of the harbor, this grand and gracious hotel has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, especially after an extensive renovation in 2023. The look is now less fussy, more contemporary, and the rooms, which have all been brightened up, are an absolute knockout, with cosseting levels of comfort and ongoing efforts to streamline sustainability (you won't find any plastic). Fantastic, understated service means that you sometimes fail to notice how astute the pampering is, but you will experience it in the way you feel instantly at home, plus, the concierge will be able to make just about any imaginable request a reality: helicopters, boats, yachts, mountain guides, art tours, private dinners . . . anything can be arranged. And don't miss the pool, which feels like it's on a cruise ship; a huge screen live-streams activity on the harbor, and there can be a bit of a party atmosphere when it gets busy. Capetonians love to pop in for a drink at the classy Bascule Bar, or take tea in the Library Lounge, or indulge in the latest culinary offering at Heirloom.

Originally the Harbor Master’s residence, this Victorian-era heritage building has been transformed into one of Cape Town's most intimate hotels with just six individually designed neo-baroque bedrooms decorated with edgy modern art, silk drapes, gigantic framed mirrors, large chandeliers, original plasterwork, fireplaces, and fabulous bathrooms. And while everything's wonderfully up to date, the creaking wooden floorboards and original architecture add a real sense of stepping back in time, albeit with modern conveniences and cosseting staff. It's so discreetly situated, though, that hardly anyone knows of its existence, hiding in plain sight as it overlooks the heart of the Waterfront and the harbor beyond from an unmatched elevated position; you'll feel as though you're at the epicenter of Cape Town, with quick access to plenty of amenities (pool, spa, loads of restaurants nearby, your pick of sunset cruises, or perhaps a helicopter flip across the peninsula). Service is highly personal—there’s no reception or lobby, but rather a small team of gracious staff members who treat you like you're finally at home.

In the spirit of founding investor Sol Kerzner's "go big or go home" philosophy, the One&Only Cape Town is nothing if not a tribute to excess with its four-story glass window views onto Table Mountain, whether it's from the aptly named Vista Bar or the rooms in the high-rise main block. Rooms are larger than you'd find in most other hotels and are beautifully furnished with chic contemporary African design flourishes and embellishments. The island lends a faux-tropical resort feel, aided by a spectacular outdoor infinity pool, award-winning spa, and outpost of the Nobu restaurant chain. There's a fantastic children's club, excellent personalized service, and endless array of activities that can be arranged at short notice.

Housed in an old British prison, which explains the no-nonsense building layout, this back-to-basic business hotel is functional and comfortable, if without any mind-blowing design or spellbinding amenities. Its biggest advantage is the location, a short walk up from the V&A Waterfront, and almost as close to Green Point's restaurant hub. Whereas traffic within the Waterfront itself can be a little daunting, being here you're better able to get in and away without contending with millions of shoppers.

Smack in the middle of the Waterfront and surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants, and full-on views of the docks at breakfast (and from at least half the rooms), this was the first hotel to open in this harbor precinct, developed from a disused cargo warehouse by a hospitality entrepreneur, whom everyone scoffed at, thinking he was mad to invest in this once down-and-out area. Across the three floors, most rooms are large and luxurious, with plush fabrics, crisp linens, and all the amenities. Views from the costlier mountain-facing rooms are spectacular, encompassing not only Table Mountain but the city and docks as well. The large terrace is a great place to relax and enjoy the harbor's activity; if you dine outside, though, keep an eye out for scavenging and quite crafty seagulls. The small loft rooms on the third floor are a slightly more economical way to enjoy this location.