Book takes you to the exact room at that rate on HotelDupe's booking partner. Confirmation arrives by email; manage or cancel any time from Find your booking.
The honest take
One&Only Cape Town runs $1,333 a night against Labotessa's $842, and for that premium you get a full resort programme: spa, infinity pool, gym, kids' club, and a marina-side setting beneath Table Mountain. Labotessa scores higher with guests (10 vs 9.4) off a smaller review base, and it sits in the historic Church Square end of the City Bowl, 3.6km from the Waterfront. If you want facilities and a resort atmosphere, book One&Only; if you want a boutique townhouse feel in the old city centre for considerably less, book Labotessa.
The look and the feel
One&Only Cape Town
One&Only occupies its own island at the V&A Waterfront, all glass, water features and long sightlines to Table Mountain, with interiors that lean into cool marble, dark timber and quiet neutral tones rather than colonial fuss. The lobby opens straight onto the harbour walkway and a private bridge to its own islet, the kind of arrival sequence built for photographs. Rooms have private balconies and marble bathrooms with separate tub and rain shower, and the public spaces are large enough to feel like a resort rather than a hotel: infinity pool, spa with sauna, gym, a movie lounge for children. It draws a moneyed international crowd who want the Waterfront's restaurants and shopping on the doorstep without leaving a controlled, polished environment.
Guests who want a full resort experience with spa, pool and gym, and who plan to stay largely within the Waterfront precinct.
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Labotessa sits in a converted historic building on Church Square in the City Bowl, the old civic heart of Cape Town with its Slave Lodge and colonial-era streets, a different register entirely from the Waterfront's glass and marina. The listing points to a boutique, apartment-like character: air-conditioned suites with direct elevator access, some with kitchens, and a headline three-bedroom penthouse with its own splash pool and two terraces looking to the mountain. It reads as a smaller, more personal operation, less about facilities and more about having a well-appointed base in a walkable, historic part of the city, closer to the CTICC and the older Cape Dutch and Victorian streetscape than to the Waterfront's malls.
Independent travellers who want a boutique base in the historic City Bowl and don't need a spa or pool to feel looked after.
Labotessa has no spa, pool, gym or bar on site, and no pet or golf facilities, so guests give up the resort infrastructure One&Only offers in exchange for a lower rate and a City Bowl address.
One&Only is the more theatrical, resort-scaled building, but Labotessa's converted Church Square townhouse, set among the city's oldest streets, is the more characterful place to actually stay.
The numbers
One&Only Cape Town
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Price, same night
$1,498
$943
Guest rating
9.4/10
10/10
Reviews
674
209
Stars
★★★★★
★★★★★
Facilities on our list
8
2
Distance apart
1.9 km
What one has that the other doesn't
Only One&Only Cape Town has
Spa
Pool
Pet
Fitness
Golf
Bar
Only Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel has
Nothing on our list that One&Only Cape Town lacks.
What guests actually say
One&Only Cape Town
phenomenal, attentive staff
Table Mountain views
excellent facilities and location
thin soundproofing/noise from outside
prices seen as too high
“The only downside was the soundproofing in the room. We could hear quite a bit of noise from outside, which affected my sleep a little.”
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
attentive, personal service from owners/staff
homemade snacks and drinks stocked
beautiful suites and attention to detail
prices seen as high
“I cannot express how well the unbelievable team at Labotessa made us feel.”
Labotessa's guests seem happier overall, as reviews describe near-flawless, deeply personal service and thoughtful touches with no real complaints, while One&Only guests praise the staff and views but repeatedly note noise and price gripes.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
One&Only Cape Town
Marina Harbor View King RoomBreakfast Included · free cancellation$1,501
Marina Harbor View Double Queen RoomBreakfast Included · free cancellation$1,501
Premier Marina Mountain View King RoomBreakfast Included$1,503
“An exceptional stay with phenomenal staff and wonderful facilities”
We had an amazing stay at One&Only Cape Town. The facilities were excellent, but what really stood out was the staff. Everyone was phenomenal, incredibly attentive, caring, and welcoming throughout our stay. The view of Table Mountain was exquisite, and the location is very safe and secure.
The property itself has so much to offer, and I would actually recommend staying here when you have enough time to enjoy the ho
The only downside was the soundproofing in the room. We could hear quite a bit of noise from outside, which affected my sleep a little. Other than that, everything about our stay was wonderful.
10/10
Everything
9/10
“Beautiful property with wonderful facilities and friendly, attentive staff”
Beautiful property very well located in V&A Waterfront
Two minor issues - no tissues beside the bed or anywhere in the bedroom and the length of time for hot water. In a water scarce location, having to run the tap or shower for quite some time before the water is hot is not good
I cannot express how well the unbelievable team at Labotessa made us feel.
Having the owners Martijn and Johan greet us on arrival to Bridget meticulously organising our activities was a very special touch.
Our Signature suite room was one of the best rooms we have ever stayed in. Having your own personal lift was very special.
The room had so many special touches that made you feel so welcome. Continues stocking
10/10
“A wonderful stay.”
Beautiful suites and superior service
10/10
“True 5-Star Stay in the Heart of Cape Town”
From the moment you take a step into the property to the moment you leave, there is a level of care and attention we have not experienced elsewhere in our recent travels. The Labotessa team listens and answers questions and sets up activities for their guests like no other hotel. In addition, having homemade snacks and unprocessed food in the fridge to nibble on during our stay shows an « above and beyond » approach
Luxurious Accommodation with Spectacular Views Situated on the V&A Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town offers elegant rooms with private balconies and stunning views of Table Mountain. Each room features a marble bathroom with a rain shower and separate bath, ensuring a luxurious stay. Relaxation and Recreation Guests can unwind at the spa with a sauna and…
Check-in — · Check-out 11:00 AM
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
Luxurious Accommodations Labotessa Boutique Hotel in Cape Town offers air-conditioned rooms in the heart of the City Bowl district. Enjoy modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, satellite channels, and free WiFi. Some rooms even feature a kitchen and all suites provide direct elevator access. Exclusive Penthouse Experience Indulge in the ultimate luxury…
Check-in — · Check-out 10:00 AM
Facilities, in full
One&Only Cape Town
Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Business center
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Laundry
Luggage storage
Airport shuttle
Where they are
Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront5 Church Square Cape Town City Center
Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons
