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 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 fabulous and unusual hotels in Cape Town, South Africa (in no particular order)...



The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
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 β 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. You’ll also find a rooftop concert or cinema outside on summer nights.
The Grand Daddy Hotel is equally unique and is a trendy, refurbished 1895 hotel on Long Street, the center of Cape Town’s dining and nightlife. Rooms have marble bathrooms, patios, or balconies.
Pros
Funky retro vibes
Instagrammable Airstream Trailers
Rooftop concerts and cinema
Trendy Long Street Location
Cons
Some noise from rooftop events
Bar closes fairly early
Busy road nearby
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
One for outdoor lovers, the upscale 4-star and exceptionally rated Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve offers unique Cape Town accommodation options in the pristine wilderness (in the Cederberg Mountains).
Here, you can sleep under the stars (but from the comfort of a luxury open-air bed) or in a naturally excellent Cave Suite. See 6,000-year-old cave paintings, take a nature drive, swim in one of the two swimming pools, or spend a day unwinding at the spa.
Pros
Upscale Nature Retreat
Pristine Wilderness Location
Luxury Open-Air Beds
Cave Paintings and Activities
Cons
Can get booked up
Small pool
Spotty wifi
POD Camps Bay
Situated within Camps Bay, the POD Camps Bay is ideally located for you to enjoy the renowned beaches, cuisine, and nightlife and meet the beautiful people of the area.
The location is perhaps the best in Cape Town, within driving distance of the vibrant and historical city center 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 amenities, including air conditioning, underfloor heating, and en-suite bathrooms, sure to match your needs.
Pros
Trendy upscale beachfront hotel
Prime Camps Bay location
Gorgeous Ocean views
Cons
Some noise from the beach area
Pricey dining
Teniqua Treetops
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, a lush forest along the Garden Route between Knysna and Sedgefield.
Eight beautiful handcrafted eco-friendly treehouses are tucked away in the trees, offering one or two bedrooms, kitchens, living/dining areas, en-suite bathrooms with dry toilets, decks with BBQs, and gorgeous scenic views.
To up the glamping factor, some have sunken tubs, glass-enclosed showers, antique furniture, and sunrooms. Look closely at the region’s many exotic birds, or make romantic memories with your sweetheart!
Pros
Very unique tented tree houses
Scenic Garden Route location
Eco-Friendly retreat
Forest canopy experience
Cons
No gym
Not for all ages
Wifi can be slow
The Rockefeller Hotel & Residence Cape Town
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 city’s mood, with bright colors and custom lighting.
The rooms and suites are restful spaces with muted colors, 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 breakfast and dinner, and the 24-hour LocalΓ© Deli has home-baked bread and snacks.
Pros
Trendy party atmosphere
Onsite Restaurant & DJs
All-Day Dining
Cons
Some noise from the bar
A lively vibe might not suit everyone
Gorgeous George by Design Hotels
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 paneling, 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 breakfast and 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.
Pros
Whimsical design hotel
Heritage building charm
Rooftop restaurant and pool
Colorful and chic vibes
Cons
Decor may not suit everyone
Parking gets busy
Can get booked up at peak times
Vida Nova Retreat
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 a menu of international favorites with local ingredients.
Guests can swim in the heated pool, relax at the Disa Spa with luxurious treatments, or explore the nearby beaches with swimming, surfing, and yachting opportunities.
Pros
Onsite Spa and Wellness Centre
Gorgeous private accommodation
some with Hot Tubs
Tropical Garden Views
Near Table Mountain
Cons
A little far from the City Center
No gym
Some noise from the road
Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
The centrally located and modestly priced Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge lets you effortlessly reach anywhere you want to be in downtown Cape Town. Still, if this 19th-century structure looks imposing, it started 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!
Pros
Table Mountain backdrop
Peaceful and unplugged ambiance
Spa with Luxurious Treatments
Access to Nearby Beaches
Cons
Some rooms can be small
Thin walls
No pool
Vergenoegd LΓΆw Boutique Hotel & Spa
In the heart of the South African veldt yet close to the city center, this tranquil retreat is located on a historic estate 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.
Pros
Chic Style rooms
Private Patio
Oldest vineyard on estate
Onsite Spa and Wellness
Cons
Away from the city centre
No room service
Pineapple House Boutique Hotel
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 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, 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, balcony, and some rooms open directly to the pool deck.
Breakfast is included in your stay, and the buffet consists of fruit, cereal, yogurt, croissants, eggs made as you like, and the best coffee. Outside, there’s the beautiful world of the mountains, vineyards, beaches, and safaris to explore, and the bracing sea air that’s better than any tonic.
Pros
Instaworthy Table Mountain vistas
Quirky and colorful ambiance
Cozy and comfy beds
Charming prints and artwork
Cons
Limited Breakfast Options
Hotel is relatively small
Some noise from outside
OβTwo Hotel
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, Greenpoint Eco Park, and the Atlantic Ocean, and large balconies with comfortable seating.
A 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, bike rentals, and free parking.
Pros
Understated upscale ambiance
Large balconies with views
Rooftop Swimming Pool
Overlooks iconic Cape Town sights.
Cons
No onsite dining
Room on a smaller side
Dock House Hotel and Spa Cape Town
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, ornate ceiling cornices, and bold artwork, the Hotel offers 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 harbor. In contrast, 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 an additional cost.
Pros
Spa and wellness centre
Delicious cuisine and great breakfast
Harbour and garden vistas.
Elaborate furnishings and artwork.
Cons
Some noise from outside
Small TVs
Sea Five Boutique Hotel
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 African refinement, with white and cream being the predominant pallet of choice.
To further make your stay one to remember, the Hotel additionally 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 relax, you can savor a moment of utter bliss as you watch one of South Africa’s most scenic sunsets at the poolside, equipped with its bar.
Pros
Elegant and refined boutique
Villa-inspired aesthetics
Elegant Mediterranean-Riviera fusion
Family Rooms available
Cons
No gym
Pets not allowed
Limited breakfast options
Old Bank
The classic 1902 building is full of modern energy, right in the vibrant heart of Cape Town. It was a bank initially, and you can see details of Victorian architecture mixed with modern industrial design. Located in the historic St George’s Square, it’s right amid 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 headroads, plush fabrics, seating, and fresh flowers. You can start your day with breakfast Γ 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.
Pros
Victorian architecture with industrial design
Immersive elegance and charm
Plush fabrics
Cons
Potential noise from outside
No onsite Parking
Aquila Private Game Reserve
The Aquila Private Game Reserve offers luxury and standard chalets and the opportunity for Big Five game safaris. Glimpse elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos, 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.
Pros
Big 5 Safari
Game drives
Unique safari accommodation
Star Gazing
and Stargazing.
Cons
Some distance from Cape Town
Limited dining options
Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa
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 Dylan Lewis Sculpture Gardens tour to a Safari Tour and even on to the Cape Point Tour, each time is specially customized 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 offers various relaxation treatments, including the African Touch and Aromatherapy Massage.
Regarding 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.
Pros
Elegant and upscale ambiance
Perfect spot for couples
Luxury-styled rooms some with four-poster beds
Cons
Some noise from location
Not budget-friendly
Daddy Longlegs Art Hotel
Creative types will love this fun and funky excellent Hotel in Cape Town, where every room has its 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.
Pros
Unique art-inspired decor
Perfect for Gen Z
Comfortable and roomy
Cons
Not dog friendly
No parking available
Fun vibe might only suit some
Cape Cadogan
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, and patterns in the brickwork made from colored bricks, the Cape Cadogan 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 repeatedly in a quest to experience them all.
Each room is air-conditioned, with satellite television, a minibar, direct-dial telephone, a hairdryer, and a range of luxury amenities, including WiFi, available throughout the Hotel.
Pros
Historic Victorian charm
Unique rooms with very reasonable rates
Vintage-chic design
Cons
Some rooms can be small
Some street noise
Busy location might not suit everyone
Andros Boutique Hotel
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 that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Its location is convenient as it is a five-minute drive from the Kirstenbosch Gardens and Newlands Rugby and Cricket Stadiums, allowing you to travel quickly to your desired destination.
With the plethora of amenities on offer, including its health and beauty facility, gymnasium, and beauty salon, along with complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property, the fabulous Cape ToWiFitel makes a mark on the hotel scene of Cape Town.
Also, let’s not forget they offer complimentary sherry, port, and fine South African brandy selection in the drawing room to help you unwind after your long day of exploration.
Pros
Table Mountain Views and outdoor swimming pool
Convenient Claremont location
Historic homestead charm
Onsite sauna centre
Cons
Spa is a little pricey
Walls are a little thin
Gym can be small
Four Rosmead
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 built to provide you with a contemporary yet classic building with a rich history attached to it.
All the artwork within the Four Rosmead are original South African works, which 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 theWiFial of the Hotel, with features such as fireplaces, private gardens, balconies, and courtyard access, providing you with a perfect urban sanctuary.
It is ideal to celebrate a special occasion; it is perfect for seeking out a unique experience within Cape Town.
Pros
Chic boutique hotel
Historic charm in guestrooms
Original South African art
Outdoor pool with patio
Cons
Limited on-site parking
Not budget-friendly
No Wellness Centre
In the table below, we have compared the top 20 cool and unusual hotels in Cape Town. You can sort the table based on different factors like location, distance from attractions, price per night, and restaurants nearby:
Hotel Name Location Price Range (per night) Fitness Facilities Distance to Attractions (km) Nearby Restaurants
Grand Daddy Hotel Long Street $64-$227 No 0.2 3
Kagga Kamma 6836 Lochlynne $122-$364 Yes 0.4 1
POD Camps Bay Camps Bay $278-$676 Yes 2.3 3
Teniqua Treetops Karatara Settlement $84-$118 Yes 9.2 3
The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK Christiaan Barnard Street Foreshore $74-$785 Yes 0.7 3
Gorgeous George by Design Hotels St Georges Mall $100-$369 Yes 0.1 6
Vida Nova Retreat Valley Road $87-$227 Yes 5.1 3
Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge Waterfront $156-$228 No 1.6 4
Vergenoegd LΓΆw Boutique Hotel & Spa Faure Village Road $190-$320 No 1.9 1
Pineapple House Boutique Hotel Sea Point $99-$133 Yes 1.3 5
Oβ Two Hotel Mouille Point $212-$443 Yes 1.8 3
Dock House Hotel and Spa Portswood Ridge $498-$643 Yes 1.6 6
Sea Five Boutique Hotel Camps Bay $182-$237 Yes 2.1 4
Old Bank Saint Georges Mall $44-$210 No 0.1 10
Aquila Private Game Reserve Touwsrivier $146-$1015 Yes Information not Available 0
Glen Boutique Hotel and Spa Sea Point $161-$527 Yes 1 4
Daddy Longlegs Art Hotel Long Street $28-$38 No 0.3 7
Cape Cadogan Upper Union Street $329-$546 Yes 1.5 3
Andros Boutique Hotel Claremont $128-$490 Yes 6.7 1
Four Rosmead Oranjezicht $185-$206 Yes 1.5 3
Emma-Clair Ni Clearaigh – writer and photographer
With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year, now she balances travel and travel writing with teaching and a passion for vintage interior design. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, sheβll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages βΒ Paris, her true city of lights. Find Emma-Clair on Instagram or Facebook.
Great places, really π
Some of them are really full of fantasy. I’d like to try the houseboat experience one day!
I visited Grand Daddy in Cape Town when I lived in South Africa. You can just buy tickets for the rooftop cinema and get a picnic-style dinner with champagne, even when you’re not staying at the hotel π
The Teniqua Treetops are something I would most definitely be interested in!
Cape Town has been on my list of places to travel. The Kagga Kamma sounds interesting.
I would pay any money to stay in Kagga Kamma hotel. Something incredible! π
Looks great doesn’t it?
Wow! Always love wacky hotels like this. Strange how one get to know your home country better by visiting other travel blogs. Maybe it’s just because I haven’t been there in so long. Damn. Great article, I’ll most certainly be back1
Thanks Ruann!
Any of these will do. But Teniqa treetops looks wonderful .
I want to go to the Grand Daddy and the prison…hmm…what does that say about me?
Kagga Kama looks awsome..definitely a place to have a peace of mind. Fantastic even Daddy longlegs Art hotel…so cool.
Ooh wouldn’t mind staying in any of these but I think I would try the houseboats first! That sunset looks soo romantic!
I love Cape Town and I have to admit I wish I stayed in some of these when I visited. Some of them look like a lot of fun!
An interesting roundup! I’ve always wanted to stay in a houseboat and the tipi looks fun. And Kagga Kamma reminds me of hotels in Cappadocia.