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3-star hotels in Salt River
A shortlist of 3-star hotels for travellers considering Salt River, the working suburb north-east of Cape Town's centre known for its February mural festival. Every property here sits in the surrounding Milnerton, Lagoon Beach and Brooklyn addresses rather than in Salt River itself, so use it as a base for a longer, budget-minded stay.
Staying in Salt River
Salt River is a working industrial suburb, not a postcard. Its reputation rests on walls: the public art festival each February adds murals four and five storeys high to factories and apartment blocks around Salt River Circle, Cecil Road and Voortrekker Road, painted by artists from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lagos and Europe. The densest cluster of painted walls sits within 600 metres of Salt River Circle. Come for street art and the food, not for sea views or green space, and treat the streets after dark with real caution.
The hotels on this list do not sit in Salt River itself; their addresses place them along Lagoon Beach Drive, Lagoon Gate Drive, Four Jays Road and Algoa Road on the Milnerton and Lagoon Beach side, with others on Kings Rd, Bancroft St, Steenbras Street in Brooklyn and Da Gama Street. They suit longer stays, film or project work in the area, and travellers on a hard budget who want self-catering apartments and free parking. Couples on a first, short Cape Town trip are better based in Green Point or Kalk Bay and visiting Salt River in daylight; families and business guests will find the apartment-style units and 24-hour desks the most practical.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Cape Breeze
229 Kings Rd, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereCape Breeze suits travellers who want a simple base with a 24 hour front desk and free car parking on Kings Rd. The bar is handy for an evening drink without leaving the property. With a 4.8 guest rating from 51 reviews, it is a strong pick among Salt River's 3-star stays for guests who value easy parking and round-the-clock reception.
See Cape Breeze219 Lagoon Beach
Lagoon Beach Drive Cape Town South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay here219 Lagoon Beach is built for longer, self-catering stays: each unit has a kitchen with an oven, microwave and refrigerator, plus a washing machine for laundry. The outdoor pool and garden give families room to spread out. Rated 4.5 from 24 reviews, it suits guests who want to cook their own meals and still be close to the beach.
See 219 Lagoon BeachUnit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites
Lagoongate Road Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereUnit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites puts guests beside a private beach, with an outdoor pool and garden on site. Bottled water, toiletries and a hairdryer are provided, and non smoking rooms keep the air clean. Its 4.2 rating from 24 reviews reflects a comfortable choice for couples or small groups who want beach access and a shuttle service.
See Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury SuitesCape Beach Penthouse
Lagoon Beach 316, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereCape Beach Penthouse earns a 5.0 rating from 10 reviews, and its top-floor position brings sea and river views from the balcony and patio. Families have family rooms and a picnic area, while the kitchen and dishwasher make longer stays easy. A canoe and fishing gear suit guests who want to spend their days on the water.
See Cape Beach PenthouseLagoon Beach Hotel Apartments
1 Lagoon Gate Drive Lagoon Beach Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereLagoon Beach Hotel Apartments combines apartment living with hotel services: a kitchen, fitness center, business center and babysitting service sit alongside a bar and restaurant. Guests can start the day with breakfast or breakfast in room. At 4.4 from 7 reviews, it works for families and business travellers who want a full-service base near the beach.
See Lagoon Beach Hotel ApartmentsTwinnPalms Accommodation
15 Bancroft St, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereTwinnPalms Accommodation offers a lounge with a fireplace, a garden and terrace, plus an outdoor pool. Wheelchair accessible rooms and a shuttle service add convenience, and free car parking is included. The 3.5 rating from 18 reviews points to a practical, welcoming stay for families and guests travelling with a car around Salt River.
See TwinnPalms AccommodationCape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay
3 Four Jays Road Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereCape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay places guests next to a private beach, with an outdoor pool and terrace for sunny afternoons. Each apartment has a kitchen with a microwave and toaster, and family rooms are available. It suits self-catering households who want beachfront access and room to cook together.
See Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure BayLeisure Bay 306 By Ctha
Lagoon Gate Drive Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereLeisure Bay 306 By Ctha is a compact choice for guests who want to fish, surf or ride horses, all offered among its facilities. An outdoor pool and terrace provide space to relax after a day out, and a shuttle service is available. Free car parking and wheelchair accessible access make it easy for drivers and guests with mobility needs.
See Leisure Bay 306 By CthaLagoon Beach Luxury Apartments
1 Lagoon Beach Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereLagoon Beach Luxury Apartments gives guests sea views along with a kitchen fitted with an oven, microwave and washing machine. The outdoor pool and family rooms suit groups, and cots are available for infants. Non smoking rooms and lifts add comfort for travellers settling in for a longer Salt River stay.
See Lagoon Beach Luxury ApartmentsAloha Lodge
6 Algoa Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereAloha Lodge pairs a garden, lounge and fireplace with an outdoor pool and pool bar, and breakfast can be served in your room. Canoeing, diving and surfing are among the activities on offer nearby. It appeals to families and active guests who want a relaxed lodge with plenty of ways to fill the day.
See Aloha LodgeThe Brookston
The Brookton 12 Steenbras Street;Brooklyn, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Brookston provides air conditioned apartments with a kitchenette, microwave and oven, making it a good fit for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals. Family rooms, a garden and free car parking add to the practical setup. Housekeeping and laundry service keep longer stays running smoothly in this Salt River base.
See The BrookstonLeisure Bay 229
Lagoon Gate Drive Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereLeisure Bay 229 keeps things easy with a restaurant, bar and outdoor pool on site, plus a garden and terrace. Beach access is close by, and free Wifi and parking are included. It suits travellers who want meals and evening drinks handled for them while staying near the water.
See Leisure Bay 229Lagoon Beach 136 by CTHA
123 Lagoon Beach Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereLagoon Beach 136 by CTHA is a straightforward apartment option with a kitchen including an oven, microwave and refrigerator, plus a bath in the bathroom. Lifts make upper floors simple to reach, and non smoking rooms keep the environment clean. It works well for guests who want to cook and stay close to Lagoon Beach Drive.
See Lagoon Beach 136 by CTHALeisure Bay 207
Lagoon Gate Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereLeisure Bay 207 is a minimal, no-fuss stay with free car parking on Lagoon Gate Drive and lifts for easy access to the rooms. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, making it suitable for guests with mobility needs who want a simple place to sleep in Salt River.
See Leisure Bay 207Oria Guesthouse
122 Da Gama Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereOria Guesthouse offers a salt water pool and outdoor pool, a bar and a banquet space, with breakfast served in the dining area or in your room. A 24 hour front desk, air conditioning and room service add convenience. It suits guests who want guesthouse hospitality with several facilities on site.
See Oria Guesthouse
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Breeze | ★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| 219 Lagoon Beach | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Cape Beach Penthouse | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TwinnPalms Accommodation | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Leisure Bay 306 By Ctha | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Aloha Lodge | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Brookston | ★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Leisure Bay 229 | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes |
| Lagoon Beach 136 by CTHA | ★★★ | – | – | – |
| Leisure Bay 207 | ★★★ | Yes | – | – |
| Oria Guesthouse | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For longer stays
These properties carry kitchens or kitchenettes, which makes them workable for multi-week stays in the area. Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments, Cape Beach Penthouse, Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay and Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments all add laundry service; The Brookston and 219 Lagoon Beach keep things simple with a kitchen, microwave and oven. Oria Guesthouse adds a 24-hour front desk and room service.
219 Lagoon Beach · Cape Beach Penthouse · Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments · Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay · Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments · The Brookston
For families
Family rooms appear at Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments, Cape Beach Penthouse, TwinnPalms Accommodation, Aloha Lodge, Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay, Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments, The Brookston and Oria Guesthouse. Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments also lists babysitting service and cots, and several of these have outdoor pools and gardens for children to use between outings.
Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments · Cape Beach Penthouse · TwinnPalms Accommodation · Aloha Lodge · Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay · Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments
Top guest ratings
Cape Beach Penthouse holds a 5.0 rating from 10 reviews, Cape Breeze 4.8 from 51, and 219 Lagoon Beach 4.5 from 24. All three are 3-star. Cape Breeze pairs its score with bars and a 24-hour front desk; the other two are apartment-style with kitchens, and 219 Lagoon Beach adds a garden and outdoor pool.
Self-catering with a pool
A pool plus cooking facilities suits guests staying several weeks. 219 Lagoon Beach, Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites, TwinnPalms Accommodation, Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay, Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments, Aloha Lodge and Oria Guesthouse all list an outdoor or salt water pool alongside a kitchen or kitchenette, and most include free car parking on site.
219 Lagoon Beach · Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites · TwinnPalms Accommodation · Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay · Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments · Aloha Lodge
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
From the Salt River station footbridge you can watch the Southern Line peel off toward Muizenberg while the Northern Line runs east to Bellville, the busiest passenger junction in the Western Cape. The crossing is free, takes about ten minutes, and is best done in daylight with your phone out of sight and no lingering on the platforms. Albert Road runs continuously from Salt River Circle to the Old Biscuit Mill in about 20 minutes on flat ground, past the Salt Circle Arcade and Woodstock Brewery; do that walk between mid-morning and early afternoon.
When to go
February is the month that matters here: the main public art festival brings international and South African artists to paint new large-format murals across Salt River and lower Woodstock over roughly two weeks. Walls are added each edition, so the route grows while older pieces sometimes disappear, and the paintings stay up all year. For the murals themselves, go between 9am and noon when the light hits the west-facing walls, and take a local guide rather than walking it alone with a camera.
Things to do near Salt River
- A Day in Woodstock and Salt River: Cape Town's Creative Neighbourhoods
- Cape Town Neighbourhood Food Crawl: From Salt River to the City Bowl
- Constantia vs Salt River: Picking the Right Cape Town Base
- Salt River area guide: who should book here
- Salt River in October: Creative Studios, Coffee and Somewhere Quiet to Sleep
- Salt River in October: studios, street art and safe evening walks
- Where to Stay for Cape Town's Street Art: Woodstock vs Salt River
Questions, answered
Is there free parking at these hotels?
Free car parking is listed at Cape Breeze, 219 Lagoon Beach, Cape Beach Penthouse, Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments, TwinnPalms Accommodation, Leisure Bay 306 By Ctha, Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments, Aloha Lodge, The Brookston and Oria Guesthouse. Others such as Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites and Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay list parking without specifying that it is free.
Which of these hotels is closest to central Cape Town?
The listed addresses sit around Lagoon Beach, Milnerton and Brooklyn, and the data does not give distances to the centre. Use the addresses when booking: Kings Rd, Bancroft St, Da Gama Street and Steenbras Street in Brooklyn are the ones to check against your own plans.
Do any of these hotels have a pool?
Yes. An outdoor pool is listed at 219 Lagoon Beach, Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites, TwinnPalms Accommodation, Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay, Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments, Leisure Bay 306 By Ctha, Aloha Lodge, Leisure Bay 229 and Oria Guesthouse, which adds a salt water pool as well.
Which is the highest-rated hotel on this shortlist?
Cape Beach Penthouse has a guest rating of 5.0 from 10 reviews. Cape Breeze follows with 4.8 from 51 reviews, and 219 Lagoon Beach with 4.5 from 24. All three are 3-star properties, so the scores reflect very different numbers of guest reviews.
Which hotels are best for families?
Family rooms are listed at Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments, Cape Beach Penthouse, TwinnPalms Accommodation, Aloha Lodge, Cape Town Beachfront Apartments at Leisure Bay, Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments, The Brookston and Oria Guesthouse. Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments also offers babysitting service and cots, useful with younger children.
Can I cook in these hotels?
Several are self-catering. 219 Lagoon Beach, Cape Beach Penthouse, Lagoon Beach Hotel Apartments, Lagoon Beach Luxury Apartments and The Brookston list a kitchen with oven or microwave, while Unit 323 Leisure Bay Luxury Suites, Aloha Lodge and Oria Guesthouse list kitchenettes or kitchen facilities alongside a fridge and microwave.
Is Salt River safe to walk around?
In daylight, on the main roads and with normal city sense, the site says yes: it is a busy working suburb. It is not a place to stroll after dark, the streets around the station and the yards are best crossed in a vehicle at night, and anyone photographing the murals should go with a local guide rather than alone.
When should I visit for the murals?
The main public art festival runs in February each year, when new large-format murals go up across Salt River and lower Woodstock over roughly two weeks. The paintings stay up all year, but walls are added each edition and older pieces sometimes disappear, so February gives you the newest work.