Pepperclub Hotel

Despite its high sheen, the atmosphere in the hotel is surprisingly relaxed and casual. Huge columns wrapped entirely in dark leather (a common theme throughout the venue) flank both sides of the lobby, with a massive chandelier dangling above a baby grand piano in the middle of the space. A lounge spreads out to one side, with a reception desk on the other backed by a black glass wall highlighted with gold lighting. It’s a modern, sleek presentation without too much fuss.

Pepperclub Hotel is in the heart of Cape Town, close to museums, markets, and the parliament building. It's surrounded by streets with active nightlife scenes, making it a lively and frequently loud place to stay at night. Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, brimming with shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, is less than a 10-minute drive north. Getting to the state park and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is just under 10 minutes in the opposite direction. The hotel is also about 25 minutes west of Cape Town International Airport.

Rooms here range from studios to sprawling condo-style three-bedroom units, all with kitchenettes that have small ovens and glass ranges integrated into counters alongside espresso machines. Wooden dressing tables sit below large flat-screen TVs with small work desks and chairs. Larger rooms have sitting areas with comfortable easy chairs, coffee tables, and leather sleeper sofas. The large stone-tiled bathrooms have big walk-in rainfall showers and many have separate soaking tubs. Most rooms also have private balconies with views of the city, bay, or Table Mountain. Two lavish penthouse suites come with their own private outdoor pools.

The hotel checks every box. Its spa isn't that big, but it has four treatment rooms with a full range of services and a sauna. The attached outdoor pool is small but a welcome addition nonetheless, with comfortable lounge chairs on adjoining balconies. There's also a fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the city, packed with modern cardio and weight-training machines. For dining, COPA Restaurant has a menu built around European continental cuisine. The eatery serves a free hot buffet breakfast with locally sourced ingredients. Guests who prefer quieter entertainment can book a movie screening in the property’s small private theater. Though set in an urban environment, the Pepperclub has the added benefit of a private beach club off-site on the famous Camps Bay promenade. Guests can take a free shuttle there to use its locker room and showers and check out the sand.