Boulders Beach Lodge, Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula

At Boulders Beach Lodge, you can sleep and swim alongside penguins

Boulders Beach Lodge is a small country hotel exquisitely positioned next to Boulders Beach, close to Simons Town. Boulders Beach is also home to the largest colony of Jackass Penguins in Africa. The rooms, which are all en suite and have outside access. The rooms do, however,  tend to be small. The furnishings fairly basic but are reasonably comfortably  with simple, clean cut decor. Some rooms have good  views across False Bay. You should, however, note that these rooms are at the top of fairly steep stairs. Please specify your requirements on booking. There are also self-catering units available but these can be arranged on a bed and breakfast basis. Note that this is not 5 star accommodation.  Expect to see penguins visiting to see who is around but also be prepared for the sound of the penguins (rather like a donkey) which is quite noticeable especially at night. The restaurant is difficult to recommend but there are plenty of excellent places to eat in nearby Simon’s Town. The gift shop is well worth a visit with its unique penguin theme.

About Boulders Beach Lodge’s Location

The beach is just across the car park and has a small  fee during the day and it is obvious that you share it with the penguins. You will soon begin to wonder who is being watched! The beach for the breeding colony is a 10 minute walk along the attractive boardwalk and here you will find a visitor centre with everything you need to know about these fascinating birds.The interestingly renovated naval town of Simon’s Town with its restored Victorian buildings is close by and Cape Point is a 15-minute drive. Cape Town is 40 minutes away. There are some good restaurants in Simons Town and also in Kalk Bay which is a small fishing village 20 minutes away.

The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay

If you are looking for a stylish beach-side luxurious hotel – The Bay Hotel is for you

This is a well-known hotel with one of the best beach-side locations in the Cape Town area. Just 10 minutes drive from the Table Mountain Cableway and the bustling city centre; you will be a short walk across the road to one of the most popular beaches in The Cape. The accommodation and public areas has been the subject of an extensive refurbishment and in our view offers excellent accommodation at a reasonable price. The hotel has good facilities including restaurants, a wellness centre and two pools but its location means that you will be within easy walking distance of some well-rated restaurants in the busy centre of Camps Bay.

About the Location

This is a good base for touring around the scenic Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain beckons from most windows. You should note that during the main South African school holidays, especially over Christmas and New Year, the Camps Bay area becomes very busy.


O on Kloof

O on Kloof, Bantry Bay

The Perfect Boutique Hotel  set in a convenient location

In this eclectic hotel the owner, Olaf, has combined modern, almost minimalist decorations with the ultimate in luxury. The rooms are large with exceptionally spacious and well-fitted bathrooms. The honeymoon suite is on the top level with views across to the ocean. This also has the benefit of its own very private patio complete with Jacuzzi. The pool is an extraordinary feature. It is indoors on the lowest level of the building, large and heated. The roof partially retracts. The pool area has been developed into a gym and wellness centre. The bar and restaurant are well regarded and to complete the service, internet is available.

About the Location

The small beach at Bantry Bay is a 5-minute walk from the hotel and popular Clifton Beach is a 5-minute drive. Camp’s Bay is just 10 minutes’ distant and the City centre takes 10 minutes whilst there is a frequent shuttle bus nearby to The Waterfront. The Table Mountain Cableway is a 15 minute drive. You are also 40 minutes to the Cape Winelands and an hour to the Cape Point National Park.