Dating back to the early 19th century, Cape Cadogan is such a perfect example of Cape Dutch architecture that it was made a national monument in 1984. To this day it oozes charm and character. As we walked through the garden’s flawless topiary, the stately veranda’s Georgian pillars and billowing white drapes indicated that we’d found one of Cape Town’s true gems.
There's a fantastic restaurant and bar offering top-notch delights, and with Kloof Street just a stroll away, we felt we were really experiencing the highlights of Cape Town’s first-rate food and drink scene - the street really comes alive at night. And what about further afield? Well, Cape Cadogan’s complimentary mini bus transfers run within a 4-mile radius of the hotel, so we ventured everywhere from the Table Mountain cable car to the V&A Waterfront. But no matter how far we strayed, there was always a reason to return to Cape Cadogan. Perhaps it was the indulgent treatments in the spa, or the early-evening aperitifs by the fire... We just couldn’t resist.
Highs
- This national monument is one of the finest 19th century houses in Cape Town, its tradition and heritage is complimented with modern touches and charming, attentive service
- You're yards from Kloof Street's plethora of excellent bars and restaurants, yet the hotel feels like an oasis of tranquillity
- We found the complimentary transfers to and from V&A Waterfront incredibly helpful (there’s no public transport to speak of in Cape Town)
- A relaxing atmosphere and excellent service (unobtrusive yet attentive). There's bags of parking space right outside your door, and 24-hour surveillance by a friendly attendant
Lows
- There can be noise from the street and nearby bars - the flipside of its buzzy location
- The beach or the Table Mountain cable car are a short drive away
- Not suitable for families with children under 10 years old – try sister property More Quarters, instead
- We haven't visited the hotel since it underwent extensive refurbishments, so our review may be missing some details
Best time to go
With its mild climate, and so much going on, any time of year is a great time to visit.
The town is at its busiest from November through to March, which in South Africa equates to late Spring and Summer. Expect the sea to be cold on the Atlantic facing beaches throughout the year; by hopping over the hill to False Bay you'll be swimming in water which is several degrees warmer.
The best time for whale watching along the coast east of Cape Town is between September and mid November.
The town is at its busiest from November through to March, which in South Africa equates to late Spring and Summer. Expect the sea to be cold on the Atlantic facing beaches throughout the year; by hopping over the hill to False Bay you'll be swimming in water which is several degrees warmer.
The best time for whale watching along the coast east of Cape Town is between September and mid November.
Our top tips
Don't underestimate the power of the sun in Cape Town. Even if it's a cloudy day be sure to apply blocks and cream before you head out and be sure to take some kind of hat with you.
- Boutique Hotel
- 19 rooms + 1 villa (sleeps 6)
- Restaurant and bar
- Ages 10+ only
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
- Courtyard
- Dry cleaning
Rooms
Due to the charming idiosyncrasies of this historical building, no two of the 19 bedrooms are alike. Each has been individually decorated, striking a balance between classic-chic and bold-elegance. The tasteful and soothing neutral palate is offset by pops of colour in contemporary rugs, cushions and throws. The Classic Rooms are light, airy and gorgeously comfortable and have ensuite shower bathrooms. The more spacious Luxury Rooms and even larger Superior Luxury Rooms have large bathtubs plus showers in their ensuites, as well as a private terrace or balcony.
Next door the Cape Cadogan Residence (sleeps 6) is ideal for families or friends who want the service of a hotel but the independence of a rental. It has 3 double bedrooms (twins on request), each with modern ensuite bathrooms. There's a spacious sitting room with a wood-burner and contemporary candelabra, plus a fully equipped kitchen gives the option of home cooking. Out back there's an alfresco dining table and a private pool. Guests here can still use all the hotel's facilities but, with a dedicated Butler on hand, there's barely a need to budge from your lounger.
Bathroom treats come in the form of big soft bath towels, robes and slippers together with a full range of natural Afronica bath products. There's plenty of bedroom hardware, too including a flatscreen TV, hot and cold air-conditioning and masses of wardrobe space, along with big look-at-me mirrors. You'll sleep long and deep thanks to the enormous beds (they're zip-linked twins) and comfy-as-pie mattresses.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The on-site restaurant, Upper Union serves up three meals a day, plus expertly crafted cocktails. The Cape Cadogan a la carte breakfast is one of the finest in Cape Town.
When it comes to lunch and dinner, a curated menu of indulgent dishes awaits you. Punchy flavours are delivered in small plates served pot-luck style. These are best accompanied by fine South African wines or bespoke cocktails made by talented mixologists. Room service is also available if you'd prefer to hole up in comfort. If you're thinking drink-and-a-snack, you can raid the minibar, where you'll find peanuts and Pringles, biltong and pretzels, along with beer, bubbly and a big stash of miniatures and mixers.
Guests staying in the Cape Cadogan Residence have the choice to self-cater as much or as little as they want, as the house comes equipped with a full kitchen. A private chef is also available (at extra cost) if you fancy being spoiled.
It would be a shame not to make time to eat out on Kloof Street, as you're just a few strides away. Home to some of Cape Town’s finest eating establishments, let yourself be guided by the hotel’s list of favourite eateries. If you can get a table at the fashionable Kloof Street House you won’t be disappointed, it delivers on both style and substance. We also loved Manna Epicure. Finally, if you've got something really special to celebrate Aubergine is hard to beat. Specialising in seafood and game, this city centre restaurant has one of the best wine lists in town, as well as a top sommelier to guide you in your selection.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, hike across the top to Skeleton Gorge, clamber down to Kirstenbosch then taxi back to your hotel
- Head for the Waterfront and take a boat trip to Robben Island to visit the cell where Mandela dreamed of freedom for himself and his people
- Hire a car for the day and drive south to the Cape Point Nature Reserve to see the meeting point of 2 of the world's mightiest oceans
- Wander along Kloof Street, stop to buy a paper then people-watch from one of its kerbside cafés
- Head for Kirstenbosch and one of the world's best botanical gardens
- Take a day trip out to Franschhoek to taste wines, then eat lunch at one of its top notch restaurants
- Head for the beach: be aware there can be a difference of several degrees between the Atlantic (brrrrr!) and the Indian Ocean (brrr!)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Hiking
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children aged 10 and over are welcome in the main hotel, however the atmosphere is peaceful and geared towards adults. All ages are allowed to stay in the Cape Cadogan Residence, next door to the main hotel, which sleeps up to 6 and is well-equipped for families. Another great option for families is Cape Cadogan’s sister property More Quarters, which has a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Cape Cadogan Residence is ideal for families, with 3 double bedrooms that can be made up as twins, a fully equipped kitchen, and private pool. All ages are welcome here, but only those aged 10+ are allowed in the main hotel.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Cape Cadogan is moments from Kloof Street, in Cape Town. It's in the Tamboerskloof suburb, near Table Mountain National Park.
By Air
Fly in to Cape Town International Airport (30km) - no jet lag for European visitors! The airport also has internal flights to all of the country's major cities.
From the Airport
The airport is approximately 20 minutes by taxi from Cape Cadogan, but allow plenty of time for traffic delays.
By Car
You may want to hire a car to explore further afield - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to South Africa and getting around.
Airports:
- Cape Town International Airport 30.0 km CPT
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape