Words by Sarah Kingdom

Cape Town is a city of contrasts; dramatic mountains, sparkling seas, fabulous beaches, and streets that hum with history, action and culture. Finding the right place to stay in Cape Town will shape your experience of this fabulous city. The Newmark collection of hotels has properties scattered throughout Cape Town,  each with a distinct personality, and each suited to a different type of traveller. So whether you’re craving the buzz of the city, the calm of the sea, or the embrace of nature, there’s bound to be something that’s right for your mood and style.

1. The Winchester Hotel – Sea Point

If you’re someone who enjoys the rhythm of the ocean and the charm of a bygone era, then The Winchester Hotel along the Sea Point Promenade is your kind of sanctuary. This Victorian gem, with its sunlit balconies and sea breezes, overlooks the Atlantic and is perfect for anyone who loves being near the ocean without giving up on any comfort. There’s a real sense of nostalgia here, with high ceilings, elegant mouldings, solid furniture and windows that frame lovely sea views.

Early mornings are particularly magical, as it’s just a few short steps from the lobby to the Promenade, where you can join the walkers and joggers starting their day with some fresh sea air.  Back indoors, the Shoreditch restaurant combines laid-back elegance with local flavour, be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Breakfasts in particular are a treat, with more choices on offer than most people will know what to do with. It’s the perfect way to start your day, before heading out to explore all that Cape Town offers.

Families will find the pool area very inviting, while couples will enjoy the quieter corners for sunset cocktails, and business travellers will appreciate the central location, perfect for meetings in the city and leisure by the coast.

The Winchester is for travellers who want the energy of Cape Town, while still feeling ‘cocooned in comfort’. There’s a relaxed, friendly atmosphere here that encourages you to linger over breakfast or take in the sunset views from Harvey’s Bar. The Winchester has that balance of activity and downtime that makes staying here feel like you’re at home by the sea, and it’s probably my favourite place to stay in Cape Town.

2. Queen Victoria Hotel – V&A Waterfront

In the heart of the V&A Waterfront, the Queen Victoria Hotel is an elegant base for travelers wanting to be close to one of Cape Town’s shopping, dining, entertainment, and historical hubs. The hotel’s design blends colonial charm with contemporary comforts, resulting in a welcoming and stylish vibe. I love the light-filled rooms, with views over the marina, and really love the sense of calm that pervades as soon as you step through the door. 

For the food-conscious, the on-site dining is a treat. Terrarium is a fine dining restaurant that combines foraged and local ingredients with global flavours, with style and finesse. The hotel’s proximity to the waterfront also means that everything, from great restaurants to snacks and fast food, is right on your doorstep.

The Queen Victoria is for travellers who want a central location without sacrificing peace and quiet. Families will love how easy it is to access activities like boat trips to Robben Island and the Two Oceans Aquarium, while couples can enjoy romantic dinners in nearby restaurants. Solo travellers will benefit from the safe, walkable location, making exploring the city super easy.

3. Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa – V&A Waterfront

Originally the harbour engineer’s private residence in the 1800s, and rated among South Africa’s Top 25 luxury hotels, the Dock House Boutique Hotel is a small haven of calm tucked into a private garden, just a few steps from its sister property, the Queen Victoria. With only 14 rooms, the hotel feels intimate and is ideal for anyone seeking some privacy in the middle of the bustling waterfront.

In the spa, massages, facials, and wellness treatments are available, while the pool and bar area offer another quiet refuge, great for evening cocktails or a lazy afternoon in the sun. The Dock House is for anyone looking for a stay that feels indulgent without being ostentatious. 

4. Victoria & Alfred Hotel – V&A Waterfront

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel gives you a combination of history, luxury, and contemporary comfort, all in a prime location. Housed in a 1904 North Quay Warehouse, the property has preserved elements of its industrial past, while adding modern touches that make it feel thoroughly of today – soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and windows that frame great views of the harbour and Table Mountain beyond.

This hotel works for travellers who love being in the middle of the action, yet are still wanting a private escape at the end of the day. The location is ideal for shoppers, foodies, and those who want quick access to Cape Town’s museums and galleries, and you’ll find the friendly staff and happy to go out of their way to offer some insider tips for exploring the city.

Breakfast here is my favourite thing. It’s pretty hard to beat alfresco dining, while watching seals swimming in the marina beside you and Table Mountain looming overhead. Whether you’re in Cape Town for business, leisure, or a combination of both, the Victoria & Alfred is a great choice.

5. Future Found Sanctuary – Hout Bay

Future Found Sanctuary, located in the hills above Hout Bay, just a short drive from Cape Town city centre, is a retreat for nature lovers, artists, and anyone looking to escape city life. The property has been designed to have a strong connection to its natural surroundings – terraces overlook the valley the and gardens that invite guests to stop, pause and reflect. Art installations throughout the hotel make the whole experience rather unique, offering moments of surprise at every turn.

Guests here come to slow down. Staying at Future Found Sanctuary feels like a pause from everyday life, a chance to breathe, reflect, and let Cape Town’s natural beauty seep in.Yoga classes, spa treatments, and long walks in the adjacent hills make it great for those seeking some rejuvenation. While Hout Bay itself is a quieter alternative to the city centre, with its artisanal markets and fishing village charm.

Couples will appreciate the romantic isolation, while creative travellers will find some inspiration in the art-filled spaces.

6. The Onyx – Cape Town City Centre

The Onyx Hotel is for energetic travellers who thrive on city life – those who want to be right near the city’s vibrant heart. Located in Cape Town’s city centre, this contemporary hotel offers sleek, modern, clean and contemporary rooms, with easy access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Guests who enjoy walking the city streets will find The Onyx super convenient, with landmarks, galleries, and boutique shopping just minutes away. I’m not usually a fan of city hotels, but I loved the vibe at the Onyx and would definitely return again and again.

Business travelers will appreciate the well-equipped rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and flexible meeting spaces – the perfect base to do business in Cape Town. Leisure travelers will enjoy returning after a day exploring the city to a modern, stylish room with views out over the bustling streets and beyond.

All the hotel’s units include fully equipped kitchenettes so that guests can prepare their meals in the comfort of their studio or apartment-style room. The hotel’s bar and lounge is a good place to unwind. And on the ground floor, YU restaurant offers a contemporary take on Asian dining, with a wide variety of sushi, dim sum and other dishes, while MRKT, serves healthy, deli-style meals, as well as breakfasts and light lunches.

7. The Rockefeller Hotel – Cape Town City Centre

The Rockefeller Hotel is a sleek, urban property in the heart of the city. Travellers drawn to The Rockefeller often prioritise style and convenience. The rooftop lounge is great for sundowners or casual networking, while the fitness centre and spa offer ways to unwind without leaving the hotel. The hotel’s proximity to business hubs and cultural sites makes it ideal for multi-purpose trips.

For those who want to experience Cape Town from above, both literally and figuratively, The Rockefeller Hotel stands tall in Cape Town’s city centre and is a great base for easily exploring the city.

Each of Newmark’s properties offers a distinct personality and atmosphere, proving there’s truly something for everyone in Cape Town. Whether your ideal stay is the serenity of Future Found Sanctuary, the historic charm of the Victoria & Alfred, or the urban energy of The Onyx, Newmark Hotels has got you covered. In a city as varied and vibrant as Cape Town, having the right home base makes all the difference—and staying with the Newmark family means there’s always a perfect Cape Town stay for you.