Overview
- Top stays, neatly curated: From luxe like The Twelve Apostles to seaside icons (The President, The Bay Hotel), playful city digs at Radisson RED, plus practical self-catering at Camps Bay Village and Sea Point/Green Point apartments.
- Policies made simple: Check weight limits, nightly pet fees, and designated room types. Many spots add beds, bowls and even cheeky pet menus.
- Pick your vibe: Beachfront buzz in Camps Bay, harbour energy at the V&A, quieter coastal strolls in Bantry Bay/Sea Point, or a leafy hideaway at Camps Bay Retreat.
- Out and about with dogs: Know the promenade etiquette, dog-friendly parks and trails, and those seasonal beach rules before you leash up.
- Plan like a pro: Call ahead to confirm the fine print, book the correct pet-friendly category, and pack smart (blanket, collapsible bowl, vet records) for a stress-free stay.
Cape Town isn’t just a postcard city; it’s a city of paw prints. From palm-lined Sea Point promenades to fynbos trails under the Twelve Apostles, you and your four-legged family member can actually do the trip together Below, you’ll find a mix of beachfront hotels, leafy retreats, and easygoing apartment stays with clear notes on fees, size limits, and the vibe. Let’s get you booked with confidence.
1) The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (Camps Bay)
If you dream of mountain-and-ocean views and a hotel that takes pet hospitality seriously, this is your address. The Twelve Apostles offers designated pet-friendly rooms and amenities like cosy beds, bowls, and even a pet room-service menu. Small dogs are the norm here (there’s a size cap), and you’ll want to book the correct pet-friendly category in advance.
Good to know: Dogs under ±10 kg are accommodated in designated rooms; deposits or conditions may apply. Do confirm specifics when you book (policies can shift).
2) Radisson RED V&A Waterfront
Edgy art, rooftop pool, harbour energy and a straightforward pet policy. Radisson RED allows pets (typically up to small-dog range) for a modest nightly fee, with bowls provided. It’s a brilliant base for sunrise strolls around the Silo District and evening loops along the water.
Why it works: Urban convenience. You’re steps from restaurants, ferries, and photo ops without having to leave your pup behind. (Double-check weight limits and the nightly fee before you lock in.)
3) The President Hotel (Bantry Bay)
The President leans into pet-friendliness in a big way: think doggy beds, bowls, and even a special pet menu on request. Bantry Bay is quieter than the V&A, with easy access to Sea Point’s promenade: a Cape Town classic for walkies.
Insider note: This is one of the few mainstream hotels that publicly celebrates pet travel rather than just permitting it.
4) Camps Bay Retreat
Hidden in a pocket of green above Camps Bay, this boutique stay feels like a private estate, ideal if your dog likes sniffing out woodland paths more than busy pavements. They offer pet-friendly options (including big dogs), and some categories have historically allowed pets without extra fees. Always confirm current terms when you enquire.
Vibe check: It’s relaxed, leafy, and a touch romantic. Perfect if you want a nature-first base with beach sunsets minutes away.
5) The Bay Hotel (Camps Bay)
Right on the famed Camps Bay strip, The Bay Hotel offers select pet-friendly rooms via the Village n Life “Pet Places” programme. Expect a beach-holiday mood: cafés, gelato, sunset cocktails and your dog snoozing at your feet back in a ground-floor room. Fees per pet per day usually apply.
Tip: Booking a “Pet Places” category is key. If you love long, lazy beachfront days, this is the sweet spot.
6) Camps Bay Village
Prefer a kitchen, laundry, and space to sprawl? Camps Bay Village offers pet-friendly options (by application) with a simple daily pet fee, great for longer stays or families who need flexibility. Walk to the tidal pool at sunrise, then nap while your human makes coffee.
7) Sea-Point-and-beyond apartments
If your perfect morning is a 3-km trot along the promenade, browse pet-friendly self-catering in Sea Point, Green Point, and Table View. You’ll find plenty of flats and cottages that welcome pets often at friendlier prices, especially for multi-night stays. (Always confirm building rules and any breed/size notes.)
8) Hout Bay & Atlantic Seaboard cottages
Hout Bay is a lovely “village in the city,” with pet-friendly rentals near the beach and mountain trails. Use it as a quieter base and road-trip to Llandudno, Noordhoek, or Chapman’s Peak viewpoints.
Cape Town with dogs: Quick rules-of-thumb
- Note beaches time-of-day and seasonal rules: Some Blue Flag beaches restrict dogs during peak daylight hours in summer, while others allow free running all year.
- Promenade etiquette: Keep leads handy, pick up promptly, and carry water. Popular loops (Mouille Point, Sea Point) are shared with runners, kids, and cyclists.
- Parks & trails: Tokai Forest, Noordhoek Common, and sections around Slangkop are famously dog-friendly, great for longer sniff-walks and weekend picnics.
Planning your stay
- Call ahead about size limits and fees. Policies can change: some hotels cap pets at ±7–10 kg and charge a nightly fee; others are more flexible. Confirm weight, number of pets, and where pups are allowed on-site (pools, restaurants, spas are usually off-limits).
- Book the right room type. At several properties, only certain categories are pet-friendly (e.g., ground-floor or garden rooms). It’s not a “just add a dog” situation. Ask reservations to mark your file correctly.
- Pack like a pro. Bring a familiar blanket, collapsible bowl and vet records. Hotels often supply bowls/beds but your dog’s stuff smells like home.
- Mind summer heat and crowds. In peak months, schedule early walks and pick shadier café tables. The Atlantic breeze helps, but pavements can still get toasty at midday.
The Last Word
We prioritised places that clearly publish pet policies, offer pet amenities, and sit near walkable areas so you spend more time strolling and less time negotiating. Cape Town’s hospitality scene is evolving, and more properties are joining the pet-friendly list every season.
