Stay by area: our top hotel picks in Sea Point, Cape Town

Sea Point’s promenade energy is a few steps away, but the mood inside The Cole stays low-lit and sculptural. It sits right by the beachfront. South African architect Robert Silke designed an undulating façade influenced by tropical mid-century modernism, with curves repeating in balconies, windows and bespoke furniture. Upstairs, Figo is the rooftop restaurant, cooking over wood and coal, with freshly rolled semolina pasta, seafood and grilled meats. Downstairs, Script is the lobby bar for clean classics and a pre-dinner reset. A spa and a rooftop pool keep it from feeling like a sleep-and-go address. Book a sea-facing balcony if the point is to hear the Atlantic, then head out.

A Sea Point icon, The Winchester Hotel is impossible to miss. Its striking white façade, arched walkways and signature Cape Dutch gables make it one of the most distinctive hotels along the Atlantic Seaboard. But step inside and it’s even more impressive. After a refurbishment in 2021, they left the signature Cape Dutch charm but added contemporary touches that resulted in interiors that feel fresh and luxurious. Our favourite space is still the little courtyard, surrounded by beautiful greenery and blooming bougainvillia. The terrace and pool area are just as impressive, a great spot to watch the sunset and take in the atmosphere of the nearby Sea Point Promenade. Shoreditch House, the hotel’s restaurant, also deserves a shout-out. They serve locally inspired dishes with a hint of European flavour and the cocktails are simply divine.

Located in a quiet corner of Sea Point, The Glen Boutique Hotel is a hidden gem worth staying at. Sleek and intimate, it feels more like an upscale private residence than a hotel. The interiors are all about contemporary elegance – marble bathrooms, lavish furnishings, natural wood elements and warm, moody lighting set the tone. The penthouse suite is exceptional, boasting panoramic views of the ocean and Signal Hill, plus a private sundeck. We couldn’t help but be drawn to the in-house spa, a little sanctuary where you can treat yourself after a day of city exploration. We highly recommend the deep tissue massages and hydrotherapy experiences. We also love the heated swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and super comfy daybeds – the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of bubbly.

For a laid-back yet stylish stay, The President Hotel delivers the best of both worlds. It’s a place where you can wake up to ocean breezes, lounge by the infinity pool with a cocktail in hand and still be just minutes from Cape Town’s most iconic sights. The design here is modern and simple – think clean lines, open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. While the rooms are comfortably modern, it’s the outdoor spaces that truly shine. The pool deck is the heart of the hotel, with panoramic views of the Atlantic stretching out beyond the loungers. The only downside here is that the pool area is very busy during the day, due to the day guests visiting the restaurant and making use of the pool and terrace – so just keep this in mind, if you are after a quiet day lounging by the pool.

Latitude Aparthotel in Cape Town neighbourhood Sea Point suits stays that want a kitchen and a key card, not a lobby routine. The serviced apartments run from one to three bedrooms, with open-plan living, fully equipped kitchens, daily housekeeping and balconies aimed at ocean or mountain views. On the 9th floor, Hugo Social Club handles the social side with a rooftop pool, a bar and a restaurant that plays well from brunch to late drinks, framed by Atlantic and Lion’s Head views. Meeting rooms and a 24-hour front desk keep it workable for short work trips. Step outside and the Sea Point Promenade does the rest, without leaving the building.