Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel is a five-star waterfront hotel at W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. Occupying a private quay between Cape Town’s working harbour and yacht marina, it has long been one of the V&A Waterfront’s defining luxury stays; Fairmont now manages the property. Travelers come for rooms framed by Table Mountain, harbour or marina views, polished South African hospitality, destination dining and a spa-and-pool pause within easy walking distance of the city’s major waterfront sights.
What to Expect at Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
The hotel has 112 spacious rooms and suites, with interiors intended to feel residential rather than conventionally corporate. View categories look across the working harbour, the yacht marina or Table Mountain, making the setting part of the stay rather than a backdrop glimpsed only from public spaces. Public interiors pair contemporary refinement with South African character, while the waterside position puts passing boats, the marina and the mountain silhouette within the daily rhythm of breakfast, drinks and evening returns.
Dining is a genuine reason to visit even without an overnight booking. Heirloom focuses on refined seasonal cooking; Bascule Bar is the address for signature cocktails, fine wine and whisky tastings; and the Library Lounge is the quieter choice for specialty coffee and pastries. The wellness offering includes the Fairmont Spa, fitness facilities and an outdoor pool. Book treatments and dining ahead, particularly for dinner, tastings and holiday periods, as restaurant access is subject to availability.
- 112 rooms and suites: Elegantly appointed accommodation with harbour, marina or Table Mountain outlooks.
- Heirloom: Seasonal, refined restaurant cooking in the hotel’s signature dining room.
- Bascule Bar: Cocktails, South African wines and whisky tastings by the marina.
- Library Lounge: Specialty coffee and pastries in a more relaxed indoor setting.
- Fairmont Spa and outdoor pool: Treatment, fitness and pool facilities for a restorative hotel day.
Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | W Quay Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa |
| Neighborhood / Area | V&A Waterfront, on the marina beside Cape Town harbour |
| Operating Hours | Hotel reception operates 24 hours; restaurant, bar, spa and pool hours vary by service and season. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No public admission fee. Guest rooms, spa treatments, dining and tastings are paid and require reservations where applicable. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a meal or drinks; overnight for the full hotel experience. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Use the V&A Waterfront MyCiTi stop and walk through the waterfront precinct; paid parking is available in nearby V&A Waterfront garages. |
| Official Website / Phone | fairmont.com/cape-grace · +27 21 410 7100 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For a quieter arrival, come in the morning or mid-afternoon, before the waterfront’s lunch and sunset rush. If you are not staying overnight, reserve Heirloom, Bascule or a spa treatment directly through the hotel; there is no ticket desk or general visitor admission. Taxi and ride-hailing drop-offs are straightforward on W Quay Road. Drivers can use the V&A Waterfront’s paid public garages, while guests should ask the hotel about current valet and on-site parking arrangements when reserving.
The waterfront precinct is largely level and paved, and Cape Grace’s hotel layout includes lifts for access between floors; contact Guest Services before arrival to arrange an accessible room, confirm step-free routes and discuss individual mobility needs. Strollers are practical around the marina, though cobbled or uneven edges can occur beyond main promenades. Within a 5–15 minute walk are the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa at the Silo District, the Two Oceans Aquarium, the historic Clock Tower and the shops and restaurants of Victoria Wharf. A marina walk toward the Silo District makes an easy pre-dinner pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Cape Grace?
The hotel is open around the clock for registered guests. For dining or a drink, mid-morning, mid-afternoon and early evening usually offer a calmer waterfront atmosphere; confirm restaurant, bar, spa and pool opening times when booking.
Is there an admission fee or do I need a reservation?
There is no admission charge to enter a hotel public area. Accommodation, meals, drinks, whisky tastings and spa services are paid separately. Reserve restaurants, treatments and overnight stays in advance through the official Cape Grace website or by phone.
How much time should I budget?
Allow about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours for lunch, afternoon coffee, cocktails or dinner. A spa booking needs additional time for arrival and changing. An overnight stay gives time to use the pool, fitness facilities and nearby waterfront attractions.
Is Cape Grace suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can use the waterfront’s level promenades and reach the aquarium and other attractions on foot. The hotel has lifts and accessible-route support; request accessible accommodation and confirm any specific bathroom, pool or dining requirements with Guest Services before booking.
When planning your Cape Town travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Cape Town, pair this stop with standout local spots including Norval Foundation, Tintswalo Atlantic, Wijnland Auto Museum, and V&A Waterfront (0.1 km away).
