Accomodation in Cape Town?

[FritziGreenEyes]

We are taking DD (5) to South Africa during the Christmas holidays. Neither DH or I have ever been there.
We are flying to Cape Town and have two weeks to get to Port Elizabeth. I have figured out what would be great places to see and to stay along the Garden Route but have no idea what would be a good base to stay at in Cape Town at the beginning of our journey. I would be grateful for any recommendations or tips .

I would stay in suburbs like Constantia or Simon's town as the centre of Cape Town can be really quite intimidating in the evenings. Though unless you have a real desire to see Cape Town I personally would turn left out of the airport and head for Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay or Stellenbosch.

I used the Portfolio Collection for B&Bs when we did the Garden Route and every single place we stayed was fabulous.

I've just browsed the Cape Town B&Bs on the Portfolio Collection website and I want to go, NOW. I think it was the Blue Gum we stayed in.

I would be jealous, but I am off to Joburg and the Kruger Park in October so neh...

lizcat and exit Thanks that's very helpful! Will do some more research later

You could head to the Waterfront area - some good hotels and B&Bs and it's safe in the evenings if you want to walk about to a restaurant. Would recommend eating cheaply at Quay Four during the day. I know you have a baby with you but the red bus tours are very good.

We stayed at the Victoria & Alfred hotel on the Waterfront - here
which was fab - right in the middle of loads of restaurants. We took the boat to Robben Island from here too.

camps bay is lovely, its right on fab beach, nice restaurants, great places to stay and a short taxi ride to the waterfront etc so more convenient than being out in stellenbosh etc - you can go to those for the day, I have stayed there a couple of times its not intimidating or anything like that, its trendy, family friendly and has great views.

would be interested in hearing how your trip goes, thinking of taking my dcs next year - have done the garden route before but not with dcs - what are your plans (so I can pinch them...!)

smackerel and smackerel Have heard good things about Waterfront and think it would be a good option. I think it would also suit us better to stay rather close to Cape Town at the beginning as there will be enough driving involved for the rest of the holiday.

gmc I will report back next year .

We stayed for 8 nights in Hotel Protea President in Bantry Bay which was about a five minute drive to V & A waterfront and quite close to Camps Bay . This hotel made a great base for exploring the wonderful Caprpe Town and surrounding areas. Parking was secure and I think not too expensive and the breakfast and pool were lovely. Have a great trip .

We stayed at the Victoria and Alfred too, right on the waterfront, felt very safe with plenty of places to eat within safe walking distance and seals practically on the pavement right outside the hotel !!

Highly recommend The Tarragon..we stayed here with our 10 month old it was just gorgeous...
www.thetarragon.com/index.htm

Here are some kid friendly things to do too...

We all loved this too... www.aquarium.co.za/ and this www.capetown-traveladviser.com/boulders-beach-simonstown.html and this www.aboutcapetown.com/kirstenbosch.htm and worth the drive www.capepoint.co.za/

and this is a gorgeous beach worth a visit www.go2africa.com/south-africa/cape-town/camps-bay and when you go to the Aquarium go to the V&A Waterfront www.waterfront.co.za/Pages/Welcome.aspx

Have fun, we'd love to go back...

Hi there. Portfolio colletion can be quite expensive. Depends what you want. A bit out of cape town ie the strand/Somerset west/stellenbosch is also lovely, lots of vineyards with kids suitable activities like pony drawn carriages etc.

I prefer self catering and SA-venues website is great for that.

We are going around the same time -mind you are from SA! But we love it as a holiday destination now we live in the UK!

Happy to help if you need more info.

Other things:
Two oceans aquarium great
V&A waterfront lots to do incl pirate type boats that go on trips
Restaurants that are franchise like and cater for kids eg SPUR ( steakhouse with play areas etc)

Enjoy!

I can highly recommend this place. In Constantia and walking distance to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We stayed there a couple of years ago when ds was 4. Really really friendly hosts and not too expensive. Easy and quick drive to the V&A waterfront.