One&Only Hotel, Cape Town
In the bustling V&A Waterfront, the One&Only Cape Town opened in 2009 as a luxury urban resort. Its sleek, crescent-shaped Marina Rise building was designed by local architects Dennis Fabian & Berman alongside Ruben Reddy, while acclaimed New York designer Adam D. Tihany crafted the rich, African-inspired interiors.
What makes the property truly unique is its layout, featuring two lush, man-made private islands connected by footbridges. One island houses a massive, secluded spa oasis surrounded by private waterways, while the other features an infinity pool flanked by palm trees, where guests can even try stand-up paddleboarding right on the resort’s canals.
Inside, the details celebrate South Africa’s heritage, from handmade ceramics mirroring the textures of Table Mountain to hand-painted Tiger’s Eye gemstones above the beds. Foodies will love the fact that it houses Africa’s very first Nobu restaurant, as well as a striking, tri-level steel and glass Wine Loft holding over 5,000 local bottles.
Stepping outside puts you minutes from top attractions. The spectacular Zeitz MOCAA—a contemporary African art museum housed in a historic grain silo—and the family-favorite Two Oceans Aquarium are just a short walk away, while the iconic Table Mountain provides a constant, dramatic backdrop.
Expert reviews
“This glam urban resort was built for name-dropping: Bastien Gonzalez gives mani-pedis in the spa, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s only eatery in Africa is here and local celeb-chef Reuben Riffel dishes up South African cuisine at the somewhat-cavernous Reuben’s.”
“One & Only Cape Town is a large luxury urban resort located in the Waterfront Marina, with excellent facilities and services that include a fittingly large pool, daily children’s programme, an award-winning spa, and views of Table Mountain from most rooms.”
What guests liked
- Amazing views
- Great food
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
- Breakfast buffet
- Excellent Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 July 2025
Excellent stay and we will return.
This is an amazing property with an awesome breakfast. Our room was beautiful and everything was extremely clean. The staff were all so welcoming and accommodating.
The room rate was a bit high.
26 June 2025
what a delightful stay -we felt at home and the staff went out of their way too give us a memorable stayevery wish
it’s in a great position with super views
cool relaxed elegant vibe
stunning service and staff
nothing
3 June 2025
The staff is amazing
breakfast was exceptional
Food could be better and include fresh steak
3 May 2025
Beautiful stay all round
Everything. Breakfast , room etc…
When we arrived the porter were not welcoming. We had to contact them tho help us.
1 May 2025
We would come back anytime to this place, it is very recommendable.
The staff is very friendly. The rooms are nicely decorated, we overlooked the harbour and it was very quite at night. The pool and spa is extraordinary. The beds were very comfortable. The breakfast is outstanding, they even have glutenfree options on the buffet and on the menue.
Nothing.
30 April 2025
First time in Cape Town and what a beautiful location and hotel to stay at! Suburb, Food, awesome, outstanding staff and
The staff was five star plus
So helpful and friendly
Loved the property
29 April 2025
Fantastic stay, wonderful staff and great kids club
Great walking distance location to the V&A waterfront. Modern and well equipped rooms. Didn’t feel cramped at all - very spacious. Kids club was excellent and made our stay with our child much easier to manage - excellent staff in kids club.
Nothing - all was excellent. Price could be a bit more purse friendly though!
29 April 2025
Perfect stay with the family. Close to the water front.
Everything is absolutely perfect !
Ruch at the swiming pool.
27 April 2025
Beautiful hotel with friendly staff who really go an extra mile to make you feel home.
The most beautiful hotel that still functions like a hotel.Top tier service.
Nothing to be frank
27 April 2025
Best hotel choice for Cape Town
Incredible Hotel. Best hotel I think I’ve ever stayed in. The staff were amazing, breakfast was incredible. Pool area was lovely. Rooms were brilliant. I could not offer one thing to improve this fantastic hotel.
11 April 2025
Exceptional place with the best service in Cape Town
Breakfast as always on the top, furnitures are beautiful the design gives a sense of uniqueness. I just love it. My favorite place in Cape Town.
10 April 2025
Luxury and peace in Cape Town
The One and Only is an amazing place to stay in Cape Town. We were treated very well by all the staff and all our needs were met. Food was good, spa was great, and service was almost perfect
9 April 2025
Apart from the experience on the last day, the resort was fantastic, staff were good, food was great. The cocktails at t
It was beautiful and clean.
Upon checkout, I had 2 of my hats stolen. They were held after we checked out while we went to the mall before our car came and then we couldn’t find it. It was a very sad experience quite frankly.
26 March 2025
Great location for the ‘Waterfront’.
Liked the ‘waterfront’ location and the helpful, friendly staff.
Larger than our normal hotel choice. But still a very enjoyable stay.
22 March 2025
Fantastic in every way!
The Rooi Restaurany exceeded expectations, breakfast and dinner with incredible!
14 March 2025
Second time at the one & only . Value for money and will be back!
-The location was perfect and right by the V&A.
-Our room was large and beautiful .we got the Island room
-Loved the complementary tote and face caps .
-Toiletries were 100%, done to a full pouch manicure pouch !
-the VIEWS were breathtaking! Everywhere was amazing!
- the WhatsApp chat to the team of Hosts- anything you needed was done promptly through that chat!
- THE SPA !!!!!
Not much as minor issues where quickly resolved by the hosts who are like a group of butlers
13 March 2025
Amazing, cannot recommend enough
Excellent facilities and service was top notch. I can’t describe enough how lovely and welcoming the staff were. They always went above and beyond during our entire stay.
12 March 2025
Great place too stay and was super relaxing. The staff are brilliant and always so happy and helpful
Fantastic location
Nothing too dislike
4 March 2025
It was the most amazing experience to stay at the One&Only
The breakfast was superb!
We could here our noisy neighbours in the room next to us till late, I did report it and staff attended to it
1 March 2025
Absolutely superb We were made to feel very special
The staff were amazing as was the food
We were constantly delighted by the attention to detail
Would have liked more outside eating options
20 February 2025
Probably the most amazing and the very best Hotel in Cape Town !
Customer service of the very highest standard in throughout the complete hotel.
From bell boy and concierge, to check in receptionist, all room staff, pool staff , restaurant staff, incredible standard.
Nothing
30 January 2025
Beautiful hotel in a fantastic location, staff were fantastic especially pool staff
Excellent location and amazing staff
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Children's playground
- - Hiking (additional charge)
- - Water sport facilities on site (additional charge)
- - Kids' club
- - Evening entertainment
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make-up services
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Light therapy
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Game drives (additional charge)
- - Temporary art galleries (additional charge)
- - Pub crawls (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Live sport events (broadcast) (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Board games/puzzles
- - Indoor play area
- - Kids' outdoor play equipment
- - Baby safety gates
- - Strollers
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Heated pool
- - Salt-water pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
Transport
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals

More photos

12 July 2025
One of the best hotels ever!