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4-star hotels in Clifton
A shortlist of 4-star hotels and apartments in Clifton, Cape Town, chosen for travellers who want the sheltered coves, the sea views and the quiet, and who accept that dinner means a short drive. Ratings here run from 4.3 to 4.8 out of 5.
Staying in Clifton
Clifton is four sheltered coves below some of the most expensive real estate in Africa, reached by long stairways with no parking on the beach side. The beaches have distinct characters: First is the quietest and the longest walk, Second is young and toned, Third has historically been the gay beach and remains the friendliest, and Fourth is the blue-flag one, busiest, with lifeguards and the Bungalow bar on the road above. At 9pm Clifton is silent, so dinner means driving five minutes to Camps Bay or ten to Sea Point.
Almost everything here is a self-catering apartment or a villa on the terraces below Victoria Road, and these hotels sit in exactly that band: addresses on Victoria Road, Kloof Road, Top Road, Coeur De Lion, Solomons Road and Kings Road, with a few entries on Beach Road, Alexander Road and Regent Road just beyond. It suits couples and small groups who want space and a kitchen, and short-break visitors who do not mind stairs. Families fit best where family rooms and pools are listed. Guests who want a restaurant row outside the door should look further north.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Coeur De Lion 5
5 Coeur De Lion, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereCoeur De Lion 5 sits on its own named street in Clifton, a 4-star address with a 4.8 guest rating from 503 reviews. Wheelchair accessible, it suits couples and small families who want a quiet, well-run base in the area.
See Coeur De Lion 5Fairmont 204
6 Solomons Road 204 Fairmont, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereFairmont 204 on Solomons Road combines a 4-star class with a 4.7 guest rating across 1400 reviews. An outdoor pool and terrace handle sunny hours, while the concierge and multilingual staff make arrivals and plans straightforward. Lifts and wheelchair access add ease, and free car parking and free Wifi are included. Good for longer stays and guests who value service on hand.
See Fairmont 204Sea Haven
No.37 Clifton 3 1 2 Beach Victoria Rd Clifton Clifton 3 1 2 Beachcape Townwestern Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereSea Haven is a 4-star Clifton property rated 4.7 by 585 guests. Its outdoor pool and terrace are the obvious draws, and the lounge gives you an indoor spot to retreat to. Free Wifi and parking keep the essentials covered. With a compact set of facilities, it suits travellers who want a simple, well-rated base close to the beachside address it occupies.
See Sea HavenLatitude Aparthotel by Totalstay
4 Kings Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereLatitude Aparthotel by Totalstay on Kings Road is a 4-star apart-hotel with a 4.7 rating from 356 reviews. Each unit comes with a kitchen, oven, dishwasher and microwave, so self-catering is genuinely practical, and the outdoor pool and terrace add outdoor space. There is beach nearby, a 24-hour front desk and free car parking. Best for families and longer stays.
See Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay26 Third Beach Clifton
22 Victoria Rd. Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay here26 Third Beach Clifton is a 4-star property on Victoria Road, rated 4.6 from 1365 reviews. The outdoor pool and terrace are the main spaces, with a lounge for quieter moments and multilingual staff to help. Free car parking removes a common Clifton hassle. It suits guests who want a proven, well-reviewed base with straightforward facilities and no fuss.
See 26 Third Beach Clifton25 Third Beach Clifton
22 Victoria Rd. Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay here25 Third Beach Clifton shares the Victoria Road address and the same 4-star class, holding a 4.6 guest rating from 1365 reviews. An outdoor pool and terrace anchor the outdoor areas, a lounge provides indoor seating, and multilingual staff and free car parking round it off. A sensible choice for travellers who prefer a compact, consistently rated property.
See 25 Third Beach CliftonSea Lion
20 Top Road Clifton Cliftoncape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereSea Lion on Top Road is a 4-star Clifton property with an exceptional 4.8 rating, though from a smaller base of 91 reviews. The outdoor pool, garden and terrace give several places to relax, and the sauna adds something different. Concierge, babysitting service and multilingual staff support families and longer stays. Free car parking is included.
See Sea LionCape View Clifton
232 Kloof Road Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
Why stay hereCape View Clifton on Kloof Road is a 4-star property rated 4.8 from 67 reviews, a small and highly regarded address. Air conditioning and lifts are provided, along with Wifi and a swimming pool. The facility list is deliberately short, so this suits guests who want a simple, well-rated place to stay rather than a full-service hotel.
See Cape View CliftonPeninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts
313 Beach Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay herePeninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts on Beach Road is a 4-star all-suite property with a 4.5 rating from 2048 reviews. Suites bring kitchen and kitchenette facilities, and the fitness centre, gymnasium and outdoor pool cover both training and lounging. Beach nearby, family rooms and babysitting service make it work for families. A large, established option.
See Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream ResortsThe Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay
8 Alexander Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereThe Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay on Alexander Road is a 4-star apart-hotel rated 4.5 by 1149 guests. Kitchen and kitchenette facilities, plus microwave and refrigerator, make self-catering easy, and there is an outdoor pool and garden. Beach nearby, family rooms and free car parking suit longer family stays. A dependable, well-reviewed choice.
See The Bantry Aparthotel by TotalstayPresident Hotel
4 Alexander Road, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay herePresident Hotel on Alexander Road is a 4-star property with a 4.4 rating drawn from 4653 reviews, the largest review base here. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness centre and beach nearby, plus family rooms, babysitting service and a playground for children. Pets are allowed. A full-scale hotel suited to families and guests wanting extensive on-site facilities.
See President HotelTenonq C8
C8 Tenonq 10 Quendon Road Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereTenonq C8 on Quendon Road is a 4-star apartment-style option rated 4.4 from 209 reviews. A kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and fridge supports self-catering, and the outdoor pool and terrace add outside space. Air conditioning and lifts are provided. Best for guests who want a quiet, practical apartment with parking included.
See Tenonq C8O on Kloof
Kloof Road Sea Point 92, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereO on Kloof on Kloof Road is a 4-star property with a 4.4 rating from 193 reviews. It stands out for its spa, indoor pool and jacuzzi, with massage available, plus a garden and terrace. Beach nearby and free car parking are useful additions. It suits guests looking for a wellness-focused stay rather than a large resort.
See O on KloofNewkings Boutique Hotel
94 Regent Rd, Cape Town, South Africa
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereNewkings Boutique Hotel on Regent Road is a 4-star boutique property rated 4.3 by 526 guests. Bars and a restaurant are on site, and the shuttle service helps with getting around. A good fit for guests who want dining and drinks without leaving the property.
See Newkings Boutique HotelNautica Vista
1 Lower Kloof Road Nautica Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wifi
Why stay hereNautica Vista on Lower Kloof Road is a 4-star Clifton property with a 4.6 rating from 28 reviews, a very small sample. Facilities are limited to Wifi, TV and a safe, so it suits guests who want a straightforward, well-rated room rather than on-site amenities. Its Clifton position is the main draw.
See Nautica Vista
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coeur De Lion 5 | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 503 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Fairmont 204 | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,400 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Sea Haven | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 585 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 356 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 26 Third Beach Clifton | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,365 | Yes | – | Yes |
| 25 Third Beach Clifton | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,365 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Sea Lion | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 91 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Cape View Clifton | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 67 | – | – | Yes |
| Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 2,048 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 1,149 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| President Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 4,653 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tenonq C8 | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 209 | Yes | – | Yes |
| O on Kloof | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 193 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Newkings Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 526 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Nautica Vista | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 28 | – | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts, The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay, President Hotel and Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay all list family rooms. Peninsula All Suite Hotel and President Hotel add cots and babysitting service, The Bantry adds a playground at President Hotel and games room at Peninsula, and all four have an outdoor pool.
Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts · The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay · President Hotel · Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay
Top-rated stays
The highest guest scores in this shortlist belong to Coeur De Lion 5 and Sea Lion at 4.8 out of 5, and Cape View Clifton at 4.8, with Fairmont 204 at 4.7 across 1,400 reviews. Sea Lion and Coeur De Lion 5 both list a garden and an outdoor pool, Cape View Clifton lists a pool, and Fairmont 204 adds a concierge.
Coeur De Lion 5 · Sea Lion · Cape View Clifton · Fairmont 204
With a pool
Most addresses here list a pool. Sea Haven, 26 Third Beach Clifton, 25 Third Beach Clifton and Sea Lion sit closest to the sand and all have one. O on Kloof is the only one listing an indoor pool alongside a spa and jacuzzi; Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts adds a jacuzzi, sauna and massage at Sea Lion.
Coeur De Lion 5 · Fairmont 204 · Sea Haven · 26 Third Beach Clifton · 25 Third Beach Clifton · Cape View Clifton
Self-catering
Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay lists a kitchen, dishwasher, oven and microwave. The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay and Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts list kitchen and kitchenette, and Tenonq C8 adds a kitchen, dishwasher and barbeque. All four have lifts, which matters for luggage on these terraces.
Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay · Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts · The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay · Tenonq C8
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Clifton is reached along Victoria Road, which runs above the four coves, with Kloof Road climbing above it and the bungalow lanes dropping toward First and Second Beach. There is no parking at the beaches themselves. The blue-flag Fourth Beach is reached by the stairway opposite the bus stop on Victoria Road. Dinner means driving five minutes to Camps Bay or ten to Sea Point, and in high season that means finding a parking bay again on your return, so secure off-street parking matters: it is listed at Coeur De Lion 5, Fairmont 204, 26 Third Beach Clifton, 25 Third Beach Clifton, Sea Lion, Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay, The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay and O on Kloof, but it is not universal here.
When to go
January is the peak of the Cape summer and the blue-flag Fourth Beach fills early: go before 10am at a January weekend or the stairways become a queue. Vendors hire loungers and umbrellas for the day, which is worth it on Fourth in January. Outside high summer the coves are quieter, and the sheltered corner under the boulders stays calm when the wind is up. Whatever the season, ask how many stairs run from the parking to the front door and from the door to the sand, and check the tide table before scrambling the headlands.
Things to do near Clifton
Questions, answered
Which of these Clifton hotels are closest to the beach?
Sea Haven, 26 Third Beach Clifton, 25 Third Beach Clifton and Sea Lion all carry Clifton addresses at or just off Victoria Road and Top Road, closest to the sand. Note that every one of them is reached by stairways, and none has beach-side parking; a few list free car parking further up.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
President Hotel on Alexander Road is the only hotel in this shortlist that lists pets allowed. It holds a 4.4 out of 5 guest rating across 4,653 reviews, and also lists family rooms, a playground, cots, babysitting service, a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
Which Clifton hotels have a pool or spa?
O on Kloof lists an indoor pool, spa, jacuzzi and massage, and is the strongest wellness option here. Sea Lion adds a sauna alongside its outdoor pool. Coeur De Lion 5, Fairmont 204, Sea Haven, Cape View Clifton, Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay, Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts and The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay all list outdoor pools.
Which hotel suits families best?
For space and catering, Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay, The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay, Peninsula All Suite Hotel by Dream Resorts and President Hotel list family rooms. President Hotel adds a playground and babysitting service, Peninsula All Suite Hotel adds a games room, and all four have a pool.
Which is the top-rated pick in this shortlist?
Three hotels share the top score of 4.8 out of 5: Coeur De Lion 5 with 503 reviews, Sea Lion with 91, and Cape View Clifton with 67. For volume of recent guest feedback, Fairmont 204 is rated 4.7 from 1,400 reviews.
Is parking available at these Clifton hotels?
Several list free car parking, including Coeur De Lion 5, Fairmont 204, Sea Lion, Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay, The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay and O on Kloof. It matters here because the beach road itself has no parking, so confirm the arrangement before booking.
Where do guests eat, if Clifton is quiet at night?
Clifton goes silent at 9pm, and the Bungalow above Third Beach, a terrace bar and restaurant over the rocks, closes reasonably early. Expect to drive five minutes to Camps Bay or ten to Sea Point for dinner most nights, or to stay at Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay, The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay or Tenonq C8, which list kitchen facilities.
Which Clifton hotels work for guests with limited mobility?
Coeur De Lion 5 and Fairmont 204 both list wheelchair accessible facilities, and Fairmont 204, Latitude Aparthotel by Totalstay, The Bantry Aparthotel by Totalstay and President Hotel list lifts. Clifton properties generally sit on terraces reached by long stairways, so ask about access from parking to the front door.