Top City Hotels in Africa 2025

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2024. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

African Cities Beyond Safari

Too often, travelers think of Africa and safaris as inextricably linked, overshadowing the continent’s diverse offerings. While Africa provides spectacular opportunities for gorilla trekking and wildlife spotting, cities like Cape Town, Nairobi, Marrakesh, and Johannesburg showcase a cosmopolitan energy and rich cultural heritage waiting to be explored.

Every year, iBestTravel conducts the World’s Best Awards survey, inviting readers to share their thoughts on travel experiences across the globe — including top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, and airlines. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, classified as either city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Top City Hotels in Africa for 2023

This year, readers favored South Africa, with the top five city hotels all located in Cape Town and Johannesburg. However, while these winners share a national flag, the experiences they offer couldn’t be more distinct.

1. Cape Grace, Cape Town

Just steps from the vibrant V&A Waterfront, Cape Grace exemplifies the ideal city stay, offering tranquility and indulgence in a prime location. Having been a top choice for 20 years, it has reclaimed its top spot. With 120 uniquely designed guest rooms, the atmosphere combines old-world charm with modern amenities. Guests enjoy impeccable hospitality alongside unique services like a complimentary car and driver within a six-mile radius. One reader noted, “Loved everything about this hotel,” while another appreciated the “personalized service and discreet charm.”

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 95.88
More information: capegrace.com

2. The Silo Hotel, Cape Town

Score: 95.25
More information: theroyalportfolio.com

3. Ellerman House, Cape Town

Score: 94.35
More information: ellerman.co.za

4. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, Johannesburg

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.88
More information: saxon.co.za

5. One&Only Cape Town

Score: 93.45
More information: oneandonlyresorts.com