In this article, we will take a detailed look at the 30 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa with insights into the ranking of different tourism rankings and reviews & opinions of people at TripAdvisor, Bookings.com, and Reddit Threads. For a quick overview of the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa, read our article 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa.
Africa has a rich and diverse culture, and its luxury hotels reflect this. From the palatial resorts of Morocco to the secluded lodges of the Serengeti, there is a luxury hotel in Africa to suit every taste and budget. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Africa's hotel and hospitality industry is poised for significant growth. Africa's hotel revenue is expected to reach a staggering $13.80 billion by 2027, with North Africa leading the way with a 29% increase in international tourism in 2022.
Subsequently, foreign hotel chains are increasingly investing in Africa. This is being driven by the continent's growing tourism and business travel market. Hotel chains are expanding globally, with deals signed in 42 African countries. The number of new hotels planned for sub-Saharan Africa increased by 6% in 2022, while North Africa saw a 4% increase.
A Look into the African Hotel Industry
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), the world's largest hotel chain, is making a significant investment in sustainable travel and tourism in Africa, with a focus on youth opportunity, water stewardship, anti-human trafficking, local sourcing, and wildlife protection.
Moreover, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) is working to make tourism in Africa more sustainable and beneficial for everyone involved. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) invested $626,000 in the Big Five Commitment project.
Another major key player in the African hotel industry is Marriott International Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). It is an American multinational hospitality company that manages, franchises, and licenses hotels, residences, and timeshares. Marriott International Inc.’s (NASDAQ:MAR) African footprint spans nearly 140 properties and 24,000 rooms across 20 countries and 19 brands, a testament to the continent's growing hospitality landscape.
Besides, Marriott International Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) inked five new Protea Hotels by Marriott deals in Africa, signaling its commitment to the continent and the brand's popularity. The agreement reinforces the company's global commitment to expanding its presence and highlights the strong demand for the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand.
These five new hotels will be in Botswana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Zambia. They are expected to open between 2024 and 2027. The signings come when Africa's tourism industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. Marriott International Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth with its strong portfolio of brands and its commitment to sustainable tourism.
Hyatt Hotels Corp (NYSE:H), an American multinational hospitality company, has doubled its African hotel presence to capitalize on growing travel demand and economic growth. Hyatt Hotels Corp (NYSE:H) has expanded to 18 hotels in Africa in 2020. But still, Hyatt Hotels Corp (NYSE:H) lags behind rivals such as Accor Hotels, which has over 100 hotels on the continent and is investing $1 billion in expansion.
2023 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa
According to the 2023 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report, Marriott International Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) has the largest pipeline of projects on the continent, with 22,776 rooms spread over 123 hotels. Accor is in second place with 17,484 rooms (89 hotels), followed by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) with 12,427 rooms (67 hotels).
This renewed interest in Africa is due to the continent's strong economic growth and growing middle class. Africa is also home to some of the world's most iconic tourist destinations, such as the Serengeti National Park, the pyramids of Giza, and the Cape of Good Hope. Hotel chains invest in various new projects in Africa, including luxury resorts, business hotels, and budget-friendly properties. This expansion will create jobs and boost the continent's tourism industry.
Methodology
We referred to the CN Traveler, Five Star Alliance, and Telegraph to compile a list of the 30 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa. Then, we developed point-based criteria to evaluate each hotel for inclusion in the list based on reviews and opinions of people. Reviews based on data from:
Trip Advisor: 4 points
Booking.com: 4 points, and
Reddit Threads: 2 points
We scored each hotel according to the abovementioned criteria and selected 30 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa based on the total points they scored. We then ranked the 30 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa in descending order from 30 to 1, with 1 representing the most luxurious in our list and 30 representing the lowest in our list in terms of luxury. Where there was a tie, we broke it based on ranking in the sources.
Best Luxury Hotels in Africa
Best Luxury Hotels in Africa
30. Taj Cape Town
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Set in a 19th-century building with a modern tower, the Taj Cape Town Hotel is just an 8-minute walk from the train station. With 17 floors and standard rooms starting at $171-$224 (USD), the Taj Cape Town Hotel offers a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
29. L’Hôtel Marrakech
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
A privately owned Riad in the heart of Marrakech, offering Air-conditioned rooms with robes, desks, safes, seating areas, baths, or showers with complimentary toiletries. High-speed Wi-Fi, pool, free breakfast, children's activities, airport transportation, rooftop terrace, concierge, and dry cleaning.
28. The Marine
Location: Hermanus, South Africa
Hermanus' most spectacular seaside hotel, The Marine, is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property perched on the cliff path overlooking Walker Bay. During whale season, guests can watch the gentle giants swim from the comfort of their sea-view bedroom. Marine Hotel's average annual revenue is around 5 million.
27. Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is a luxury hotel nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, offering a sublime and leafy escape from the bustle of the city. With its 134 exquisite guest rooms, suites, and villas, eight outstanding restaurants and bars, and one of the best golf courses in Marrakech, Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is the perfect destination for business and leisure travelers.
26. Tintswalo Atlantic
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5-star, award-winning boutique lodge at the base of Table Mountain National Park, offers stunning ocean and mountain views from its 10 luxury island suites and opulent 2-bedroom suite. This exclusive retreat is the perfect destination for weddings, honeymoons, conferences, and functions.
25. Cape Grace
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Grace is a luxury hotel centrally located on the Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront, Cape Town's premier tourist destination, with over 24 million visitors annually. Its eye-catching, red-brick facade evokes a charming Victorian-style warehouse, although the hotel was newly constructed in the 1990s (opening in 1996 as Cape Town's most exclusive property).
24. The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Location: Living Stone, Zambia
The Royal Livingstone Hotel is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. With its elegant design and private outdoor spaces, guests can soak up the wonder of nature. Rooms are 30 square meters and offer garden or river views, a private balcony or veranda, and butler service.
23. Amanjena
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
Amanjena is a luxury hotel in Marrakech, Morocco, co-owned by Revly's Marrakech and Aman Resorts Group Limited. It is located on 13 acres of lush gardens and palm trees and features Moroccan-style architecture and décor. Many rooms have platform beds and fireplaces, and the hotel also offers a variety of other amenities, including a spa, swimming pool, and multiple restaurants.
22. Kasbah Tamadot
Location: Asni, Morocco
Kasbah Tmadot, a luxury hotel in Morocco, features 29 individually decorated rooms and suites with antiques worldwide. Six new two-bedroom Riads will be available from September 2024.
21. Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
An exclusive retreat with an award-winning spa and elegant dining, where a dedicated butler and attentive staff anticipate every need. The Saxon is also a respected patron of the arts, with a vision for supporting creative expression.
20. Birkenhead House
Location: Hermanus, South Africa
Birkenhead House, a luxurious hotel perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, is located on the outskirts of Hermanus, South Africa. It is built on the site of the old Birkenhead Hotel, which was named after a ship that sank nearby in 1852. The main areas of Birkenhead House are located in three separate buildings, set on three levels sloping down towards the sea.
19. The Silo Hotel
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Built-in 1924, the grain silo was the tallest building in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, it still offers stunning views of the city, Table Mountain, and the harbor. The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, opened in 2017 after a three-year renovation of a historic grain silo. It quickly became one of the most sought-after hotels in the city, appearing on "Hottest New Hotels" lists by Forbes, The Telegraph, and CNN.
18. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa offers a unique five-star experience close to the vibrant heart of Cape Town. Visitors can enjoy dramatic mountain views and endless ocean vistas. In every one of the 55 deluxe guest rooms, visitors are assured of captivating panoramas, inspired décor, and luxurious hospitality.
17. La Maison Arabe
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
La Maison Arabe, a Marrakech institution since 1946, is an oasis of tranquility that echoes the city's rich history, heritage, and culture. It offers a fine dining experience, various breakfast options, a swimming pool, and a golf course.
16. Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town
Location: Gardens, South Africa
Mount Nelson, captivating visitors since 1899, is the beating heart of Cape Town. Nestled between the slopes of Table Mountain and the vibrant city, it offers a world of relaxation and glamour with luxury dining and spa facilities.
15. The Cellars-Hohenort
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
The Cellars-Hohenort, a five-star hotel in the historic Constantia Valley, offers 51 guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and the property's award-winning gardens across 9 acres. With its understated elegance and charm, the hotel is a perfect oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy three salt-chlorinated heated swimming pools, a tennis court, and a Gary Player-designed putting and chipping green.
14. Babylonstoren Simondium,
Location: South Africa
Babylonstoren, a centuries-old Cape Dutch farm in the Winelands, is renowned for its sprawling garden, inspired by the historic Company's Garden in Cape Town. Visitors can glimpse farm operations through olive oil blending, essential oil distillation, and pick-and-eat fruits and vegetables. The hotel welcomes guests with seasonal fruit boxes, and the farm-to-fork restaurants harvest produce year-round.
13. More Quarters Hotel
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
More Quarters Hotel offers individually decorated Luxury Apartments with unique character and appeal. From spacious bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms to TV lounges and kitchenettes, these apartments provide the perfect blend of comfort and style. More Quarters also offers four-family apartments with two en-suite bedrooms for larger groups.
12. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, a MORE Family Collection property, reopened in April 2022 after a $6 million refurbishment. Located a 10-minute drive from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, the hotel offers 16 suites, a private spa, a gym, landscaped gardens, and a waterhole. Guests can enjoy complimentary daily transfers and activities like gorge swings and game drives.
11. One&Only Cape Town
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN, a stunning hotel nestled within a natural amphitheater shaped by the vertical cliffs of Devil's Peak and Lion's Head, sits at the heart of Cape Town, a city renowned for its coastal glory. Awarded World Design Capital in 2014 and named the best place in the world, Cape Town offers ONE&ONLY guests an unforgettable experience.
