Best Family Hotels in Cape Town
Courtesy of One&Only Cape Town
Taking cable cars to fly up a mountain, watching penguins play along the shore, horseback riding on the beach, cruising along the harbor—there are so many reasons for kids to love Cape Town. But at the end of the day, comfort is the key to a successful holiday with the whole clan, and not every hotel seems to get that message. There’s nothing worse than trying to quiet your brood in a stuffy, don’t-sit-on-the-couches establishment, or trying to fit everyone in to an uncomfortable shoebox of a room. Cape Town has its share of hotels where little ones feel just as important as the grown-ups, with a host of special amenities and activities. While I don’t have any kids myself, I asked my friends and came up with a list of highly recommended picks for family-friendly hotels—places that make sure children are pampered alongside their parents.
Read T+L’s Cape Town Hotel guide for more Cape Town ideas.
One&Only Cape Town
Parents will love the spa and the Nobu outpost (the only one in Africa); young ones will stay occupied at the Kids Club long enough for Mom and Dad to enjoy them both. At KidsOnly, children can make jewelry and paint ostrich eggs, join sing-a-longs and play with local instruments, and learn African dance and yoga.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
When kids check in to this sea-facing hotel with their parents, they're given a backpack and their own key. Once they arrive at their room—many of which have mountain or ocean views—they can busy themselves with a basket of toys and board games, or request an X-Box. One perk the whole clan can enjoy: a 16-seater cinema that plays family-friendly movies every night with snacks that appeal to all ages.
More Quarters Apartment Hotel
When you're traveling with kids, sometimes you just wish you had a kitchen to warm up a bottle or whip up a favorite meal. The one- and two-bedroom apartments at More Quarters are not only roomy enough to fit a household of tots, but they come equipped with full kitchens, complete with Winnie the Pooh and Cars-themed cutlery and cups. Children are also greeted with a welcome pack with toys, sweets, and crayons on check in, as well as bath gowns and slippers.
Belmond Mount Nelson
Crystal Towers
This hotel is a little bit out of the city, but the child-friendly creature comforts make up for the distance: kids' toiletries, bath toys, and cribs with high-quality mattresses—older children might find Hello Kitty or Dora-themed beds made up just for them. Rooms are spacious and stylish, many with views of Table Mountain. For an even better view, head to the rooftop pool.