Places to stay in Hout Bay

Our selection of accommodation from guesthouses to backpackers

Just 20 minutes from Cape Town city centre this fishing village turned family-friendly suburb is a perfect holiday spot. With a long stretch of beach nestled in a valley surrounded by stunning mountain views this is a great place for a family holiday or a romantic getaway. The relaxed beach culture is mirrored in the casual restaurants and fresh seafood which can be found throughout town. If you want to get away from the busy city life in Cape Town then take advantage of the many activities that the Republic of Hout Bay has to offer.

Villa Afrique
This five-star luxury guesthouse offers four elegant rooms with all the amenities needed for a comfortable, relaxing stay. The house is near the beach and restaurants, and breakfast can be served next to the pool. After a day of activities come back to the guesthouse and relax in the lounge or soak in the Victorian bathtubs. There’s underfloor heating and air conditioning as well as satellite television. There are only four rooms in the guesthouse so if you’re looking for a peaceful, luxurious place with a feeling of privacy then this is a good choice.
Trivia: Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way along the coast between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, it offers 9km of the most stunning sea and mountain views. Construction was started in 1915 and took seven years to complete.  
Top tip: Go during summer to make the most of the nearby beach and the balmy summer evenings.
29 Sluysken Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 9157      

Thulani Guesthouse
The thatch-roofed cottages are surrounded by 8000 square metres of garden and has a stream running through it. This gives this bed and breakfast a country feeling despite it being in the middle of Hout Bay. There are en-suite rooms as well as self-catering cottages available all of which are made with natural materials such as Balau woods and slate floors. The modern African décor adds colour and a feeling of comfort to the rooms and cottages. There are stylish lounges with fireplaces to relax in after a long day as well as an outdoor pool made with natural rocks.
Trivia: ‘Thulani’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘be peaceful or tranquil’.
Top tip: Book the honeymoon suite for a romantic getaway, it overlooks the garden and the pool and the luxury bathroom has a stunning view of the Twelve Apostle mountain range.
14 Riverside Terrace | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 7662      

Hout Bay Lodge
This three-star lodge offers seven individually decorated rooms named after birds (if you’re a bird lover don’t miss the World of Birds (link), this sanctuary is one of Hout bay’s gems). The rooms offer various different mountain and sea views so if you have a preference let them know when booking. Breakfasts are served in the sunny dining room or by the pool. The lodge is in a residential area surrounded by trees. Tours, car rentals and restaurant bookings can be organised for you so if you need a bit of planning done then let them know.
Trivia: Your hosts Jochen and Daniela Wanner are fluent in Dutch.
Top tip: There is Wifi throughout the building for those of you who get twitchy without internet access.
6 Bisschop Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 1158

Hout Bay Backpackers
People travelling on a budget will appreciate this backpackers, it’s in walking distance of the beach, restaurants and shops and is a quiet and comfortable place to stay. There’s a pool in the courtyard perfect for swimming on warm summer evenings or during the day when it’s too hot for a trip to the beach. As well as a dorm there are private rooms with en-suite bathrooms so if communal living isn’t for you then book one of these. All rooms, including the dorm offer satellite TV and air-conditioning.
Trivia: The backpackers organises volunteer programmes in the local township so many of their guests are international volunteers. Contact them if you are interested in finding out more about the programmes they run.
Top tip: If you’re interested in South African culture then the township tour (link to overview) is a great way to meet the people living in Imizamo Yethu, the township in Hout Bay.
14 Albert Road | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 0427     

Blackwood Log Cabin
If you’re looking for a proper retreat from the hustle and bustle of life then this self-catering cabin is for you. High on the slopes of  Hout Bay it’s hidden away in two acres of indigenous garden and forest with panoramic mountain views. It sleeps six and a large deck overlooking the natural swimming pool. There is also a cascading water feature and fish pond to add to the tranquillity of the natural surroundings. Plus, there’s a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine and two entertainment areas as well as an indoor fireplace. The cabin is just seven minutes away from the beach and Hout Bay shopping area. Oh, and it has a trampoline.
Trivia: The sunbirds love this area of the woods so you can sit and watch them flitting from plant to plant.
Top tip: Make sure you’re home for summer sunsets so you can sit on the deck and watch the sky turn dramatic hues.
3 Blackwood Close | Hout Bay | +27 (0)21 790 9700      

Hout Bay Manor offers a touch of luxury with its stunningly eclectic décor and personal touches.

For a glimpse of what Hout Bay has to offer once the sun has set read our article on nightlife in this beachside suburb. Subscribe to our monthly free newsletter and find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest information about Cape Town and surrounds.