There is a part of each of us that seeks out novelty in life. Little oddities or unique experiences that give us an appreciation for the wonder of daily life. A great way to find this novelty while travelling is by staying at a boutique hotel in Cape Town.
That is why we decided to write this article to take a look at what a boutique hotel is, our pick for the best one, and some worth mentioning too. All to help you find a unique accommodation that is sure to make your vacation a memorable one.
What is a boutique hotel?
A boutique hotel is defined as a small unique design-driven hotel each with its own personality and character. This means that there are a few differences between a boutique hotel, a regular hotel and a Bed&Breakfast (B&B). We will look at some of these differences in the table below:
Feature | Boutique Hotel | Regular Hotel | B&B |
No. of rooms | 5-50 | 100+ | 1-10 |
Owner | Individual | Corporation | Individual |
Type of room | Each room has a unique style and design | Standard styled rooms across all in the hotel | Rooms tend to follow the same style though this can vary depending on the establishment |
These are the primary differences between a boutique hotel, a hotel, and a B&B. While there is some overlap each of these establishments offers something unique. It is worth noting that these differences are mostly guidelines as there are accommodations that blur these lines of differentiation. Now that we have a better understanding of what constitutes a boutique hotel. We are ready to take a look at our pick for the best boutique hotel in Cape Town.
The Silo Hotel

Our pick for the best boutique hotel in Cape Town is the Silo Hotel. This iconic landmark is located right by the famous V&A Waterfront, next to the Gardens which is the best area to stay in Cape Town. Meaning you will be staying close to the pulse of the city with breathtaking views of the hustle and bustle, and the horizon over the Atlantic. This 5-star boutique hotel is easily one of the most luxurious places to stay in Cape Town.
While many may think that the Silo Hotel is a regular hotel the unique design of the rooms say otherwise. The windows of the entire hotel have geometric windows that give it a wonderfully unique style. The hotel has a total of 28 unique rooms that range in size from the Silo rooms, which sleep 2, up to the royal suites, which sleep up to 4. All of these rooms are decorated with contemporary African art giving each one its own unique style. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with baths and showers, a private balcony, and air conditioning. Additionally, each room offers breathtaking views of either the mountains or the harbour.
Aside from the wonderful rooms the Silo hotel also offers many attractions. These include an assortment of restaurants in the building like the Granary Cafe, and the Willaston Bar that are sure to satisfy even the most avid foodies. There is also a full spa in the hotel that can help you to relax and unwind. Alternatively, you can enjoy a tour of Zeitz MOCAA the world’s largest contemporary African art museum. Finally, to end off your day you can enjoy a few sundowners at the rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city and ocean. With so much to offer it is easy to see why the Silo Hotel is our pick for the best boutique hotel in Cape Town.
Honourable mention: Sea Five

While the Silo is our pick for the best there are a number of great boutique hotels in the mother city. There is one in particular that we feel deserves an honourable mention here. The Sea Five boutique hotel is perfectly situated just 300m from the glamorous Camps Bay beach. The exterior is a large wooden house that emanates the spirit of the ocean.
This boutique hotel has a total of seven rooms with sweeping mountain and ocean views. Each of these has been individually styled with an eclectic blend of refined elegance and the open spaces of nature. The rooms also include free wifi and bottomless coffee, ensuring you always have energy and remain connected.
The hotel also has a spa offering a variety of rejuvenating treatments. Additionally, there is a private pool with a pool bar on the premises that guests can use for a few sundowners at the end of the day. Its aesthetic, wonderful views and proximity to the beach make this a great boutique hotel in Cape Town for ocean lovers.
Now that you know which is our pick for the best boutique hotel in Cape Town. The next time you want a bit of novelty while enjoying your vacation. Be sure to book a stay at one of these wonderful hotels. To ensure that you enjoy a unique experience that you will never forget.