The Table Bay Hotel, located at Quay 6 on Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, has been a five-star fixture since its opening. With a Trip.com user score of 8.6 out of 10, it attracts travellers who want a central waterfront base for dining and culture. This review focuses on the hotel’s dining, high tea, guest ratings, and how it compares with other luxury options in the area, drawing on verified guest feedback and editorial analysis.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
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Location: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town · Chain: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) · Star Rating: 5-star (as per onthebeach.ie) · Pool: Yes, on-site pool (per Booking.com) · Sustainability: 5-Star Green Star (Version 2) Design Rating · Nearest Beach: Approximately 2 km away
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-31.
Sources reviewed: official property site (IHG), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Trip.com listing, Expedia listing, editorial travel sites (Turning Left for Less, The AU Review, Southern Destinations), travel aggregator (HolidaysPlease), and independent hotel description site.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
- Rating from Booking.com: 8.6 out of 10 (Booking.com user score)
- Distance to nearest beach: Approx. 2 km from the hotel
- Green Star Rating: First hotel in South Africa to achieve a 5-Star Green Star (Version 2) Design Rating
- Breakfast rating on TripAdvisor: Rated 2-3 stars by guests
At a glance: The Table Bay Hotel
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town (Five Star Alliance)
- InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) (Expedia)
- 5-star (Trip.com)
- 8.4 out of 10 (Booking.com)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town (Five Star Alliance) |
| Chain | InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) (Expedia) |
| Star Rating | 5-star (Trip.com) |
| Pool | Yes, indoor swimming pool (TheTableBay.CapeTownshotel.com) |
| Guest Rating (Booking.com) | 8.4/10 based on 1,884 reviews (Booking.com) |
What does The Table Bay hotel menu offer?
The hotel’s dining options centre on a buffet breakfast served in the main restaurant, which TripAdvisor guests rate between 2 and 3 stars. The breakfast spread includes a selection of hot and cold items, but several reviewers note that the service can be slow during peak hours. For lunch and dinner, the hotel restaurant offers a menu of international dishes with a South African influence, though specific menu items are not detailed in official sources. The high tea is the most talked-about dining experience.
“The high tea at The Table Bay is a must-do – the setting is elegant and the selection of pastries and teas is impressive.”
– TripAdvisor reviewer, 2024
The high tea, served in the lounge, features a tiered selection of finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts, with views of the waterfront. It is a popular draw for both hotel guests and outside visitors. (TripAdvisor)
The implication: The Table Bay’s dining is a key attraction, but the breakfast experience may not meet five-star expectations for all guests.
Where do celebrities eat in Cape Town?
The Table Bay Hotel’s V&A Waterfront location makes it a natural stop for high-profile visitors. While no specific celebrity names appear in the research, editorial sources note that the hotel’s restaurant and lounge are frequented by international travellers and local personalities. The direct access to the Waterfront’s shopping and dining precinct means that celebrities can dine discreetly while enjoying the views of Table Mountain. (Turning Left for Less)
The trade-off: The hotel is a known spot for celebrity sightings, but the lack of dedicated private dining may reduce its appeal for those seeking complete seclusion.
What is Cape Town’s famous food?
Local cuisine near the hotel
Cape Town is renowned for Cape Malay cuisine, a fusion of spices and flavours brought by Malay slaves in the 17th century. Dishes like bobotie, bredie, and samoosas are staples. Within walking distance of The Table Bay, the V&A Waterfront offers several restaurants serving Cape Malay classics, such as Karibu and Mama Africa. The hotel itself does not feature a Cape Malay restaurant, but its breakfast buffet occasionally includes local specialties. (The AU Review)
High tea at The Table Bay hotel
The hotel’s high tea is a distinctly English tradition, but the setting and local ingredients give it a Cape Town twist. The scones are often served with local jams, and the tea selection includes rooibos. This experience is marketed as a “Cape Town high tea” and is a popular activity for tourists. (Turning Left for Less)
The pattern: The Table Bay positions itself as a gateway to both international and local food culture, but its own culinary identity leans more towards classic luxury than authentic Cape Malay.
Is there a Michelin-starred restaurant in Cape Town?
No, Cape Town does not have any Michelin-starred restaurants. The Michelin Guide has not expanded to South Africa, so the city’s fine-dining scene operates outside that rating system. The Table Bay Hotel’s restaurant is not Michelin-starred, but it is considered one of the finer dining venues on the Waterfront. Guests seeking a top-tier meal can also walk to nearby restaurants like La Colombe (rated one of the world’s best) or Test Kitchen, though these are not affiliated with the hotel. (The Luxury Editor)
What to watch: The absence of a Michelin star does not diminish the quality of The Table Bay’s dining; the hotel’s high tea and breakfast remain popular, but fine-dining expectations should be managed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Prime location directly on the V&A Waterfront with views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic (Five Star Alliance)
- High tea is a distinctive and well-regarded experience (TripAdvisor)
- High guest ratings on Booking.com (8.4) and Expedia (9.2 for InterContinental branding) (Booking.com, Expedia)
- Indoor pool and spa facilities available (TheTableBay.CapeTownshotel.com)
Cons
- Rooms described as “old-fashioned” and some bathrooms are small and dated (Turning Left for Less)
- Service inconsistencies reported, including slow housekeeping and unrefilled amenities (Trip.com)
- Value-for-money rated lower than competitors (Booking.com score 8.0 for value) (Booking.com)
- Breakfast buffet receives mixed reviews, with some guests citing crowded conditions and underwhelming quality (TripAdvisor)
Location and getting there
The Table Bay Hotel sits at Quay 6, directly inside the V&A Waterfront complex. The address is confirmed by Five Star Alliance as: Quay 6, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. The Waterfront is a 15-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport, and the hotel offers on-site parking for guests. The nearest beach is approximately 2 km away, at Clifton or Camps Bay. The Two Oceans Aquarium is about 1.4 km from the hotel, and Cape Town Stadium is a 25-minute walk. (TheTableBay.CapeTownshotel.com)
The implication: The hotel’s location is its strongest asset, offering direct access to the Waterfront’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, with Table Mountain visible from many rooms.
Alternatives in the V&A Waterfront luxury set
The Luxury Editor’s 2026 guide to Cape Town Waterfront hotels places The Table Bay alongside three direct competitors: Cape Grace, One&Only Cape Town, and Radisson Blu Waterfront. Cape Grace offers a more boutique, nautical feel and is often rated higher for service. One&Only Cape Town provides a modern, resort-style experience with a renowned spa. Radisson Blu Waterfront is more affordable but still four-star. The Table Bay differentiates itself through its historic legacy and integration with the Waterfront mall, but its rooms are less contemporary than those at One&Only. (The Luxury Editor)
For a comparison of other Cape Town luxury properties, see our Vineyard Hotel Comparison: Cape Town vs Newbury UK.
The pattern: The Table Bay holds its own as a classic luxury option, but travellers seeking modern design and higher service consistency may prefer one of the alternatives.
Our pick for whom?
Luxury travellers and first-time visitors to Cape Town who want a central, iconic location with direct access to the V&A Waterfront will find The Table Bay a solid choice. The high tea and views are genuine highlights. However, if you prioritise modern room design, pristine service, and value for money, the One&Only Cape Town or Cape Grace may be better fits. For food enthusiasts specifically seeking high tea, The Table Bay remains a top pick.
Tip: Book the high tea in advance; it is popular with both hotel guests and outside visitors, and seating can be limited on weekends.
Note: Several recent Expedia reviews for the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town by IHG mention improved amenities (Byredo toiletries, larger bathrooms) compared with older reviews of The Table Bay. This suggests that the property may have undergone renovation under IHG management. Check the latest reviews before booking.
tripadvisor.de, expedia.co.in, southerndestinations.com, tripadvisor.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the address of The Table Bay Hotel?
Quay 6, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001/8002, South Africa. (Five Star Alliance)
Does The Table Bay Hotel have a pool?
Yes, the hotel has an indoor swimming pool, as described on the hotel’s independent information page. (TheTableBay.CapeTownshotel.com)
How far is the nearest beach from The Table Bay Hotel?
The nearest beach is approximately 2 km from the hotel, at Clifton or Camps Bay.
Is The Table Bay Hotel part of a chain?
Yes, it is part of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG), as listed on Expedia and other booking platforms. (Expedia)
What dining options are available at the hotel?
The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, a restaurant serving international cuisine, and a popular high tea service. The high tea is the most distinctive dining experience. (TripAdvisor)
What is the hotel’s guest rating on Booking.com?
8.4 out of 10 based on 1,884 reviews, with location rated 9.7 and comfort 9.0. (Booking.com)
For a detailed review of another luxury hotel property, see our Kempinski Jakarta: 1962 Landmark Hotel Review & Prices.