Where to stay in Cape Town
Table Mountain sits right above the city. The better question is what else you plan to do. The Waterfront suits the Robben Island ferry and the museum, Camps Bay is on the Atlantic side, and the south peninsula suits Boulders Beach and Cape Point.
This is an independent guide. It lists no prices, rankings or availability, and it is not connected to any hotel or booking site. It names only the places that are publicly listed for the Waterfront and the national park. For anywhere else, search by area and read the reviews.
Cape Town areas compared
Pick the area by your plans. No area is "best" for everyone.
| Area | What it is | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| V&A Waterfront | Harbour district with hotels, a market and a museum | Robben Island ferry, Watershed, Zeitz MOCAA |
| City Bowl | The city centre below Table Mountain | Short trips to the cableway, city sights |
| Camps Bay | Beach suburb under Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles | Atlantic side, MyCiTi lines 106 and 107 |
| Bo-Kaap | Neighbourhood known for its colourful houses | Walking in the city |
| Bloubergstrand | Beach across Table Bay with a view of the mountain | Views of the mountain from the other side of the bay |
| Simon's Town area | South peninsula, home of the Boulders penguin colony | Boulders Beach and Cape Point |
Cape Town tours and day trips
Cableway tickets, Table Mountain hikes, Cape Point and city tours, with live prices and availability.
Hotels at the V&A Waterfront
The Waterfront lists five hotels in two districts. The Silo Hotel and the Radisson RED Hotel are in the Silo District. Cape Grace and One&Only Cape Town are in the Pierhead District. The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is also on the list.
This shows where each hotel is. It says nothing about room quality, prices or whether there are rooms on your dates, so check those yourself. The Robben Island ferry leaves from the Nelson Mandela Gateway here, and the museum and the market are in the same district. See the Waterfront guide.
How to reach the cableway from where you stay
The lower station is on Tafelberg Road.
By car
The cableway operator lists free parking in the Lower Tafelberg Road area and a free shuttle to the lower station. Parking spaces are not guaranteed.
By MyCiTi bus
MyCiTi lines 106 and 107 run between Camps Bay and the Civic Centre and stop at Kloof Nek. From there, take the shuttle from Lower Tafelberg Road. You need your own charged myconnect card, and no cash is taken on the bus. MyCiTi lists the card at R40 and a day pass at R130 from 1 July 2026, so check the current fares.
By e-hailing
The operator advises getting out at the bus stop on Lower Tafelberg Road. The City Sightseeing bus also stops at the lower station.
Cableway guide →Staying inside the national park
The national park has a few cottages and camps. They suit hikers more than anyone after a hotel, and each has its own rules.
- Overseers Mountain Cottage: up to 16 people in 2 self-catering units. You reach it on foot, uphill and downhill. Arrange your arrival and the carrying of luggage in advance with the Platteklip Wash Houses. It is not a hotel with car access.
- Olifantbos Cottage: in the southern part of the Cape of Good Hope area. Reservations are made online or by email. Conservation fees are not included in the price and are due each day, unless you have a suitable Wild Card. Late arrival is not planned for.
- Smitswinkel Tented Camp: opposite the entrance to Cape Point, outside the Cape of Good Hope section. You still pay conservation fees to enter Cape Point.
Safety when choosing where to sleep
Location helps with convenience, not with theft.
Leave luggage at the hotel
Travel advice recommends leaving luggage at your accommodation before sightseeing. A location near a famous attraction does not guarantee that nothing will be stolen.
Airport transfer
Use a verified ride-hailing app or an authorised airport taxi, and avoid touts in the terminal. Some use fake badges and tampered card readers.
Ask your host
Ask your hotel or host about their advice for the evening, and read the safety guide before you plan a hike.
Where to stay in Cape Town: frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Cape Town?
That depends on your plans. The Waterfront suits the Robben Island ferry and the museum, Camps Bay is on the Atlantic side, and the Simon's Town area is closer to Boulders Beach and Cape Point. No area is the safest or the best for all trips.
Which hotels are at the V&A Waterfront?
The Waterfront lists Cape Grace, One&Only Cape Town, The Silo Hotel, Radisson RED Hotel and Victoria & Alfred Hotel. Check prices and availability yourself.
Can I stay on Table Mountain?
The Overseers Mountain Cottage is a self-catering stay for up to 16 people in 2 units. You reach it on foot, so arrange luggage carrying in advance.
How do I get from my hotel to the cableway?
By car, bus or e-hailing. Free parking and a free shuttle run from Lower Tafelberg Road, and MyCiTi lines 106 and 107 stop at Kloof Nek.
Does staying near an attraction make my belongings safe?
No. Travel advice says to leave luggage at your accommodation before sightseeing, and it does not treat a central location as a theft guarantee.