Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel occupies a restored National Monument from the early 1800s on Upper Union Street in Gardens, one of Cape Town's oldest neighbourhoods. The white, colonnaded building sits under the slopes of Table Mountain, a short walk from Kloof Street, and its 29 rooms and suites keep the feel of a private townhouse rather than a large hotel.

A renovation in 2022 paired the heritage architecture with bold interiors: emerald velvet, black-and-white tiling, gold detail and contemporary African art from a collaboration with the Everard Read gallery. Rooms range from compact Classic Rooms to Luxury and Superior Luxury Rooms with their own sun terraces, and Stable Suites along a cobbled lane with lounges and kitchenettes, including two-bedroom family suites.

Breakfast is made to order each morning at Upper Union, the hotel's neighbouring restaurant, and afternoon drinks and canapés are part of every stay. Between outings there are two temperature-controlled pools, a fitness centre, a small spa using Cape botanical products, the Cadogan Bar and a planted Botanical Conservatory for a quiet hour. Older children are welcome in the hotel rooms and all ages in the Stable Suites, where a kids' programme and childminding can be arranged.

The team knows the city well and can arrange anything from the Table Mountain cableway and Peninsula drives to winelands tastings and scenic helicopter flights, with a shuttle running to the V&A Waterfront twice a day.

Staying here also connects you with Injongo Educare Centre in Mfuleni, on the Cape Flats. Founded by Mavis Ngcongolo, who began by opening her home to neighbourhood children, the registered non-profit now runs from converted shipping containers and cares for babies and young children up to school age, with after-school tutoring, hot meals, arts and music for older learners. The hotel arranges guided visits of about three hours, and guests can bring school supplies through Pack for a Purpose for the team to deliver.