Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Cape Town 2023

Home to a warm climate, gorgeous beaches, a fun and vibrant culture, and some of the most breathtakingly beautiful vistas in the world, Cape Town has spent decades seducing its many enthralled visitors.

Go surfing, see the incredible local wildlife, take a tipple on a wine-tasting tour or just experience Cape Town’s unique view on life, which is also often reflected in its collection of unique and quirky hotels.

From my many trips to this incredible country, here are my favorite cool and unusual hotels in Cape Town, South Africa (in no particular order)...

1. Grand Daddy Hotel – accommodation with fun, funky and retro-cool rooms and very Instagrammable Airstream trailers

No holiday in Cape Town would be complete without at least one night at the famous Grand Daddy Hotel, with its famous Airstream Rooftop Trailer Park — that’s right, the penthouses in this hotel are seven very cool Airstream trailers.

Although this is no ordinary trailer park, each of the seven trailers (and communal spaces) has been renovated by talented local artists creating unique and playful living spaces. On summer nights, you’ll also find a rooftop concert or cinema going on right outside.

The Grand Daddy hotel itself is equally as special and is a trendy refurbished 1895 hotel is on Long Street, the centre of Cape Town’s dining and nightlife. Rooms have marble bathrooms, patios or balconies. 

• To book, check prices or availability for the Grand Daddy Hotel

2. Kagga Kamma – an upscale nature lover’s retreat that provides a very extraordinary and unique experience

Definitely one for outdoor lovers, the upscale 4-star and exceptionally rated Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve offers unique Cape Town accommodation options located in the pristine wilderness (in the Cederberg Mountains).

Here you can sleep literally under the stars (but from the comfort of a luxury open-air bed) or sleep in a naturally cool Cave Suite. See 6,000-year-old cave paintings, take a nature drive, swim in one of the two swimming pools or just spend a day unwinding at the spa.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Kagga Kamma Reserve

3. POD Camps Bay – a beautiful, unique and trendy hotel with gorgeous views located very near Camps Bay beachfront

Situated within Camps Bay, the POD Camps Bay is perfectly situated for you to enjoy the renowned beaches, cuisine, and nightlife and meet the beautiful people of the area.

The location is perhaps the best you can get in Cape Town, with it being in driving distance of the vibrant and historical city centre and the bustling V&A Waterfront.

Whether you’re staying within the Deluxe Suite, or the Luxury, Classic and Mountain Rooms, each living arrangement provides all the necessary amnesties including air conditioning and underfloor heating, en-suite bathrooms which are sure to match up to what you need.

• To book, check prices or availability for POD Camps Bay

4. Teniqua Treetops – a fun, cool and unique Cape Town eco-retreat for an incredible way to stay in South Africa

If you’re an eco-conscious nature-lover or just a great big kid, you’ll love Teniqua Treetops. Here, you can sleep in a tented tree house perched high in the forest canopy of the Outeniqua foothills, lush forest along the Garden Route between Knysna and Sedgefield.

There are eight beautiful handcrafted eco-friendly treehouses tucked away in the trees which offer either one or two bedrooms, kitchens, living/dining areas, and en-suite bathrooms with dry toilets, plus decks with BBQs and gorgeous scenic views.

To up the glamping factor some have sunken tubs, glass-enclosed showers, antique furniture and/or sunrooms. Get a close look at the region’s many exotic birds, or just make romantic memories with your sweetheart!

• To book, check prices or availability for the Teniqua Treetops

5. The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK – a trendy, stylish and upbeat hotel perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs

This luxury hotel in the Foreshore district of Cape Town is in the center of it all, yet offers a relaxed refuge from all the hustle and bustle. Interior public spaces have an upbeat, cheerful design in keeping with the mood of the city, with bright colors and custom lighting.

The rooms and suites are restful spaces with muted colors, with courtyard or city views and all the trappings of comfort with extra-length beds, luxury linens and coffee stations. The onsite Rockefeller Plaza restaurant is a foodie favorite in Cape Town, with live DJs every evening, South African wines, craft beers, and a menu of international favorites.

It’s open all day for all meals from breakfast to dinner, and the 24-hour Localé Deli has home-baked breads and snacks to go.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK 

6. Gorgeous George by Design Hotels – a colorful, kitsch, and whimsical boutique design hotel with quirky chic details

Gorgeous George does live up to its name, with its two restored heritage buildings designed and furnished in a mix of styles that reflect the city’s rich history.

You’ll find oriental carpets, intricate tapestry fabrics, a marble staircase, dark wood and bamboo panelling, basketwork decor and a profusion of green plants, all carefully and artfully intermingled.

The rooms are likewise full of character, with original artwork by David Brits and custom fittings, mixing Victorian and industrial design elements.

The rooftop Gigi restaurant is a favorite Cape Town hangout, with a swimming pool, glass roof and a South African and international menu for all meals from breakfast to dinner.

The central location in St. George’s Mall puts you close to everything, including the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

• To book, check prices or availability for Gorgeous George by Design Hotels

7. Vida Nova Retreat – a beautiful, hip and stylish hotel that provides a truly peaceful setting where you can unplug and unwind

Right at the foot of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, you’ll find this eco-retreat, with just 20 rooms surrounded by verdant tropical gardens and a stunning view of the peaks. It’s close to the historic sites and natural beauty of Hout Bay, and just a short drive to the city center.

Airy tropical decor in the light-filled rooms and window walls open to private patios, making the beautiful grounds and landscape part of the living space. The Green Orchid restaurant serves up a menu of international favorites with local ingredients.

Guests can enjoy a swim in the heated pool, relax at the Disa Spa with luxurious treatments, or explore the nearby beaches with opportunities for swimming, surfing and yachting.

• To book, check prices or availability for Vida Nova Retreat

8. Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge – a former prison-turned-chic boutique hotel

The centrally located and modestly priced Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodgeputs you in easy reach of everywhere you want to be in downtown Cape Town, but if this 19th-century structure looks imposing, that’s because it started out life as a prison.

Although don’t worry about prison-style accommodation this newly renovated hotel offers chic and contemporary interiors. A fabulously unique and unusual Cape Town hotel!

• To book, check prices or availability for Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge

9. Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa – a peaceful and serene venue where guests can relax their minds and bodies

In the heart of the South African veldt yet close to the city center, this tranquil retreat is located on a historic estate that is also home to one of the oldest vineyards in the Cape of Good Hope. The sprawling, low buildings have a choice of accommodations, with private rooms in the farm lodge, vineyard bungalow suites, and the owner’s villa, all with the low-key simplicity that speaks real luxury.

You can relax on your private patio and take in the views of the vineyards backed by distant mountains, partake in farm activities including wine tastings, and chill out at the spa with treatments using local and natural products.

There are gym and yoga rooms and you can borrow bikes to explore the trails around the farm. The two onsite restaurants offer gourmet, local natural foods made according to family recipes.

Nearby attractions within easy driving distance are Cape Town, the V&A Waterfront, Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and Somerset West.

• To book, check prices or availability for Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa

10. Pineapple House Boutique Hotel – an enchanting, quirky and colorful boutique hotel that offers Insta-worthy panoramic views of Table Mountain

Located in Sea Point close to the beaches and most attractions, this nine-room boutique hotel is built around themes of friendship, warmth and hospitality, symbolized by its namesake pineapple. You’ll find the fruit motifs everywhere – on the hotel logo, of course, and also on spoon handles, table and wall ornaments and even the pats of butter are shaped like miniature pineapples.

The room decor is similarly charming and quirky, with unique print fabrics and artwork and indoor plants adding life and color. Touches like exposed brick walls and little seating nooks make it all cozy and homelike. You’ll love the rain shower, comfy beds and balcony, and some rooms open directly to the pool deck.

Breakfast is included in your stay and the buffet includes fruit, cereal, yogurt, croissants, eggs made as you like, and the best coffee. Outside, there’s the wonderful world of the mountains, vineyards, beaches and safaris to explore and the bracing sea air that’s better than any tonic.

• To book, check prices or availability for Pineapple House Boutique Hotel

11. O’ Two Hotel – a trendy, charming and upscale place to stay with stunning Cape Town views

Situated close to the best of Cape Town, in the trendy Platinum Mile on Moille’s Point, the O’Two Hotel is all about comfort and understated luxury. Nearby attractions include the V&A Waterfront famous for its shopping and dining, the beaches and promenade, Green Point Park and Cape Town Stadium.

Rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors with views of Lions Head, Table Mountain and Greenpoint Eco Park and the Atlantic Ocean, plus large balconies with comfortable seating.

A à la carte breakfast is served daily, and you can relax with cocktails beside the heated rooftop swimming pool, with 360 views of the majestic landscape.

The hotel also has a spa and gym, and offers bike rentals and free parking.

• To book, check prices or availability for O’ Two Hotel

12. Dock House Hotel and Spa – an ultra-chic waterside boutique located very near the V&A Waterfront

Originally the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800s, the Dock House Boutique Hotel and Spa, speaks volumes through its unique designs and elaborate furnishings. Equipped with chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornices, along with bold artwork, the hotel homes a Victorian charm perfect for your historic getaway.

Located alongside the Time Ball Tower, Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa offers five elegant rooms, which complement the Victorian elegance, with the upstairs rooms overlooking the bustling harbour, whilst the ground floor room opens to a veranda overlooking the garden and the swimming pool area, perfect for those cool summer nights

. If you’re looking for absolute privacy, the entire trendy Cape Town hotel can be booked for exclusive use, at a certain additional cost.

• To book, check prices or availability for Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa

13. Sea Five Boutique Hotel – a luxury guest house with sweeping views located in sought after Camps Bay

Drawing a comparison between Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline and the European Riviera, the Sea Five Boutique Hotel is home to some of the most pristine rooms available in all of South Africa.

Styled by top South African interior designer, Francois Du Plessis, the rooms pay homage to a culmination of the style of Mediterranean villas and the crisp South Africa refinement with white and cream being the predominant pallet of choice.

To further make your stay one to remember, the hotel further provides services including in-house spa treatments to Yoga on your private terrace, to make the duration of your stay even more spectacular.

If you’re in the mood to just relax, you can savour a moment of utter bliss as you watch one of South Africa’s most scenic sunsets, at the poolside, equipped with its own bar.

• To book, check prices or availability for Sea Five Boutique Hotel

14. Old Bank – a contemporary, romantic and sophisticated boutique hotel where guests can immerse themselves in historic elegance and charm

The classic 1902 building is full of modern energy, right in the vibrant heart of Cape Town. It really was a bank originally, and you can see details of Victorian architecture, mixed with modern industrial design. Located in the historic St George’s Square, it’s right in the midst of it all, with African market stalls, historic eighteenth-century buildings, and the trendiest bars and restaurants.

The spacious rooms have wood floors and restful decor with luxurious accents like padded head roads, plush fabrics and seating, and fresh flowers. You can start your day with breakfast à la carte, or a Full English/Irish at the 1902 Bistro, which serves simple classic meals all day.

The B&F Bar serves carefully charted wines, gin, cocktails and whiskey in an elegant, nostalgic setting.

• To book, check prices or availability for Old Bank

15. Aquila Private Game Reserve – an uniqe place to stay in Cape Town perfect for wildlife and nature fans

The Aquila Private Game Reserve offers luxury and standard chalets and the opportunity for Big Five game safaris. Glimpse elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and rhino, and return to your rustic yet comfortable accommodations for a dip in a natural rock pool.

The safaris are educational, so you’ll learn plenty about the wildlife and ecosystem of the region.

• To book, check prices or availability for Aquila Private Game Reserve

16. Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa – a sophisticated beachside hotel perfect for an elegant and upscale couple’s break

The Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa offers an array of services ranging from tours to spa treatments apart from the usual hotel service.

From a tour of the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Gardens to a Safari Tour and even on to the Cape Point Tour, each tour is specially customised by the hip Cape Town hotel to provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Boasting the finest masseurs in South Africa, the Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa also provides an array of relaxation treatments including the African Touch, the Aromatherapy Massage and such.

In terms of the living arrangements, if you don’t fancy their luxury-styled rooms, equipped with all the necessary amenities, you can opt for their luxury apartments in the heart of Sea Point, if you prefer a more private experience

• To book, check prices or availability for Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa

17. Daddy Longlegs Art Hotel – a funky and fun budget accommodation perfect for millennials and Gen Z’s 

Creative types will love this fun and funky cool hotel in Cape Town, where every room has its own unique art-inspired decor.

The comfortable, affordable and spacious rooms seek to marry the privacy of a hotel suite with the personality of a backpacker hostel.

• To book, check prices or availability for Daddy Longlegs Art Hotel

18. Cape Cadogan – an elegant Cape Town boutique hotel with a vintage-chic design

Founded in the early 1930s, the Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel boasts of its history within Cape Town, with its original structure dating back to the beginning of the 19th Century. Complete with bay windows, stained glasses in doorways and windows along with patterns in the brickwork made from coloured bricks, the Cape Codagan is a true example of a historic Victorian structure.

The hotel offers you a unique experience, with no two rooms being alike, thus prompting returns time and time again, in a quest to experience them all.

Each room is air-conditioned, with satellite television, minibar, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer and a range of luxury amenities, including WiFi being available throughout the hotel.

• To book, check prices or availability for Cape Codagan 

19. Andros Boutique Hotel – an elegant historic homestead Voted #1 Boutique Hotel in Cape Town

Located in Claremont, one of Cape Town’s beautiful Southern Suburbs, the Andros Boutique Hotel features against the backdrop of Table Mountain, making for a spectacular which you wouldn’t want to miss.

Its location further acts as a point of convenience as it is a five-minute drive from the Kirstenbosch gardens and Newlands Rugby and Cricket Stadiums, providing you with ease in travelling to your desired destination.

With the plethora of amenities on offer including its health and beauty facility, including a gymnasium and sauna and beauty salon, along with complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property, the cool Cape Town hotel surely makes a mark on the hotel scene of Cape Town.

Also, let’s not forget they also offer complimentary sherry, port and fine South African brandy selection in the drawing room, to help you unwind after your long day of exploration.

• To book, check prices or availability for Andros Boutique Hotel

20. Four Rosmead – a chic boutique hotel set on the slopes of Table Mountain housed in a 1903 villa

Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, the Four Rosmead is a historical addition to the hotel scene of Cape Town; built in 1903, the hotel has been stylishly remodelled to provide you with a contemporary yet classic building, with a rich history attached with it.

All the artwork within the Four Rosmead are original South African works, which upon you can buy upon departure as a unique memorabilia of your stay.

The provision of modern top-class rooms with all necessary amenities including extra length king/twin beds, air-con, HD satellite TV and Wi-fi internet connectivity, which further adds to the appeal of the hotel, with features such as fireplaces, private gardens, balconies and courtyard access, providing you with a perfect urban sanctuary.

Ideal to celebrate a special occasion, it is perfect for when you seek out a unique experience within Cape Town.

• To book, check prices or availability for Four Rosmead

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