We have created a list with the best central luxury hotels in South Africa. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Mia Dahl & Kent Berg. Updated February 2024.
JOHANNESBURG.Newly opened, November 2023. Situated in Johannesburg, 4.1 km from Parkview Golf Club, The Monarch Hotel features accommodation with a terrace, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is allergy-free and is located 4.9 km from Sandton City Mall. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The Monarch Hotel provides some rooms that have a balcony, and each room is equipped with a kettle. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options. Gautrain Sandton Station is 5 km from The Monarch Hotel, while Johannesburg Stadium is 7.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport, 25 km from the hotel.Show full description
CAPE TOWN. Located in Bantry Bay, perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head lies the elegant mansion Ellerman House. Featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts a lush garden, outdoor swimming pool and offers a complimentary airport shuttle. Individually decorated rooms with classic furnishings come with a balcony or terrace. Each room is equipped with a satellite TV, safe and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. Ellerman House restaurant serves breakfast daily and offers a variety of cuisines with the influence of Cape Malay spices and fresh organic fruit and vegetables. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine at the bar. The spa features a sauna, steam room and a selection of treatments available upon request. Facilities include a fitness centre, wine cellar and art gallery. Free WiFi is available. V&A Waterfront is within 6 km, Camps Bay is a 5 minutes’ drive and Table Mountain is a 10-minute drive away.Show full description
FRANSCHHOEK.Nice style. Creative. Cosy rooms. Just 300 metres from the Franschhoek monument, in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel offers luxurious suites and traditional cottages, some with their own private swimming pools. All of the accommodation at Akademie Street is set in lush gardens and many have views of the mountains of the Cape Winelands. The fourth building, Uitsig is a separate, large, luxurious upstairs suite with balcony and lovely views. Each suite or cottage has its own theme and the property boasts with wood fired hot tubs and fragrant landscaped gardens. Gelatenheid Oortuiging and Vreugde each have their own sun-kissed swimming pool and shady, private garden. The fifth building, Twyfeling is a gracious Cape Dutch style house with large living rooms and two large bedroom suites. Uitsig and Twyfeling share a large, heated pool and garden. A full English breakfast is served each morning and the hotel’s concierge desk is open 24/7 to help you with restaurants, wine tours, hikes and advice on what to see and do. Akademie Street Boutique Hotel is just 30 minutes drive from Stellenbosch and hour from Cape Town.Show full description
CAPE TOWN.Trendy. Rooftop bar. Great views. Located 1.8 km from Mouille Point Beach, The Silo Hotel offers 5-star accommodation in Cape Town and has a bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property features a year-round outdoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and terrace. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a shower. At The Silo Hotel each room includes bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Robben Island Ferry, V&A Waterfront and CTICC. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 21 km from The Silo Hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
BALLITO.Opened May 2022. Facing the beachfront, Sala Beach House offers 5-star accommodation in Ballito and has an outdoor swimming pool, garden and restaurant. Ideally set in the Shakas Rock district, this hotel provides a bar, as well as a sauna. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms are fitted with a kettle, while some rooms also boast a kitchen with a fridge, an oven and a microwave. At Sala Beach House rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Thompson's Bay Beach, Perrissa Bay Beach and Willard Beach. The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport, 17 km from Sala Beach House.Show full description
PATERNOSTER.Cosy rooms. Great restaurant. Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel offers panoramic views of Paternoster Bay from its restaurant. It offers 5-star, eco-friendly accommodation with air conditioning and solar heating. All rooms and suites have low-energy appliances are furnished in natural tones with organic attributes like hand made stone baths and basins. Each room type has free WiFi, Nespresso Coffee machine, satellite TV and a DVD player. The suites come with a fireplace. Leeto Restaurant serves authentic West Coast cuisine with an innovative twist using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Local activities include swimming, kite surfing and horse riding. All can be arranged by the 24 hour reception on duty. Cape Town International Airport is 160 km away.Show full description
HERMANUS.Highly elegant. Great views. Set between two of Hermanus's best swimming beaches, Birkenhead House offers luxury accommodation in individually decorated suites. This premium hotel is short drive from the Hemel-en-Arde Valley where guests can visit top class wine estates. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Some units include a seating area for your convenience. Certain rooms have views of the sea or mountains. The rooms include a private bathroom fitted with a bath and shower. The hotel features free WiFi throughout the property. Enjoy lunch and a selection of wines on the patio while taking in the best views of the Atlantic Ocean, and spot some whales during whale season. There is also a spa and 2 swimming pools at the hotel. Your stay includes all meals, local beverages, snacks, a full mini-bar, laundry and transfers to and from Hermanus town centre. Village Square is 3.6 km from Birkenhead House, while Hamilton Russel Vineyards is 5 km away. Cape Town International Airport is 80 km from the property.Show full description
I really like this place... I think it is one of the most elegant central luxury hotels in South Africa.
FRANSCHHOEK.Great location. La Residence offers luxury accommodation in a tranquil setting on a private estate in Franschhoek. The hotel is surrounded by vineyards and spectacular mountain vistas. The suites at La Residence are individually decorated, combining old world charm and antiques with modern conveniences. Each suite is air-conditioned, offers a flat-screen satellite TV, and a mini bar. Guests can start their day with a scrumptious buffet breakfast and a hot breakfast menu. Light, seasonal lunches are offered during the day and dinner is served either at the Great Hall, the hotel's lavish dining area, our al-fresco on the Persian alley overlooking the lawns and mountains. For relaxation, the spa at La Residence offers beauty treatments and massages and guests can also work out in the fully equipped fitness centre or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. The hotel offers its guests a free shuttle service to Franschhoek village and airport transfers can be arranged for a surcharge. Guests also benefit from free laundry services. The surrounding area is home to many award-winning restaurants and wine estates. The Huguenot Memorial Monument is 2.5 km away and Stellenbosch can be reached within 30 minutes' drive.Show full description
This luxury hotel has a great location in Franschhoek.
CAPE TOWN.Super central. Elegant. Superb breakfast. Camissa House features an outdoor swimming pool, shared lounge, a terrace and bar in Cape Town. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service. The accommodation provides airport transfers, while a car rental service is also available. At the hotel, each room comes with a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, all units at Camissa House have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms will provide you with a balcony. At the accommodation every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. Table Mountain is 4.3 km from Camissa House, while Robben Island Ferry is 5.8 km away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 22 km from the hotel.Show full description
This might be one of the most CENTRAL boutique hotels in South Africa. It also has a central location!
HOEDSPRUIT.Very stylish. Very central. Very clean. Popular among business travellers.Opened October 2020. Set in Hoedspruit, 7.1 km from Drakensig Golf Club, Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. With a terrace, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. At Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge every room has bed linen and towels. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire and car hire are available at Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge. The accommodation features room service, a business centre and organising tours for guests. At the hotel, rooms come with a desk. The rooms have a safety deposit box, while certain rooms here will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with mountain views. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving British, international and Grill Bbq cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options can also be requested. Kinyonga Reptile Centre is 17 km from the hotel, while Timbavati Private Nature & Game Reserve is 49 km away. The nearest airport is Hoedspruit Eastgate, 8 km from Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
I rate this as the most STYLISH central luxury hotel in South Africa. It also has great affordability!
CAPE TOWN.Opened August 2021. Located in Cape Town, 2.6 km from World of Birds, Future Found Sanctuary by NEWMARK provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a shared lounge and to a bar. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, room service and organising tours for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a terrace and a private bathroom with a shower. Future Found Sanctuary by NEWMARK features certain rooms with pool views, and each room comes with a balcony. At the accommodation each room includes bed linen and towels. A buffet, à la carte or continental breakfast is available daily at the property. Future Found Sanctuary by NEWMARK offers a barbecue. Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Cape Town, like hiking. There is a business centre and guests can also make use of the ironing service or laundry service. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is 10 km from Future Found Sanctuary by NEWMARK, while Chapman's Peak is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 29 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.Show full description
KNYSNA.Comfortable beds. Friendly staff. Located on a 3 acre estate, this property offers luxury rooms with lagoon views, 2 swimming pools and a landscaped garden. It is 15 minutes’ drive from Pezula Golf Club. St. James of Knysna offers rooms and suites fitted with deluxe bedding and furniture. Room amenities include satellite TV, minibar and a tea/coffee maker. Bathrobes and international adaptors are provided for all rooms. Breakfast is served in the morning and light snacks are also available. Guests can enjoy a complimentary lagoon cruise on The Boat. Massage treatments are also available. Located on Knysna Lagoon, St. James of Knysna is a few minutes’ drive from the fishing, yachting and scuba diving activities nearby. It is 1.5 km away from Simola Golf and Country Estate.Show full description
This boutique hotel has super comfortable beds and amazing staff.
CAPE TOWN.Hip. Central. Friendly staff. Located 50 metres from the famous Camps Bay beachfront, POD Camps Bay offers a 5-starboutique hotel accommodation near trendy restaurants and bars. All air-conditioned rooms are spacious and fitted with deluxe bedding. In-room media includes iPod docking station, satellite TV, Netflix and most rooms a DVD player. The hotel provides breakfast made from fresh local ingredients. The on-site bar serves Cape wines as well as a variety of cocktails. POD Camps Bay has a 24-hour front desk and services including guest laundry and dry cleaning service. Attractions on Table Mountain is 2.6 km away from the property.Show full description
Based on my research this is one of the coolest boutique hotels in South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG.Great value. Comfortable beds. Featuring luxurious and spacious suites, Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa includes a spa and outdoor pool. It is located in Johannesburg’s suburb of Sandhurst and includes 3 restaurants, free WiFi, and free parking. Each elegant room at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa incorporates African art. Each room has a balcony overlooking the garden and the pool. They also include a satellite TV. The dining areas include Qunu and The Terrace. Guests can relax and enjoy the massages at the spa. A steam room and a fitness centre are also available. The Saxon is located 5 km from Sandton’s city centre and 10 km from the Rosebank Mall. Johannesburg International Airport is 40.5 km away and Lanseria International Airport is 29 km away. The Gautrain high speed train runs from OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton Gautrain Station, a transfer can be pre-booked with the hotel for collection at the Sandton Gautrain Station.Show full description
PLETTENBERG BAY.Creative. Stylish. Comfortable beds. Offering unique forest views from above the treetops, this estate is just 10 km from Plettenberg Bay. Tsala Treetop accommodation has stylish interiors with 24 hour room service and free Wi-Fi throughout. A private outdoor deck and small private infinity pool feature in all suites and villas at Tsala Treetop Lodge. Each has a living room with a fireplace, a complimentary bottle of port, and a mini-bar. Bathrooms feature chic free-standing baths, and bedrooms have views over the forest canopy. Guests can enjoy a collection of books in the hotel lounge area, as well as a wine cellar and a restaurant with several deck areas for enjoying the view with a meal. Pampering treatments can also be requested. Amid the famous scenery of the Garden Route National Park, the lodge is just 22 km from the town of Knysna.Show full description
This is likely one of the most CREATIVE boutique hotels in South Africa.
FRANSCHHOEK.Elegant. Very clean. Great restaurant. Nestled between the mountains and a river within the picturesque Franschhoek valley, Leeu Estates is situated on 100 hectares of vineyards, landscaped gardens and fynbos. The luxury estate boasts a spa and outdoor pool. The elegant, spacious rooms and suites are either located at the refurbished 19th-century Manor House or around the estate amongst gardens, oak trees and vineyards. Each comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and tea-and-coffee making facilities. Guests can relax at the pool, work out in the fitness centre or get pampered at Leeu Spa. There is also a library at the old Manor House. An array of activities is offered in the area, such as cycling and hiking. The hotel also offers free use of bicycles and car hire can be arranged. Franschhoek Monument is 2.1 km from Leeu Estates and the nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 47 km away.Show full description
FRANSCHHOEK.Elegant. Creative. Great restaurant. Le Quartier Francais is located in the heart of Franschhoek and offers elegant accommodation, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Each unit at Le Quartier Francais is elegantly decorated in a mix of colourful and classic. They all have flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and private bathrooms. Some of the units have a private pool. A complimentary breakfast is served daily at Protege, 140 metres from Le Quartier Francais. Several services are also offered by the hotel, like a bicycle rental or free WiFi access. Complimentary private parking is also available on-site. The Huguenot Memorial Monument is a short walk from Le Quartier Francais and there are several award-winning wine estates to explore in the area. Cape Town is 60 km away and a shuttle service is available upon request for guests arriving by plane.Show full description
CLANWILLIAM. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat is located at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. It features a spa and wellness centre, heated outdoor swimming pool and lush garden. Free WiFi is available. The elegantly decorated, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a seating area. Each room includes under-floor heating and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en-suite bathroom has a bath, shower and bathrobe. Bushmans Kloof serves breakfast daily and offers Cape Contemporary Cuisine and fresh organic products from the garden. The Wine Cellar boasts a variety of South African wines and guests can relax and enjoy a glass of wine in the bar. The spa offers a selection of signature massages and beauty treatments. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities from hiking, canoeing, cycling and rock art excursions. Cape Town is a 3 hours’ drive away.Show full description
CAPE TOWN.Newly opened, December 2023. Situated in Cape Town, 4.8 km from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Palm House Boutique Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. This 5-star hotel offers a bar. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Each room is fitted with a kettle, while some rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also feature mountain views. At Palm House Boutique Hotel the rooms have bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes à la carte, continental and Full English/Irish options. At the accommodation you will find a restaurant serving Japanese, Korean and Seafood cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options can also be requested. CTICC is 13 km from Palm House Boutique Hotel, while World of Birds is 13 km from the property. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 17 km from the hotel.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list very up to date. It was last edited in February 2024. If you know of a central luxury hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
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