Best hotels in South Africa: where to stay, from Cape Town to the Winelands

The pink classic

Mount Nelson opened in 1899 and stands in large gardens in the Gardens district, right below Table Mountain. Its pink facade is famous across the country, and afternoon tea in its lounges is an institution.

This is our first-timer pick, with history, gardens and a pool in the middle of the city. The style is classic and a little formal. From the garden you can walk to the restaurants on Kloof Street in minutes.

The island at the Waterfront

One&Only sits beside the canals of the V&A Waterfront, with Table Mountain views from many rooms. The spa is on its own small island, and there is a large pool and a kids' club.

This is our family pick, with space, a pool and the Waterfront on the doorstep. It is a large, modern hotel with plenty of guests. Boats to Robben Island leave from the harbour nearby.

A private quay in the harbour

Cape Grace stands on its own quay between the marina and the yacht basin at the Waterfront, with boats right outside the windows. The hotel has been recently refurbished, with colours and patterns drawn from the Cape.

It suits couples who want to be at the Waterfront but a little apart. It is smaller and quieter than One&Only. Walk along the harbour in the evening as the lights come on in the boats.

Suites on the rocks at Hout Bay

Tintswalo Atlantic stands alone by the sea below Chapman's Peak, inside the Table Mountain National Park. The suites are on terraces above the rocks, with the waves breaking right below.

This is our nature pick, for couples who want to fall asleep to the sea. The road down is steep and winding, and there is no beach, only rocks. In winter you may spot whales from the deck.

A wine estate in Constantia

Steenberg is on one of the oldest farms in the Cape, in Constantia south of the centre. It has vineyards, a golf course and a spa, and the buildings are in Cape Dutch style with white gables.

It suits travellers who want wine tasting without driving far from the city. The Waterfront is half an hour away, and the False Bay beaches are closer. The estate restaurant is worth a visit in its own right.

Lodges above the valley

Delaire Graff sits high on the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with lodges that have their own pools and views over the vines. The estate is full of art and has two restaurants.

This is our romantic pick, for a special occasion. It is among the most expensive hotels in the country. Sit on the terrace at sunset, when the mountains turn red.

Cottages in the garden

Babylonstoren is an old farm in the Franschhoek valley with a huge garden growing fruit, vegetables and herbs. Guests stay in whitewashed cottages, and the restaurant cooks with produce from the garden.

It suits food lovers who want a rural stay. The garden draws many day visitors, but guests have their own areas. Walk the garden early, before the visitors arrive.

On the cliffs at Knysna

Pezula sits on the cliffs east of the Knysna lagoon, surrounded by a golf course and a nature reserve. Rooms are spacious and look out over the sea or the forest.

It suits travellers driving the Garden Route who want a couple of quiet nights on the way. It is some distance from town. The beaches below the cliffs are lovely to walk at low tide.

The lighthouse at Umhlanga

The Oyster Box sits on the beach at Umhlanga north of Durban, right beside the red and white lighthouse. It is known for its curry buffet and has pools facing the ocean.

It suits travellers who want warm water and a classic beach hotel. The surf can be big, but the beach has lifeguards. Walk the promenade in the morning.

Calm in Johannesburg

Saxon stands in large gardens in Sandhurst, a leafy suburb of Johannesburg. It was here that Nelson Mandela worked on his autobiography after his release, and the suites are large with private terraces.

It suits travellers heading on safari who want a couple of calm nights before or after. Johannesburg needs a car or driver. The Apartheid Museum is well worth a visit.