Most Romantic Hotels in Cape Town

The four-pearl Derwent House Boutique Hotel is a small, intimate property that in some ways feels more like a luxury home than a hotel. There are nine rooms in total, plus one family suite and an apartment with self-catering facilities. All come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, modern but cozy furnishings, and bathrooms with shower/tub combos. There's no on-site restaurant, but a free breakfast is served every morning and includes plenty of cereals and fresh fruit. 

The Blackheath Lodge is a 12-room boutique property in a Victorian house, a 10 minutes' drive from the center of Cape Town. This upscale hotel, set between Signal Hill and the waterfront, is close to beaches and the city, and it's within walking distance of cafes and restaurants. Guest rooms have lovely wood balconies and whimsically sophisticated decor, which extends to the common areas. The hotel serves a free breakfast on a terrace beside a cozy garden and pool, and the extremely helpful staff offers travel and restaurant tips. Special touches throughout -- board games in the sun room, blue and white dishes, colorful wall art, dripping chandeliers -- further the personalized experience

The One&Only Cape Town isn't the only five-pearl hotel on the waterfront, but it may be the most jaw-dropping in terms of amenities and price. It has two acclaimed restaurants with celebrity buzz, Nobu and Reuben's, with the latter treating guests to a free breakfast every morning. Guest rooms are enormous with all the expected bells and whistles, including Nespresso machines and fantastic views of the marina or Table Mountain. The hotel also has suites and a vast spa on a private island that extends out into the waterway.

One of Cape Town's better-known luxury properties, The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel attracts leisure and business travelers alike with its large number of features and elegant ambiance. There are 201 rooms and suites here, all of which feature classical decor, huge bathrooms, and modern features such as free Wi-Fi and big flat-screen TVs. Some suites also have balconies with gorgeous views of the nearby Table Mountain. Amenities include a pool, luxury spa, gym, and two heated outdoor pools, and the on-site fine-dining restaurant, Planet Restaurant and Bar, serves a varied menu of continental fare.

This 12-room boutique hotel comprises three Victorian terrace houses decorated in bold, modern style, accented with African curios. Set in Tamboerskloof, a quiet residential neighborhood about a 20-minute walk from the center of Cape Town, the upscale property feels warm and personal. The owners provide expert advice about the area, arrange for taxis and car rentals, and offer free cake and sherry in the evening. Guest rooms are airy and stylish, with high ceilings and artsy decor -- some have Table Mountain views. The free breakfast includes a range of choices, including a full English breakfast, and can be taken in the small outdoor courtyard, which has a small plunge pool. 

The POD Camps Bay is a 15-room luxury hotel with a chic, minimalist style employing natural wood, gray stone, and glass. Set in an upscale residential area a few minutes' walk from Camps Bay Beach, the property is a 10-minute drive from the center of Cape Town. Rooms have a natural aesthetic and views of the beach or mountains; most have balconies, and some have private pools. The rooftop pool has ocean views, and there's a bar offering poolside drink service. Breakfast is free and includes daily specials, and minibars are restocked daily with free goodies. This eco-friendly hotel draws younger couples, and is a more modern alternative to the area's Victorian-style B&Bs. 

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a 70-room luxury property with incredible views of both the Atlantic Ocean and its namesake mountain range. While set in a 1920s-era gabled farmhouse on a secluded stretch of Victoria Road, the property is within a short drive of central Cape Town and beaches. Guest rooms have balconies and are nicely decorated with understated colors and patterns. There are two restaurants, including one with a lauded wine list, and a bar with plenty of cognacs and ports. The hotel also has two pools, including one with ocean views, a spa with mountaintop gazebo treatment rooms, and a small theater showing classic and new movies. 

Located on the marina and a short drive from many of Cape Town's most popular attractions, Cape Grace is an elegant hotel with 120 rooms and suites. All rooms have an array of high-end amenities as well as beautiful marble bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The on-site restaurant serves an extensive buffet (for a fee) as well as a la carte hot items. The spa has a range of treatments and massages along with a sauna, and there's a gym that, while small, offers modern equipment.

The 24-room Glen Boutique Hotel is an impeccably presented, secluded boutique set in a residential district a 10-minute drive from Cape Town's center. It is a gay-friendly hotel, though welcomes and attracts all types of guests and provides an excellent range of facilities including pools, saunas, and hot tubs. Rooms are plush and contemporary, all with outdoor areas and some with sea views. It's not one of the cheaper options in the area; the Atlantic Affair Boutique Hotel nearby is more budget-friendly, though lacks a pool. 

The 2inn1 Kensington is a small, upscale boutique hotel a short taxi ride from the center of Cape Town. A renovated Victorian house, the property is smart, stylish, and oozes African charm. The size of the hotel ensures that guests are given personal attention, and many guests rave about friendly owners Kris and Klaus, who can give excellent local recommendations. The location may not be the most central, but the tranquil atmosphere, incredibly attentive service, attractive outdoor pool, modern rooms, fabulous views of Table Mountain, excellent breakfast, and small spa help make this one of Cape Town's most popular hotels.