Overview
If South Africa isn’t already on your family travel wishlist, allow us to change that. It has long been one of our favourite long haul destinations for travelling with children and for one very simple reason: it feels remarkably easy. The overnight flight means most little ones sleep through a large chunk of the journey, there’s no time difference to contend with when you arrive, and the reward is huge. Think unreal beaches, world class wine estates with playgrounds attached, incredible food and sunshine almost year round. And when it comes to where to stay in Cape Town, The President is one of those hotels we find ourselves recommending again and again
Set in Bantry Bay, one of Cape Town’s most desirable neighbourhoods, it manages to pull off a rather useful balancing act. It feels like a relaxed resort, has facilities families genuinely want to use, offers some of the largest apartments in the city and delivers all of it at a price point that feels surprisingly sensible by city standards. Let’s start with the location because it’s hard to beat. You’re a two minute stroll from the Sea Point Promenade, ten minutes from the V&A Waterfront, a short drive from Clifton’s famous beaches and perfectly placed for everything from Table Mountain adventures to penguin spotting at Boulders Beach. Bantry Bay is also one of Cape Town’s most sheltered corners, meaning while other parts of the city are battling the famous Cape winds, you can sit poolside feeling rather smug
Speaking of pools…The President’s pool scene is exactly what family holidays should be. At the heart of the hotel sits a huge heated infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Heated to a comfortable 23°C year round, it’s the sort of pool that appeals equally to toddlers perfecting their jumping-in technique and parents attempting to relax with a coffee (or cocktail) in hand. For younger children, there’s also a dedicated kids splash pad area tucked alongside the outdoor playground. From mid December – early Jan, there’s also a seasonal Kids Club pop up (4-12). Supervised sessions offer a rotating programme of activities, from pizza-making workshops at Botany Café and arts and crafts sessions to games, treasure hunts and outdoor activities
The rooms are another major selling point. Cape Town isn’t always the easiest city for larger families, but The President excels here. Food-wise, stays are booked on a bed and breakfast basis, which makes a lot of sense considering Cape Town is one of the world’s great food cities and you’ll want the flexibility to explore it
Cape Town has no shortage of beautiful hotels. The President’s superpower is delivering the space, facilities and location families actually need, without the eye-watering price tag often attached to them. For anyone looking to maximise their holiday budget without feeling like they’re compromising, it’s one of the smartest stays in the country
Mama
Get in touch
Flight
Flights from the UK to Cape Town typically take around 11.5 to 12 hours direct
Transfer
Approximate a 30-35 minute drive from Cape Town International Airport, and the hotel (or our Tiny Travel Agency!) can arrange transfers for you (at an additional cost)
Best time to visit
The President Hotel is open year round, and thanks to Cape Town’s wonderfully varied climate, there’s rarely a bad time to visit
The city’s most popular season runs from November through to March, when long sunny days, warm temperatures and beach weather are almost guaranteed. Spring and autumn are often the sweet spot for those looking to avoid peak season crowds. Temperatures remain pleasantly warm, attractions feel quieter and you’ll often find excellent value compared to the height of summer
For families tied to school holidays, April deserves a special mention. The two week Easter break offers just enough time to do South Africa properly, combining Cape Town with a safari, the Winelands or the Garden Route without feeling rushed. It’s one of our favourite times to recommend the destination
If you’ve visited South Africa before and are simply craving a city meets beach escape, February half term is a surprisingly brilliant option. A week gives you plenty of time to soak up Cape Town’s lifestyle, enjoy the beaches and indulge in some spectacular food, all while escaping the depths of a British winter
And if you’re looking for a truly memorable festive season, it’s hard to beat Christmas in Cape Town
Average temperatures in Cape Town:
January: highs of 27°C
February: highs of 27°C
March: highs of 25°C
April: highs of 23°C
May: highs of 20°C
June: highs of 18°C
July: highs of 18°C
August: highs of 19°C
September: highs of 20°C
October: highs of 22°C
November: highs of 24°C
December: highs of 26°C
Favourite room
For families of three: The Classic Mountain Rooms and Classic Ocean Rooms are the best fit. These spacious hotel rooms comfortably accommodate two adults and one infant (up to 2 years), with cots available free of charge for babies. If you’re choosing between the two, it’s really a case of mountain views versus ocean views
For families of four: The Mountain Apartments and Ocean Suites are the sweet spot. Both offer significantly more space than the entry level rooms, including separate living areas and kitchenettes, making them ideal for families with younger children who appreciate a little extra room to spread out
For families of five or more: The Signature Family Ocean Suites are the standout choice. These spacious suites sleep up to six guests and feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate lounge area and a kitchenette, making them one of the most practical options for larger families visiting Cape Town
All the Suites and Apartments have a sleeper sofa for the kids and cots can be added free of charge in suitable room categories, although we always recommend requesting these in advance
Interconnecting rooms are also available, making them a great option for larger families or multi generational trips. Requests can be made at the time of booking, although they remain subject to availability
Price & Special Offers
from £135 p/night in low season and £240 p/night in high season for a family of three
from £180 p/night in low season and £455 p/night in high season for a family of four
from £230 p/night in low season and £545 p/night in high season for a family of five
Worth waking the baby for
01
Two Oceans Aquarium
Rajska plaža (or Paradise Beach), in Lopar is a spot well worthy of its name. Home to a long stretch of Blue Flag accredited golden sand and shallow, calm waters, it is clean and safe making toddler splashing stress-free (plus there’s a small aqua park)
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Saunders’ Rockpool
Only a 2 minute walk from The President, Saunders Rock Pool is one of Cape Town’s most picturesque swimming spots. Carved into the rocks along the Atlantic coastline, the tidal pool offers a sheltered place for children to paddle and splash while parents soak up the views. Come early in the morning for calmer waters, or pack a picnic and stay for sunset when the whole bay glows golden
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Sea Point Promenade
The Sea Point Promenade stretches for several kilometres along the oceanfront (beginning directly from The President’s front door). It’s packed with playgrounds, outdoor gyms, ice cream stops, public art and endless opportunities for scooting, cycling and people watching. Whether you’re starting the day with a coffee and a seaside stroll or letting little ones burn off energy before dinner, it’s one of those places you’ll find yourself returning to again and again during your stay
