South African hotels shine in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 awards

Source: Condé Nast Traveler | Sterrekopje Farm

The list highlights a mix of familiar names and boutique stays across the country. From wine farm escapes to city landmarks, the results show why South Africa continues to be a favourite with travellers.

Top 15 Hotels in South Africa (Readers’ Choice Awards 2025):

1. Babylonstoren, Simondium — 98.67
2. Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, Cape Town — 98.21
3. Leeu Estates, Franschhoek — 97.64
4. Cape Grace, Cape Town — 97.56
5. The Oyster Box, Umhlanga — 97.27
6. Le Quartier Français, Franschhoek — 97.20
7. Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, Cape Town — 96.00
8. The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Zambia — 95.91
9. The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay — 95.71
10. Giraffe Manor Hotel, Nairobi — 95.65
11. One&Only Cape Town — 95.56
12. Spier, Stellenbosch — 95.49
13. The Old Rectory, Plettenberg Bay — 95.07
14. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town — 94.92
15. Gibb’s Farm, Karatu, Tanzania — 94.46

For the full list of Africa’s top-rated hotels — including Morocco, Tanzania and Kenya — visit the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025: Best Hotels in Africa roundup.