The Top Hotels in 3 of South Africa’s Most Popular Cities
by Natalie Preddie
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There are many hotels in South Africa, and it can be tough to decide where to stay. Here are hotels in three of South Africa’s most popular destinations that offer comfort, safety, and exclusivity, with a uniquely South African touch.
Johannesburg
Sanctuary Mandela: Owned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, this former home of Nelson Mandela is now a boutique luxury hotel that celebrates the life of this iconic civil rights leader and his contemplative spirit. Surrounded by lush gardens and quiet retreat spaces, this hotel offers a place to relax, unwind and reflect. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool.
There are nine luscious rooms in four categories from Deluxe Studio to Presidential suite. Each art deco room is unique and tells the story of Mandela’s history. In every room, one will find framed letters from prison, exclusive photos, and art inspired by this freedom fighter.
Renovated in the early 2000s, bricks from the original building now make up the reception desk, and the original wood flooring is framed on the wall.
The hotel restaurant, Insights, has a delicious menu inspired by Mandela’s favorite foods. Although the dynamic leader didn’t drink himself, there is an impressive wine list highlighting South African wines.
Every Sunday, the hotel hosts live jazz with an impressive 3-course menu and bubbly.
voco Johannesburg Rosebank, An IHG Hotel: American guests will love the familiarity of the IHG brand and the unique, swanky experience of the voco Johannesburg Rosebank.
Recently renovated, this vibrant and trendy hotel is in the buzzing, upscale neighborhood of Rosebank. Decorated with over 800 curated pieces of original art, and surrounded by premium shopping, unique markets, world-class restaurants, and hip bars, this hotel is in the middle of it all.
Rooms here are modern, spacious, and comfortable with every modern amenity. There is also a new and well-equipped gym, inviting co-working spaces and the most accommodating staff. For those looking for a quick refresh, there is a barber and aesthetician attached to the white and black tiled lobby.
The hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Proud Mary, offers a luscious menu, an extensive wine list, and an artisanal cocktail menu.
Durban
The Oyster Box is an award-winning 5-star luxury boutique hotel and spa and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. A national treasure, this colonial beauty perches on the coastline and overlooks the Indian Ocean. The region’s iconic red and white lighthouse provides a coastal theme which can be felt throughout the property. Decorated with antiques like the opulent chandelier of London’s The Savoy, rare grandfather clocks, first edition books and curated furniture, there is also a refined collection of Zulu artwork and artifacts.
The Oyster Box has hosted celebrities from South Africa and beyond and was featured in a 2014 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
There are 86 rooms in three categories, the largest being a two-floor Presidential Suite. Each room is unique and offers either view of the ocean or the beautifully manicured tropical garden from a private balcony or a ground-floor outside area.
There is a heated saltwater pool, a well-equipped fitness area, and three beautiful bars to enjoy sweeping sea views and a signature cocktail. There are two inspired fine dining restaurants with extensive wine cellars, and the house wine comes from Bouchard Finlayson, The Oyster Box’s own winery. The hotel also hosts a timeless High Tea in The Palm Court, an elegant space where no detail has been overlooked.
Along with offerings from the lavish spa, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the unique Indian and Zulu cultures of Durban through curry cooking masterclasses, exploring Zulu villages, or taking part in a personal food tour.
Cape Town
Located in the historic Company’s Garden district of Cape Town, The Capital 15 on Orange marries urban sophistication and contemporary luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the iconic Table Mountain and Lions Head, or the sprawling city reaching down to the water.
This hotel is ideal for reaching Cape Town’s famous waterfront, city sites, mountain hiking trails, Stellenbosch wine region, and the airport.
With hotel rooms or self-catering apartments, guests will have all their vacation needs met. All rooms come with a King bed and plush interiors that make it hard to leave. All apartments have fully equipped kitchens, as well as a washer and dryer.
The Capital 15 on Orange also boasts unique accommodation ‘pods’ sponsored by famous alcohol brands. Spend an unforgettable night in the glamourous Moet Chandon, Glenmorangie, Hennessey, or Hendrick’s pod. Each room design is taken from its namesake beverage, provides food and of course, a celebratory bottle.
The Silo Hotel is located on Cape Town’s breathtaking V&A Waterfront, a beautiful seaside collection of restaurants, markets, and shops. Part of the Royal Portfolio, this architectural masterpiece occupies six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCCA) which houses Africa’s largest collection of contemporary African art.
The Silo Hotel has 28 uniquely designed and decorated rooms with individual color schemes, and collections of contemporary African art. The shimmering pillowed glass of each room’s floor-to-ceiling windows offers unparallel views of Cape Town, from Table Mountain to Table Bay harbor. Some rooms offer an outdoor balcony, and the majority are beautifully fashioned duplexes.
There are three vibrant spaces for dining and an additional private dining room that can seat 22 people. The wine and cocktail lists are carefully curated at each restaurant and offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch, and High Tea between them.
