Cape Grace occupies a private quay at the edge of the V&A Waterfront's West Quay, so the water is on three sides and the working harbour is a few steps away. It is one of the Waterfront's older luxury addresses, managed under the Fairmont name, and it has the feel of a country house that happens to sit in a harbour: warm wood, art and antiques, an unhurried lobby and staff who learn your name. The hotel lists 112 individually furnished rooms and suites, most with views of the marina, the harbour or Table Mountain, and guests rate it 9.6 out of 10 on it uses, with perfect or near-perfect marks for cleanliness, location and service. Facilities include an outdoor pool with a children's pool, the on-site Fairmont Spa, the Heirloom restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with views over the pool, a poolside bar and a whisky bar that has a following of its own, plus free self parking and valet parking and a free English breakfast listed with the rooms. The hotel is Green Key certified and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Its location puts you within a short walk of the Waterfront's shops, restaurants and the Robben Island ferry at the Nelson Mandela Gateway.
Choosing a room. Rooms vary in size and outlook, so decide what matters most. Marina-view rooms look onto the boats and, in the distance, Table Mountain, and they are the best choice for first-time visitors who want the postcard. Rooms facing the harbour are livelier, with the working port in view. Suites give more space and are worth the step up for a longer stay.
The page lists 15 room types, so compare the descriptions and ask for a quieter side if you are a light sleeper. The marina and the pool area are calm, but the Waterfront has events and live music on summer evenings that you may hear on some sides.
What to know. The hotel is a few minutes from the Waterfront's busiest areas, which keeps it calm without isolating you. Free parking is a real convenience in a city where hire cars are common. Check-in starts at 2 PM and check-out is at noon, with express check-in available. Only service animals are allowed.
Supervised childcare is available for a surcharge, and the hotel arranges limousine and town car service. Dinner at Heirloom is relaxed and elegant, and the Waterfront offers more choice nearby if you want variety, including Nobu at the neighbouring One&Only. Free cancellation applies to selected rates, so check the terms when you reserve.
Who it suits. Cape Grace is a natural choice for couples, anniversary and honeymoon trips, families who want a high-quality Waterfront base with a children's pool and travellers who value service over spectacle. It is more traditional and quieter than the newer design hotels, and it rewards people who like a library, a good drink and a view.
If you want a contemporary glass-and-art atmosphere, the Silo is nearby; if you want a family-friendly resort feel on the same quay system, the One&Only is a short stroll away. For most visitors seeking a refined Waterfront stay, this is one of the most consistent options in the city.
Why stay here
- ✓112 rooms and suites
- ✓Outdoor pool and kids pool
- ✓Fairmont Spa
- ✓Heirloom restaurant
- ✓Whisky bar and poolside bar
- ✓Free self and valet parking
- ✓Free English breakfast listed
- ✓Green Key certified
Good questions
Where is Cape Grace?+
On West Quay Road at the V&A Waterfront, on its own quay with the marina on the doorstep and Table Mountain in view. The Waterfront's shops, restaurants and the Robben Island ferry are a short walk away.
Does Cape Grace have a spa and pool?+
Yes. The hotel has the on-site Fairmont Spa and an outdoor pool with a separate children's pool.
Is there parking?+
Yes. The hotel lists free self parking and valet parking, which is useful if you have a hire car.
