Table Mountain is the first thing most people want to see when they arrive in Cape Town. Its flat top towers over the city, and on a clear day you can spot it from almost anywhere in town. The best way to enjoy it is to stay close by, so you can catch the cable car early before the famous “tablecloth” of cloud rolls in. Luckily, the city centre sits right at the foot of the mountain. That means you can spend the morning on the summit and be back among the cafes and shops by lunch.
In this guide, we look at five Cape Town hotels that put you within easy reach of Table Mountain. Each one is in the city centre, close to Long Street, Bree Street and the colourful Bo-Kaap. They range from a grand five-star hotel to simple, good-value stays for travellers on a budget. Many also offer rooms with views of the mountain itself. Whatever your style, there’s a great base here for your Cape Town adventure.
Taj Cape Town
The Taj Cape Town is one of the most elegant places to stay in the city. This five-star hotel is set in a grand old building that was once home to the South African Reserve Bank. Inside, the historic lobby blends old-world charm with modern comfort. Many guests ask for a room on the mountain side, where Table Mountain fills the window as soon as you open the curtains. On a cloudy afternoon, you might even watch the tablecloth spill over the top.
The hotel’s spa is a favourite after a long day of hiking, and there’s also an indoor pool and a fitness centre. Breakfast gets plenty of praise, with a big buffet to fuel your day of sightseeing. The Taj sits on the corner of Wale Street and St George’s Mall, a short walk from the Company’s Garden and Long Street. The Table Mountain cable car is just a short drive away. It’s a perfect pick for couples and families who want a special stay in the heart of the city.
StayEasy Cape Town City Bowl
StayEasy is a smart choice for travellers who want a great location without spending too much. The hotel sits on the busy corner of Bree Street and Strand Street. This isn’t a place for fancy extras, but the 302 rooms are clean, modern and comfortable. Each one has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee. Breakfast is included, which makes it even better value.
Guests often mention the friendly staff and the easy walk to Long Street, which is only about 200 metres away. Bree Street is lined with some of the city’s best restaurants, so dinner is never far off. Next door, the 14 Stories rooftop bar is a lovely spot to watch the sun set over the city. There’s also basement parking, which is handy if you’ve hired a car to explore. The Table Mountain cable car is about a 15-minute drive away.
Cape Town Lodge Hotel
The Cape Town Lodge Hotel is a four-star stay on Buitengracht Street, right on the edge of the colourful Bo-Kaap. It has 123 rooms, decorated with old photos of Cape Town that give it a local feel. The rooms on the higher floors have the best views. Depending on your side of the building, you could look out over Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill or the harbour. It’s an easy, central base for a first trip to the city.
The star of the show is the rooftop pool and bar. After a day of exploring, guests love to relax up there with a cold drink and a view of the mountain. For dinner, The Famous Butchers Grill downstairs serves hearty steaks and local dishes. Long Street and Bree Street are only a few minutes away on foot. The Table Mountain cable car is a short drive away, making this a handy pick for active travellers.
Southern Sun Cape Sun
The Southern Sun Cape Sun is one of the tallest hotels in Cape Town, and that means big views. Its 368 rooms look out over Table Mountain, Robben Island or Table Bay. Guests often say the rooms are larger than average, with plenty of space to spread out. Some even mention the glass lifts, where you can watch the mountain appear as you ride up to your floor. If you love a room with a view, this is a great place to start.
The hotel has an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym and the Mangwanani spa for a little pampering. The breakfast buffet at Riempies restaurant is a highlight, and Le Bar in the lobby is a relaxed spot for an evening drink. The Cape Sun sits on Strand Street, just steps from Greenmarket Square and the restaurants of Bree Street. Long Street is only a two-minute walk away. From here, the Table Mountain cable car is an easy drive up the hill.
Holiday Inn Express
The Holiday Inn Express is a simple, good-value hotel in a handsome Art Deco building. It sits on St George’s Mall, a pedestrian street in the middle of town. Shops, cafes and supermarkets are all just a short stroll away. Long Street is about three minutes on foot, and trendy Kloof Street is an easy 11-minute walk. It’s a great fit for travellers who plan to spend most of their day out exploring.
The breakfast is what guests talk about most. It’s a free buffet included in most stays, with lots of choice that changes from day to day. The staff are often described as warm and helpful, always ready with tips for getting around. There’s also a sunny terrace and a 24-hour gym, and bikes are available if you’d like to see the city on two wheels. When you’re ready for the mountain, the cable car is just a short drive away.