The 29 best luxury hotels in South Africa
From Cape Grace Hotel to Mont Rochelle: 29 hand-picked luxury hotels across 4 destinations in South Africa. Every booking through suitespot includes free breakfast for 2, a room upgrade subject to availability and further benefits — at the regular hotel rate.
Luxury hotels in South Africa by destination
Pick your destination: every city and region in South Africa has its own overview with all properties, rates and benefits.
More destinations in South Africa
Beyond the big names, we also feature hand-picked properties here:
The most popular luxury hotels in South Africa
These properties lead our ranking in South Africa — across all destinations, ordered exactly as in our search.
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
Unlock exclusive benefits as a premium member
The strongest destinations in South Africa compared
How many properties are where, what do they cost and which address leads the local ranking? All prices are from-rates per night; booked via suitespot the benefits come on top at no extra cost.
| Destination | Luxury hotels | From | Top-ranked property |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 15 | 154 € | Cape Grace Hotel Cape Town |
| Johannesburg | 4 | 184 € | Saxon Hotel Johannesburg |
| Mpumalanga | 3 | 3053 € | Savanna Private Game Reserve |
| Plettenberg Bay | 1 | 335 € | The Plettenberg Hotel |
Your guide to the best luxury hotels in South Africa
Cape Grace Hotel Cape TownFor this guide we have gathered the best hotels in South Africa: 29 5-star hotels, from 154 euros a night.29 luxury hotels between Cape Town, the winelands and the bush – and how to choose
Luxury hotels in South Africa cost between 154 € and 3,053 € a night; the median entry rate is 387 €.
Mont Rochelle FranschhoekAt 25 of the 29 the suitespot benefits apply from the first night; three safari lodges include all inclusive.
Our travel advisors’ insider tip
In South Africa you combine three trips in one: city, winelands and bush.
In Cape Town The President Hotel Cape Town starts at 154 €. In the winelands the Mont Rochelle Franschhoek in Franschhoek follows from 430 €. In the bush, meals and game drives are included at Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Savanna Private Game Reserve; at Kapama Private Game Reserve you get full board and two game drives a day.
Our advice: four nights in Cape Town, two in the winelands and three at a lodge.
Where to stay: in Cape Town, the winelands, Johannesburg or a safari lodge
The best hotels in South Africa are in Cape Town, Johannesburg, the winelands and the bush.
Cape Town
15 hotels from 154 €, including the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Cape Town below Table Mountain, The Silo Kapstadt and the One&Only Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront and The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa Cape Town above the Atlantic coast. Our recommendation for Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and beaches.
Johannesburg
Five hotels from 184 €, including the Saxon Hotel Johannesburg and the Park Hyatt Johannesburg. Our recommendation for the start of a safari.
Plettenberg Bay
On the Garden Route stand The Plettenberg Hotel and The Manor House George in George, plus The Marine Hotel Hermanus in Hermanus and the Mont Rochelle Franschhoek in the Franschhoek winelands.
In the bush there are five safari lodges, including Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve in the Thornybush reserve and Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit. Our recommendation for the Big Five. How best to travel between the places, our travel advisors will clarify before you book.
242 categories: the best hotels in South Africa from the inside
Together the best hotels in South Africa list 242 categories, 102 of them suites.
Erinvale Estate Hotel · Cape TownThe largest unit is at Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve: the Royal Suite with deck and pool of 560 m². At the Saxon Hotel Johannesburg the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite measures 400 m², at the One&Only Cape Town the Presidential Suite 383 m².
Tell us the size you do not want to go below – our travel advisors have it confirmed before you book.
What a night at a luxury hotel in South Africa costs
A night at a 5-star hotel in South Africa costs between 154 € and 3,053 €. For three safari lodges your travel advisor will give you the current price.
| Destination | Hotels | From |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | 15 | 154 € |
| Johannesburg | 5 | 184 € |
| Winelands and coast | 4 | 269 € |
| Safari reserves | 5 | 1,288 € |
How long to stay: ten nights – four in Cape Town, two in the winelands, three in the bush and one in Johannesburg.
Taj Cape TownAt 25 hotels the suitespot benefits apply from the first night, at four from two nights.
When it is at its best: from November to March for Cape Town and the coast, in the southern summer. Our recommendation for beach and winelands.
From May to September it is the dry season in the bush, and from June whales pass Hermanus. Our recommendation for safari and whale watching.
And whatever the date: you get the suitespot benefits in the quietest week of the year just as in the busiest.
Breakfast, upgrade and exclusive services at a 5-star hotel
26 hotels include a breakfast for two, three lodges all inclusive; 28 offer an upgrade upon availability.Personal luxury travel adviceOur travel advisors personally accompany your booking – 365 days a year, from the first offer to late check-out. Reach the suitespot VIP service via email or WhatsApp.Phone: +49 30 81452346 · hotel@suitespot.comIn addition, for example:
• at Kapama Private Game Reserve full board for two with high tea, two game drives a day and the transfer to and from Hoedspruit
• at The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa Cape Town a lunch and an afternoon tea
• at the Mont Rochelle Franschhoek a wine tasting
• a hotel credit at 18 hotels, a welcome gift at ten
You collect points at 17 hotels – for example with I Prefer, ALL (Accor), Marriott Bonvoy, Radisson Rewards, IHG One Rewards, World of Hyatt and in the Leaders Club.
Suites & family options in South Africa
For anniversaries, wedding nights or simply more space: these properties in South Africa offer their own suite categories. Our travel advisors know them in detail and will put together the right category for your occasion.
| Hotel | Destination | Suite categories (selection) | Largest suite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Grace Hotel Cape Town | Cape Town | Suite, Signature Suite, Cape Grace Suite | Suite · 90 m² |
| Mont Rochelle Franschhoek | Franschhoek | Pinotage Suite, Suite | – |
| Erinvale Estate Hotel | Cape Town | Erinvale Suite, Executive Suite, Courtyard Suite | Erinvale Suite · 84 m² |
| Taj Cape Town | Cape Town | Presidential Suite, Family Suite, Heritage Suite | Presidential Suite · 200 m² |
| Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Cape Town | Cape Town | Presidential Suite, Strelitzia Suite, Honeysuckle Suite | Presidential Suite · 112 m² |
| Saxon Hotel Johannesburg | Johannesburg | Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, Presidential Suite, Luxury Suite | Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite · 400 m² |
| The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa Cape Town | Cape Town | Facing Suite, Suite | Facing Suite · 70 m² |
| The Cellars Hohenort Hotel Cape Town | Cape Town | Premier Suite, Suite | Premier Suite · 62 m² |
Earn points & use your status in South Africa
suitespot rates are full direct rates: you earn regular points and elite nights in the hotel program and keep your status benefits — the suitespot benefits come on top.
| Program | Hotels | Examples in South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| I Prefer | 4 hotels | Mont Rochelle Franschhoek, Erinvale Estate Hotel, The Last Word Constantia Cape Town … |
| Leaders Club | 4 hotels | Saxon Hotel Johannesburg, Steyn City Hotel by Saxon Midrand, The Manor House George … |
| ALL (Accor) | 2 hotels | Cape Grace Hotel Cape Town, Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 2 hotels | Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch, Morea House Cape Town |
| Radisson Rewards | 2 hotels | Radisson Red V&A Waterfront Cape Town, Waterfront Cape Town Radisson Collection Hotel |
| IHG One Rewards | 1 hotel | InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town |
| Taj InnerCircle | 1 hotel | Taj Cape Town |
| World of Hyatt | 1 hotel | Park Hyatt Johannesburg |
More luxury destinations nearby
These countries combine well with a trip in South Africa — or make a fitting alternative for your next booking:
Frequently asked questions about luxury hotels in South Africa
How many luxury hotels in South Africa does suitespot offer?
29: 15 in Cape Town, five in and around Johannesburg, four in the winelands and on the coast and five safari lodges.
What does a night at a 5-star hotel in South Africa cost?
Between 154 € at The President Hotel Cape Town and 3,053 € at Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
Which safari lodges offer all inclusive?
Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Savanna Private Game Reserve; Kapama Private Game Reserve offers full board and two game drives a day.
Which luxury hotel in Cape Town is the most affordable?
The President Hotel Cape Town from 154 €, from the first night.
Is there a minimum stay in South Africa?
At 25 hotels the benefits apply from the first night, at four from two nights.
Which hotel has the largest suite?
Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve: the Royal Suite with deck and pool, 560 m².
Can I earn hotel points in South Africa?
At 17 hotels, for example with I Prefer, ALL (Accor), Marriott Bonvoy, Radisson Rewards, IHG One Rewards, World of Hyatt and in the Leaders Club.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
From November to March for Cape Town, from May to September for safari.
Which is the most expensive hotel in South Africa?
The most expensive hotel in South Africa is Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve, with rates from 3,052 € a night. The President Hotel Cape Town has the lowest entry price at 154 €.
