Ellerman House

If you want to experience true, old-school quiet luxury that completely shuns flashy tourist traps, Ellerman House is the finest boutique hotel in Cape Town. Perched above the dramatic ocean cliffs of Bantry Bay, stepping into this elegant 1906 Edwardian mansion feels less like a hotel and entirely like your own private, ultra-exclusive coastal estate. With only a handful of rooms, the level of personalized, intuitive service is mind-blowing. The property is essentially a world-class art gallery, holding over two centuries of spectacular local masterpieces. What truly sets it apart are the incredible, thoughtful inclusions: a fully stocked complimentary minibar with top-shelf spirits, daily laundry returned beautifully wrapped like a gift, and a showstopping 7,500-bottle wine cellar modeled after a giant carbon corkscrew. My absolute favorite detail was the 24-hour guest pantry, which is fully stocked with freshly baked pastries, cakes, and treats that you can sneak down to in your pajamas. Sitting by the ocean-facing pool with a cocktail as the sun goes down over the Atlantic is pure magic. Absolutely flawless.

From the moment we arrived at Ellerman House, we were treated to an exceptional level of hospitality. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between exclusive elegance and warm comfort, and starting the evening soaking in the spectacular ocean views was unforgettable. The dinner itself was wonderful, with beautifully presented dishes that were thoroughly enjoyable, the culinary execution perfectly match the property's world-class standards. What truly made our evening extraordinary, however, was the experience after dinner. We were fortunate enough to be treated to a tour of the beautiful grounds, including a visit to the stunning contemporary art gallery led by the restaurant manager, Adrian, whose insight was fantastic. To cap off a perfect night, we had a lovely conversation with Ryan while sipping incredible gin cocktails crafted from Ellerman House's very own artisanal gin brand. It is these deeply personal touches and impeccable hospitality that make this place so special.

My husband and I had visited Cape Town many times previously, but this time opted to stay in Ellerman House. Without doubt, this was one of our finest experiences. With only 11 rooms and a warm, friendly, attentive and service oriented staff, our stay was a delight and extremely memorable. We couldn't recommend this hotel more highly. We look forward to a return visit in the future !!

Our stay at Ellerman House was truly one of the most special hotel experiences we have ever had. From the moment we arrived, it felt less like a hotel and more like being welcomed into your own extraordinarily beautiful private home. The property itself is incredibly peaceful, with outdoor spaces that are beyond stunning. The views are simply unbeatable — looking out over the ocean feels almost surreal, and it’s the kind of setting that immediately calms you and makes you slow down. Every moment spent there felt serene and intentional. What truly makes Ellerman House exceptional, though, is the people. The staff are on another level — incredibly warm, attentive, and high-touch, anticipating every need without ever feeling intrusive. The level of care and personalization throughout our stay made us feel genuinely looked after in a way that is very rare. The tours arranged by the hotel completely elevated our experience in Cape Town. They gave us such a deep appreciation for the city, its history, and its culture, and made everything we saw feel richer and more meaningful. Our guide, Aslam, was especially wonderful — so sociable, knowledgeable, and genuinely fun to spend our days with. It felt like exploring the city with a friend who truly loves and understands it. Service across the board — from breakfast to the restaurant to the concierge — was flawless and deeply luxurious, yet still warm and relaxed. Every detail felt thoughtful, every interaction personal. When it came time to leave, I genuinely felt like I was leaving home. Ellerman House is not just a place to stay — it’s an experience, and one we will treasure. We cannot wait to return and stay here again.

AMAZING... The views, the service, the art, the bar, the food... Everything was so perfect. We can here just for the dinner, but were received very nicely in this very selective boutique Hotel. First, we were welcome and guided to the garden and our table. It was too early to eat, so we had a cocktail at the bar and a walk in the garden. The guided tour in the gallery was super interesting, as well as the cellar... The food was divine, from the amuses bouche to the dessert. Super well prepared kingklip, and delicious financier. And this view... I'm blown away!