The Cape Heritage Hotel is one of the most characterful small hotels in the city centre, tucked into Heritage Square at 90 Bree Street, a short walk from the Bo-Kaap, Long Street and the Company's Garden. The building is a historic one, and the courtyard it surrounds is lined with restaurants, with the page listing six on-site restaurants, among them HQ and Africa Cafe, plus a bar and lounge and a coffee shop. The page shows the hotel as a four-class property with a review score of 9.8 out of 10 from 306 reviews, one of the strongest scores of any Cape Town hotel of its size, and it lists 11 rooms, which is part of its appeal. Facilities include a hot tub, sauna and steam room, a gym, a terrace, a library, an art gallery, bicycle rentals, wine tours, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, in-room massages and a 24-hour front desk. Continental breakfast is available for a fee. There is no pool and no full spa, and the building has no lift, which suits some travellers and not others. Parking is available at a daily charge. Bree Street is the city's food and design strip, so the location is excellent for people who want to walk to dinner.
Choosing a room. With only eleven rooms, the room you get matters. Ask about the layout, the floor and whether the room faces the courtyard, where the restaurants and bar make evenings lively, or a quieter side. Rooms in a historic building can vary in size and shape, so describe your priorities when you reserve. Because there is no lift, ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are difficult.
What to know. The courtyard restaurants mean noise in the evening, especially on weekends, so light sleepers should ask about a quiet room or bring earplugs. The page lists parking at a daily charge, which is worth confirming, and says smoking is not allowed. There is no pool or full spa, but the hot tub, sauna and steam room provide relaxation.
Breakfast is a paid extra, but you are surrounded by cafes on Bree Street. Use a ride-hailing app after dark for trips beyond the immediate area, and enjoy the walk to the Bo-Kaap by daylight.
Who it suits. This is the right choice for couples, solo travellers, design and food lovers and anyone who wants a personal, small-scale stay in the middle of the city. It is a good base for walking to the Bo-Kaap, the museums and the restaurants of Bree and Long Streets, and for a first visit where you want to be in the thick of it.
If you want a beach or resort feel, look to Camps Bay or the Waterfront. If you want a larger city-centre hotel with a rooftop and a pool, Gorgeous George is nearby. For atmosphere and a very high guest score, Cape Heritage is a gem.
Why stay here
- ✓11 rooms in Heritage Square
- ✓Courtyard restaurants and bar
- ✓Hot tub, sauna and steam room
- ✓Gym
- ✓Art gallery and library
- ✓Bicycle rentals
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
- ✓24-hour front desk
Good questions
Where is the Cape Heritage Hotel?+
At 90 Bree Street in the city centre, in Heritage Square, within walking distance of the Bo-Kaap, Long Street and Company's Garden.
Does the hotel have a pool or spa?+
No pool or full spa is listed. It has a hot tub, sauna, steam room and gym, and in-room massages are offered.
Is there parking and a lift?+
Parking is available for a daily charge, and the page notes there is no elevator, so ask for a ground-floor room if stairs are a problem.
