Cape Town South Africa - An Accessible Place to Stay
The view from the Taj Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Why Visit Cape Town?
Cape Town, South Africa is a beautiful, culturally rich city with a ton of things to do. I visited Cape Town as a solo female traveler and had a spectacular time. The city remains one of my favorites and hands down the best trip I’ve ever made. When I tell people I made the trip to Cape Town as a solo, disabled traveler I invariably receive two questions: Is Cape Town safe? And is Cape Town accessible to disabled travelers?
Cape Town can be perfectly safe and accessible if you stick to the right areas, do your research, and follow some basic precautions. Don’t let your fears keep you from visiting one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Again, I did it alone and not only lived to tell the tale, but I had an amazing time and found a gorgeous and accessible place to stay in one of Cape Town’s coolest neighborhoods.
There are many reasons to visit Cape Town. The weather is phenomenal year-round, it’s filled with stunning natural beauty, and the food and wine are incredible. In fact, there are 100 great reasons to visit Cape Town, South Africa. There are also a wide range of great Cape Town tours.
But let’s concentrate on your first big hurdle… where to stay in Cape Town?
What to Look For in A Hotel
A great view is pretty important to me when searching for a place to stay. With Ehlers Danlos it’s hard to predict when I’ll have a pain flare-up or feel too sick to leave the hotel. I hate traveling half a world away only to look at generic hotel art and watch CNN International while consuming crummy room service. I want to feel safe, not break the bank, and also be comfortable and have an accessible room.
Where To Stay In Cape Town:
The first thing you need to decide for yourself is the best area to stay in Cape Town. This all depends on what you want to see and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Cape Town has a lot to offer.
When it comes to specific hotels, I highly recommend the Taj Hotel Cape Town. The Taj offers great views, excellent service, accessibility, spacious rooms, and top-notch amenities. It’s also an affordable luxury hotel located within walking distance of the Company’s Garden and multiple museums. Taj offers some of the best views of Table Mountain National Park and Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, as well as a convenient home base for visiting most tourist attractions. I could literally sit in my deep soaking bathtub and look out on this stunning view of Table Mountain while caring for my aching joints.
The Taj also offers a complimentary walking tour of Cape Town city surrounding the hotel to help you get your bearings. After flying for twenty-seven hours (and getting a good night's sleep), I met my guide in the hotel lobby for a one-hour tour around the public gardens, shopping district, and nearby museums. She also gave us a brief history lesson and recommended some great places to eat/ enjoy wine tastings.
A mountain view room with a king bed, daily breakfast, and car service cost me about $200 USD / night. Looking to do Cape Town on a Budget? It can totally be done. I have a few more hotel options listed below.
More Amazing Cape Town Hotels:
If you’re wondering where to stay in Cape Town with family, on a business trip, or on a super romantic getaway, Sick Girl Travels has you covered. My favorite property, The Taj is definitely more of a business hotel but it also makes for a great solo travel hotel. The following 4 and 5-star properties are fantastic for a vacation and offer amazing Cape Town accommodations in the safest areas in Cape Town.
The Queen Victoria Hotel & Manor House: Another amazing luxury hotel in the heart of Cape Town. Located near the V&A Waterfront, The Queen Victoria hotel offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, a spectacular outdoor pool, well-appointed rooms, a gym, and a world-class spa. This is a beautiful 5-star property recognized as one of the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel: Frequently mentioned as the best place to stay in Cape Town, This 5-star, luxury hotel offers individually decorated rooms with uniquely South African charm. Belmond is a favorite with celebrities visiting Cape Town. Choose from tranquil guest house garden cottages complete with butler service, beautiful spacious suites, or well-decorated rooms featuring elegant marble bathrooms. The hotel also offers a full top-of-the-line spa and some of the best restaurants and bars in Cape Town.
Cape Heritage Hotel: Located in Cape Town’s Heritage Square, this 4-star boutique hotel is located in the heart of Cape Town’s best shopping and restaurants. Enjoy dining al fresco in the Cape Heritage Hotel’s large courtyard. Cape Heritage was voted Traveler’s Choice from 2017 to 2020.
Glen Boutique Hotel: A luxury 4-star hotel and spa with a variety of styled rooms to suit your every travel need. From deluxe balconies overlooking the swimming pool to luxurious rooms complete with a Nespresso machine and an Apple Mac, the rooms at Glen Boutique exceed every expectation. The Glen Boutique’s romantic atmosphere makes it one of the best places to stay in Cape Town for couples. Airport transfers are available from Cape Town International Airport, just request at booking. Glen Boutique also offers a variety of tours including Winelands, Safaris, Hermanus, District 6, Hout Bay, Simon’s Town, Chapman’s Peak, Bantry Bay, and more.
The Tree House Boutique Hotel: A 4-star hotel positioned in trendy Green Point within walking distance to Mouille Point, V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, the Cape Quarter, Cape Town Stadium, and the central business district. The Treehouse Hotel is surrounded by trees and offers gorgeous panoramic views of city bowl. 14 uniquely designed guest rooms show off Cape Town’s unique style and stunning natural environment.
Walking in Cape Town:
The city area is mostly flat and I found it quite easy to walk around alone with my cane. There are also many security people stationed around the city wearing brightly colored vests. They're eager to help if you have any questions or issues, or just need directions. I never felt unsafe walking around alone. Though I'm sure like any city, there are unsafe places, but if you stay in populated areas and remain aware of your surroundings, you shouldn't have any issues.
Transportation in Cape Town:
Cabs are plentiful and safe in Cape Town. However, public transportation is not safe or readily available, so I would recommend avoiding it altogether. Trains are quite old and I was warned multiple times by locals not to ride them as they frequently break down or derail. If you choose to stay at the Taj, or many of the other 4 and 5-star properties, they offer a car service you can reserve by texting the front desk. Hotels also frequently offer shuttle buses to most major attractions and/or directly arrange day trips with transportation.
With the cost of accommodations in Cape Town being so reasonable, I would highly recommend treating yourself and staying in a 4 or 5-star hotel. The plush bedding, great location, and free breakfast and shuttles are an incredible deal you don’t often find in the $100-$200 price point.
Things to Do In Cape Town and Beyond:
South Africa is a fantastic country with tons of exciting things to do and beautiful sites to see. From safaris to beaches to cultural tours and sporting events, it can be overwhelming when you first start planning your trip and you can feel like you need a Beginner’s Guide to South Africa. Fortunately, once you arrive in South Africa it’s fairly easy to get around and inexpensive to do so. This helps you knock out as many things as possible on your Ultimate South Africa Bucket List.
From wine tastings to wild game preserves, and museums to penguin-filled beaches, South Africa is a truly amazing place. You can also check out my Guide to the V&A Waterfront, Guide to Cape L’Agulhas, and my Hop on Hop Off Cape Town Guide for more inspiration and info on Cape Town’s exciting sites.
