An excellent place to stay, with a stunning water view, super food, and five minutes from the Table Mountain cable car, is Diamond House Bed & Breakfast in Camps Bay.

Another place we recommend is  Greenways Country House . Located in an upscale, quiet neighborhood east of Table Mountain, Greenways has wonderful grounds, a swimming pool, and an excellent restaurant. More than just a nice B&B, Greenways can handle larger groups, including evening food service. This can be a large plus for international visitors with time constraints. (Neither of the two places is inexpensive, mind you, but quality costs.)

Two other upscale accommodations, but very different from several standpoints, are  Victoria House and Villa St. Leon. Villa St. Leon features stunning views of the Atlantic and world class sunsets. However, it is probably most appropriate for one to three couples wishing to spend a week or longer in Cape Town proper. (The rates vary with the season.) Victoria House is on the east side of Table Mountain, features outstanding furnishings, protected parking, tasty food and a charming German co-owner/manager, Martina.

If you have transportation and want an exceptional beachfront view, we recommend staying at Lillian Muller’s Rockhaven Guesthouse, 3 Sir David Baird Drive, Bloubergstrand. It’s an honest 20 minutes north of Cape Town Harbor, but Lillian and her eccentric aunt (think Fawlty Towers casting) are delightful and the lodging is very warm and comfortable.