iKhaya Lodge, Dunkley Square

THIS is a favourite brunch stop for the fashion set who work in the nearby design and publishing houses. Blissfully quiet at night, it’s just a short hop from Long Street, which is home to the city’s trendiest bars and clubs.

Best of the 20 rooms are the split level loft suites with Table Mountain views from private terraces. Free secure parking is an added bonus. From £85.

Details: 00 27 21 461 8880, www.ikhayalodge.co.za.

CasaBlanca, Fresnaye

THIS guest house is almost hidden in a prime lookout spot in one of the city’s most fashionable seaside enclaves. The owner Priscilla Stepan and her Czech husband are world travellers with eclectic tastes. As a result the five rooms here are an ethnic chic mix of local art, Rajasthani beds and fabrics with Far Eastern touches. The top two have the best views.

There’s a 24-hour honesty bar, permanent tea trolley on the go and an open-plan kitchen where you can admire Priscilla’s impressive teapot collection. Breakfast is served on the pool terrace. From £64.

Details: 434 1385, www.casablanca.co.za.

Whale Cottage, Camps Bay

OVERLOOKING one of Cape Town’s coolest beaches, yet still within minutes of the city. Less grand than the big beach-side hotels, it attracts surfers and a cosmopolitan crowd of mixed ages. It has a sweet seaside feel with lots of blues, Punch and Judy stripes and fishy details, which include the crockery and spoons.

It’s on a noisy road which hums all night, but compensates with sea views from a balcony or terrace and two dipping pools. Breakfast is continental, but substantial.

Restaurants, including Blues, popular with visiting rock bands and celebrities, are a short stroll away. £95.

Details: 438 3840, www.whalecottage.com.

The Bishops’ Court

IN A hushed leafy suburb near Constantia, around the corner from Nelson Mandela’s house and the Kirstenbosch Gardens, is one of the smartest addresses in town. Its four rooms are House and Garden-style perfection with generous bathrooms and terrace or balcony with Table Mountain views.

It’s 15 minutes from town, but worth the drive for the peaceful gardens, tennis court and sparkling pool. Gigi, the resident chauffeur, will take you shopping, or out to dinner. From £136.

Details: 797 6710, www.thebishopscourt.com.

Cotswold House, Milnerton

LOCATED in a quiet western suburb, 20 minutes’ drive from Table Mountain, handy for the “active coast” with windsurfing, canoeing and a links golf course across the road. It’s an attractive Cape Dutch gabled homestead, with seven en suite rooms and a large pool. There’s also a smart drawing room with oatmeal sofas, piano and a convivial bar. From £74.

Details: 551 3637, www.cotswoldguesthouse.com.

All prices are per night for two people, sharing a double room, with breakfast.

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