One&Only Cape Town is the Waterfront's resort hotel, set on its own island beside the marina in the middle of the working harbour, with Table Mountain behind and the Atlantic ahead. The page lists 131 rooms in 21 room types, so there is plenty of choice from standard rooms to suites with terraces. The scale and the layout feel like a resort rather than a city hotel: low buildings, courtyards and walkways, a long outdoor pool with cabanas for rent and loungers and umbrellas, and a lobby that opens onto the water. Guests rate it 9.6 out of 10 from nearly 400 reviews. The dining line-up is the main draw, with Nobu, Isola and Rooi among the restaurants and the Vista Bar and Lounge for drinks. The One&Only Spa has twelve treatment rooms, and reservations are required. Other facilities include a hot tub, sauna and steam room, a 24-hour gym, yoga classes, a free children's club, a playground and an arcade, free Wi-Fi and free self and valet parking, with height restrictions. A free buffet breakfast is included with rooms according to the page.
Choosing a room. The range is broad, so pick by purpose. Garden-view rooms suit a quiet stay; marina and mountain views are better for first-time visitors; suites with terraces and larger layouts suit families and longer trips. Ask about room location relative to the main pool if you want to be close to the action, or further away if you prefer quiet. Check the details of what is included in the rate, since the page lists breakfast as included but treatments, cabanas and the airport shuttle are extras.
What to know. The pool is open from 8 AM to 8 PM and cabanas carry a surcharge. The spa does not admit guests under 12, and guests under 16 need adult supervision, so plan family time around those rules. Late check-out is subject to availability and a fee.
Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome. The airport shuttle runs on request and is charged per vehicle. The page's restaurant information is not entirely consistent about the number of restaurants, so look at the hotel's current dining list before you plan meals, and reserve Nobu and other popular tables early in the high season.
Who it suits. This is the best Waterfront hotel for families who want facilities, with a free children's club, a playground and an arcade, and for couples who want a resort feel in the city. It also suits food-focused visitors, since Nobu and Isola are among the city's best-known dining names, and anyone who plans to spend time at the hotel rather than only sleeping in it.
If you want a smaller, quieter and more traditional hotel nearby, Cape Grace is a short walk away; if you prefer a design-led contemporary atmosphere, try the Silo. For a luxury stay with something for everyone, this is a strong choice.
Why stay here
- ✓131 rooms across 21 room types
- ✓Nobu and Isola restaurants
- ✓Vista Bar and Lounge
- ✓One&Only Spa with 12 treatment rooms
- ✓Outdoor pool with cabanas
- ✓Free kids club and playground
- ✓24-hour gym and yoga classes
- ✓Free self and valet parking
Good questions
Is One&Only Cape Town good for families?+
Yes. It has a free children's club, a playground and an arcade, though the spa admits only guests over 12 and under-16s need supervision.
Which restaurants are at the hotel?+
The page lists Nobu, Isola and Rooi, with the Vista Bar and Lounge for drinks. Check the hotel's current dining list, as the page is not fully consistent.
Is breakfast included?+
The page lists a free buffet breakfast with the rooms. Confirm what your specific rate includes when you reserve.
