Cliffside art heirloom
Terraced gardens cascade toward the Atlantic, where curated South African art and quiet cliffside verandas set an intimate residential rhythm.
“Ellerman House in Cape Town’s Bantry Bay effortlessly doubles as both a hotel and an art gallery, showcasing 1,000 works...”
Where it shines
Remarkable
A sculptural carbon-fibre wine corkscrew rack, terrazzo and velvet cocktail lounges, and contemporary glass villas.
Remarkable
Personalized hosting, pre-stocked favourite spirits, complimentary airport transfers, and an all-day baking pantry across thirteen rooms.
Remarkable
A thousand-piece South African art collection, guided in-house gallery tours, and daily sommelier-led Cape wine tastings.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Eastern and Southern Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper*, AFAR and Tatler.
there are just eleven rooms and two suites, so it feels more like a manor-house getaway than a hotel per se
“With just 11 rooms, two suites and two villas, it feels more like an exclusive private club than a hotel: a grand manor characterized by sumptuous furnishings and attentive staff.”
“Surrounded by bold artwork inside and magnificent ocean views outside, guests are never quite sure where to direct their gaze when they arrive at Ellerman House.”
“The grand dame of Cape Town’s hotels, Ellerman House has been a haven for old money since 2004, when the Cape Edwardian mansion opened as a guest house.”
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Perched on the residential slopes of Lion's Head, the property overlooks the Atlantic, minutes from the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.
The rooms
Main house rooms feature original South African artwork and private ocean terraces, while two modern multi-level villas add dedicated private pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated pool sits on the terraced lawn, surrounded by indigenous fynbos and Atlantic Ocean views.
The spa
Three treatment rooms offer oxygen-infused facials and Japanese bodywork. Outdoor daybeds look straight over the ocean.
The gym
Cardio machines and free weights look through floor-to-ceiling glass doors directly onto the garden lawn.
At the table
Dinner brings Cape Malay flavours to the ocean terrace, and sommeliers pour from a cellar of rare South African vintages.
Ellerman House effortlessly combines classic and contemporary design, creating a space that is not only elegant but also inviting.
How it began
Built in 1906 as the summer home of shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman, the seaside mansion was restored and opened in 1992.
“The 13-room Ellerman House is a quiet bolthole that has retained the intimacy of a private house – not least with thoughtful inclusions.”
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Good to know
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.