Top-Rated City Hotels in Africa: Readers’ Choices for 2025

Looking at the city hotels in Africa picked by iBestTravel readers, it’s clear their favorite city is Cape Town, South Africa, which boasts four out of the top five hotels. This captivating city is one of the most naturally beautiful locations in the world, arranged around the iconic Table Mountain, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the picturesque Cape Winelands on the other. It is home to some of the best city hotels in Africa.

Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to share their opinions on travel experiences globally, including top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) are rated based on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties are categorized as city hotels, resorts, or safari lodges based on their locations and amenities.

Three of the top five city hotels are located in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront area. This vibrant harborside complex features a shopping mall, the Watershed—where vendors offer locally crafted arts, crafts, and produce—the exceptional Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), and numerous restaurants and bars, in addition to hotels. An “ideal location,” described one guest of this year’s No. 1 hotel, Cape Grace.

A short stroll from Cape Grace are the One&Only Cape Town (No. 3) and the Silo Hotel (No. 2). The latter enjoys a remarkable position on the upper floors of the Zeitz MOCAA building, a strikingly reimagined grain silo. Known for its stylish design and impressive art collection, a iBestTravel reader remarked, “What a unique building from the architecture to the interiors. I was blown away and would highly recommend it!”

The other notable Cape Town hotel is the historic Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel (No. 5). Painted in pastel pink and surrounded by lush gardens, it is located in the central suburb of Gardens, close to the city center and with Table Mountain as a scenic backdrop. This hotel has hosted illustrious guests ranging from Winston Churchill to John Lennon since its establishment in 1899.

The only non-Cape Town establishment in the ranking is Giraffe Manor (No. 4) in Nairobi, Kenya. While it’s technically classified as a city hotel, it resembles a charming country manor. As one guest expressed, “It’s all about the giraffes.” The resident Rothschild’s giraffes frequently make appearances at breakfast, often poking their heads through windows to receive treats from guests. “One of the most memorable experiences of our lives,” stated one reader. “I have always wanted to stay there, and it did not disappoint.”

1. Cape Grace, Cape Town

Aside from its prime location, the Cape Grace hotel offers exceptional service that keeps guests returning. As stated by one reader, “The staff at the Cape Grace is what sets this hotel apart from others. The attention to detail is first-rate.” The hotel features 120 rooms and suites, designed in classic styles with neutral tones accented by blues or greens to reflect the beautiful views of the harbor or Table Mountain. Family services, such as story readings and gingerbread decorating for kids, are available. Babysitters are on hand for parents wishing to visit the spa or participate in a tasting session at the renowned Bascule bar. “A very special place,” concluded one reader.

Score: 96.96

2. Silo Hotel, Cape Town

Score: 96.27

3. One&Only Cape Town

Score: 95.37

4. Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Score: 91.81

5. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

Score: 91.79