Best City Hotels in Africa
While sub-Saharan Africa may always be best known as a safari destination, its cities are increasingly enticing to travelers looking to explore more than just a brief stay en route to the bush. With top-notch restaurants and exciting creative scenes, these urban centers provide plenty of reasons to extend your visit, along with a host of beautiful hotels to serve as your base.
Every year, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on their travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are rated based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, classified as either city or resort depending on their amenities.
Top City Hotels in Africa
When it comes to city hotels in Africa, South Africa stands out with nine establishments making the list, seven of which are in Cape Town, including four of the top five. The service at hotels like the Table Bay Hotel garners rave reviews, ensuring guests feel pampered. Similarly, the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa in Johannesburg offers an oasis of luxury, often described as one of the best hotels by visitors.
Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor, located on a former colonial estate, deserves special mention for its unique experience of giraffes interacting with guests, making it a must-visit for animal lovers.
10. Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Score: 85.50
More information: newmarkhotels.com
9. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Score: 86.62
More information: belmond.com
8. Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa
Score: 89.26
More information: fourseasons.com/johannesburg
7. Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Score: 89.41
More information: suninternational.com/table-bay
6. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya
Score: 90.00
More information: thesafaricollection.com
5. One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
Score: 90.45
More information: oneandonlyresorts.com
4. Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 94.35
More information: capegrace.com
3. The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa
Score: 95.06
More information: 12apostleshotel.com
2. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.63
More information: saxon.co.za
1. Ellerman House, Cape Town
Score: 97.60
More information: ellerman.co.za
Located in the prestigious Bantry Bay neighborhood overlooking the Atlantic coast, Ellerman House is housed in a 1906 Cape Edwardian mansion. Each of the 13 rooms has been meticulously designed, showcasing the owner’s personal collection of art, one of the finest in the country. The property also features an ocean-view pool, a well-stocked pantry, a beautiful botanical garden, and daily wine tastings led by the hotel’s sommelier. One guest expressed, “One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in — more like a private mansion than a hotel, with fantastic service and a gorgeous location.”
