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Bay Hotel
Bay Hotel
Bay Hotel
Bay Hotel

About Bay Hotel

The large, international Bay Hotel lies at the foot of Table Mountain, across the road from the palm-fringed ...

... beach of Camps Bay. It is within walking distance of the numerous restaurants and cafés of trendy Camps Bay, while a ten-minute drive brings you to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town city centre and the cable car station, from where you can be whisked smoothly up to the top of Table Mountain.

With one of the best beachfront locations in Cape Town, The Bay offers luxury accommodation with an unusual combination for Cape Town: a top beach location with plenty of buzzy bars, restaurants and nightlife. It best suits a young, lively crowd and the bar here is often visited by Cape Town's smarter residents in search of a chic sundowner spot. The hotel is also ideally situated for exploring Cape Town.

Our view

With one of the best beachfront locations in Cape Town, The Bay offers luxury accommodation with an unusual combination for Cape Town: a top beach location with plenty of buzzy bars, restaurants and nightlife. It best suits a young, lively crowd and the bar here is often visited by Cape Town's smarter residents in search of a chic sundowner spot. The hotel is also ideally situated for exploring Cape Town.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

78 rooms

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Dune-boarding

Dune-boarding

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Kayaking

Kayaking

Microlight

Microlight

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Quad-biking

Quad-biking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Bay Hotel

5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


80%
5 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mr P&Mrs LfromDerbyshire

Arrived 8 Feb 2025, 3 nights

"Bay Hotel review"

"a nice hotel in an excellent location ... …" Read Mr P&Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms M fromIsleworth

Arrived 18 Oct 2019, 5 nights

"Bay Hotel, Camps Bay "

"modern, light seaside hotel in the middle of Camps Bay near to many restaurant.. …" Read Ms M ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs LfromFrodsham

Arrived 11 Feb 2015, 3 nights

"Definitely Not a 5 star hotel!"

"The Bay Hotel was a choice we made ourselves and to be clear, was not favoured …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Poor

Mrs BfromHertfordshire

Arrived 18 Oct 2013, 6 nights

"Great location hotel"

"We loved Camps Bay but had a few niggles with the hotel, invariably we would …" Read Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs HfromHeslington

Arrived 11 Oct 2008, 5 nights

"Bay Hotel review"

"This aprt of our holidays felt a little less well orgaanised in general than …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Bay Hotel reviews

Bay Hotel: Our full report

The large, international Bay Hotel lies at the foot of Table Mountain, across the road from the palm-fringed ...

... beach of Camps Bay. It is within walking distance of the numerous restaurants and cafés of trendy Camps Bay, while a ten-minute drive brings you to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town city centre and the cable car station, from where you can be whisked smoothly up to the top of Table Mountain.

With its seafront location, and cool, modern décor, The Bay Hotel is Africa's answer to trendy spots in southern California and Miami. From an exclusively white exterior, its interior is softened by natural marble floors and a few beiges and earthy tones. The overall feel is bright, light and airy.

The Bay Hotel has 78 guest rooms, reached along a wide ground-floor corridor where works for sale by local artists are on display. The rooms are identically decorated in soft, neutral colours. All have a small entrance lobby that leads off from the corridor. Inside, all have tea- and coffee-making facilities including an espresso machine, minibar, internet connection, and a radio/alarm clock with iPod docking station and remote-controlled air conditioning. En-suite bathrooms have cream-tiled walls and floors, a toilet, bath, glass shower cubicle and double washbasins with a range of complementary toiletries.

Although the rooms are largely similar in décor, they are divided into several types, depending largely on their location. Note that these locations and their respective views can make a huge difference to the price of the rooms.

  • Mountain rooms face south and east, and have side views of Table Mountain and the roof of the car park below.
  • Classic rooms are the same size as the ‘mountain’ rooms, but also have a good balcony. All ‘classic’ rooms face north or west, and have direct access to the pool, but as a result don’t have the privacy of the other rooms.
  • Classic club rooms are slightly bigger than the Mountain rooms and are located on the side of the hotel. Some have a partial sea view with a lovely view of Lion’s Head.
  • Premier rooms are the same size as the ‘mountain’ rooms, and most have great views of the sea, though a handful face north to Lion’s Head. Most of the ‘premier’ rooms are split-level, with a separate seating area on a lower level that lead out onto a balcony. This room also has a jacuzzi in it.
  • Luxury rooms are bigger than the rooms mentioned above, with a sitting area and a west-facing balcony, complete with private jacuzzi. Their bathrooms, too, are larger, and include both an oval bath and separate shower.
  • Suites have the facilities of the ‘luxury’ rooms, but with more space and a separate lounge, rather than one that's part of the bedroom.
  • Cabanna rooms are the same size as the ‘classic’ rooms, but with a private patio, plunge pool, loungers leading straight out onto the lawn and direct access to the main pool.
  • The luxurious Penthouse, on the top floor of The Bay Hotel is reached from an exclusive staircase and lobby. The penthouse has a private dining room and lounge, complete with plasma TV and a surround-sound stereo system, as well as a separate guest bathroom. The balcony is huge, and has an amazing view of Camps Bay beach and the ocean.
The Bay Hotel has a large outdoor solar-heated swimming pool surrounded by a series of wooden decks on different levels, each having plenty of white-and-wood sunloungers under equally pale umbrellas. With a further three smaller swimming pools on the different levels, guests can seek out quiet areas to relax and enjoy the Cape sunshine.

Two restaurants at The Bay Hotel afford plenty of culinary choice. The Bistro, located off the foyer, is light and airy, with tables inside and out, and easy access to the swimming pool. Here you can have breakfast or a light lunch all year, with other meals during the low season when the main restaurant is closed.

The Bay’s main restaurant, Tides, is open in high season and serves à la carte breakfast and dinner. Decorated in soft creams and browns enlivened by African-print fabrics, it is light and airy with large sliding windows that open to reveal views towards the beach and the sea beyond.

Those in search of a drink won’t have far to go. Enjoy cocktails on the deck of Sandys bar while watching the sun setting over the Atlantic, or – for a quieter experience – visit the more sedate and elegant Traders bar upstairs, a sophisticated bar/lounge with an impressive walk-in cellar. There is also a small wine shop in the foyer selling local wines, with free wine-tasting every alternate evening.

The Bay has a recently refurbished gym and spa offering his and hers treatments, from massages to full-day pampering packages, as well as a steam room and sauna. There is also a hair salon on the premises.

Despite the attractions, The Bay probably won't suit older visitors, or those seeking peace and quiet, as its location beside the beachfront road in Camps Bay is far too busy. It's more a place to see and be seen, not a retreat for solitude. If you’d prefer peace and quiet, we suggest The Bay’s sister hotel Camps Bay Retreat, not far away.

Geographics

Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
Four to five days is ideal to explore Cape Town and its environs – longer if you can afford the time.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
On a recent visit to Cape Town, in May 2014, we popped in to The Bay for a visit but did not stay overnight. Although we didn’t have a full meal here we did have coffee and a snack at The Bistro.

Breakfast at The Bistro is a buffet of pastries, cereals, flavoured yoghurts, fruit juice and fresh fruit. A cooked breakfast is also available as well as eggs Benedict, french toast, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and a flapjack (pancake) stack.

The lunch menu offers squid, fish and chips, a selection of quiches, pasta, burgers, steak, a choice of salads, sandwiches and sharing boards (charcuterie or cheese).

Dinner when we visited was a choice of four starters – beef carpaccio, smoked haddock, pork ribs and asparagus – followed by main courses of beef fillet, local line fish, quail and pork belly, or mushrooms and brinjal (aubergine) bake. At the time of our visit dessert choices were sticky toffee pudding, chocolate pudding or apple and pistachio tarte tatin.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks are not included

Special interests

Beach holidays
With a stunning sea front location, the Bay Hotel makes a superb base for a beach stay in Cape Town. It is also right on the door step for the numerous restaurants, bars and cafés of chic Camps Bay.
See ideas for Beach holidays in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
The Bay Hotel accepts children of all ages
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
In high season, arrangements can be made to convert the conference centre into a playroom.
Equipment
The ‘club classic’, ‘premier’, ‘mountain’ and ‘luxury’ rooms and suites all have a sofa bed which will accommodate a child (under the age of 14) sharing with parents.
Generally recommended for children
The hotel does welcome children of all ages however do note that there are no additional facilities or activities for children, other than the swimming pools and the beach across the road.
Notes
Although The Bay does accommodate children, in our view it is better suited to couples.

Communications

Communications
There is business and travel centre with internet and fax facilities for guests to use. The whole hotel has WiFi for guests who have their own laptops. Guests are allowed to use 250 MB a day and can pay for extra if they require more.
TV & radio
Yes – local and satellite.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are doctors and hospitals nearby.
Dangerous animals
Security measures
There is a security guard at the gate and all guests are given a guest pass to allow entry into the property. There are security guards on duty in the grounds 24 hours a day.
Fire safety
Yes there are fire prevention measures in place as befitting a five-star hotel.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Dune-boarding

    Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Microlight

    Microlight

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Quad-biking

    Quad-biking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
In Place
Laundry facilities
Available at an extra charge,
Money
Money exchange is possible at the days bank rate less a commission charge.
There are electronic safes in all the rooms.

Accepted payment on location
Most international credit cards are accepted.

Cash is accepted in SA rands, pounds sterling, US dollars and euros.


Cash is accepted in SA rands, pounds sterling, US dollars and euros.

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Bay Hotel's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Bay Hotel.


Excursions from Bay Hotel

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Bay Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Full day - normally nine hours

Get your camera ready for one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal drives in the company of an informative guide. Take in magnificent beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife on land and at sea, and the meeting of two great oceans, then round off your day in the tranquillity of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

More about Cape Point and Peninsula
93% (8 reviews)
City and Table Mountain Tour

City and Table Mountain Tour

Approximately four hours - AM or PM

From atop the iconic Table Mountain, the panoramic views of Cape Town can be breathtaking – and if the cable car isn’t operating, they’re just as good from nearby Signal Hill. Back at sea level, explore the highlights of this fascinating and pretty city, including the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the Houses of Parliament.

More about City and Table Mountain
93% (3 reviews)
Winelands Private Tour

Winelands Private Tour

Full day

Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer

More about Winelands Private Tour
100% (3 reviews)

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Mount Nelson Hotel

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Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles

The welcoming Twelve Apostles Hotel has a great location overlooking the ocean, just a short drive to the beach and restaurants of Camps Bay.


100% (1 review)

When to go to Cape Town

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Bay Hotel in Cape Town


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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