The Best City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East in 2016 By Flora Stubbs Flora Stubbs Instagram Flora Stubbs has been a journalist for over 20 years, and a travel editor for over a decade. She started out working on newspapers in London, then spent five years living in Asia: two in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where she worked as a newspaper reporter, and three in Mumbai, where she worked on the launch of Conde Nast Traveller India. She grew up in Devon, England, but now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their two children. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on July 6, 2016 Share Tweet Pin Email It has captivating beaches and elegant vineyards, enticing boutiques and an iconic mountain. And this year, Cape Town offers another draw to travelers: five of the top 10 urban hotels in Africa and the Middle East. Cape Grace and One&Only, perennial favorites in the city’s Victoria & Albert Waterfront, both made the list, coming in second and fifth. Ellerman House also made the list—a striking Cape Edwardian mansion overlooking the South Atlantic Ocean. The hotel has just 11 rooms, two suites, and two villas, but offers guests two lounges, a library, a spa, and three spots for a tipple, the brandy lounge, the wine gallery, and the Champagne cellar. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated hotels on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value. Properties were categorized as city or resort based on their locations. Though Cape Town had the most winners, Abu Dhabi and Dubai also made strong showings. Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah, a grand resort inspired by ancient Arabia, was ranked third in the region. “My husband and I were treated like royalty from the moment we disembarked,” said one appreciative past guest. But at the pinnacle of the list was the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, which respondents prized for its secluded atmosphere and verdant grounds. As one survey taker wrote, it is “the gold standard for elegance, luxury, and service.” 01 of 10 No. 10: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Courtesy of Jumeirah Score: 91.579 02 of 10 No. 9: Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa Courtesy of Belmond Luxury Hotels Score: 91.949 03 of 10 No. 8: Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Score: 92.842 04 of 10 No. 7: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Courtesy of Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi Score: 92.97 05 of 10 No. 6: Table Bay Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa Courtesy of Table Bay Hotel Score: 93.391 06 of 10 No. 5: One&Only, Cape Town, South Africa Courtesy of OneandOnly Cape Town Score: 93.826 07 of 10 No. 4: Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa Courtesy of Ellerman House Score: 93.88 08 of 10 No. 3: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Courtesy of Jumeirah Score: 94.323 09 of 10 No. 2: Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa Courtesy of Cape Grace Score: 94.593 10 of 10 No. 1: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa Courtesy of Leading Hotels of the World Score: 95.09 “This hotel and spa is one of my favorite places to unwind and relax,” said one survey-taker. The sanctuary-like feel of the Saxon Hotel, which occupies 10 landscaped acres in the leafy, upscale suburb of Sandhurst, is beloved by T+L readers. The decor is contemporary with African inflections that are particularly noticeable in the art and textiles. As reader Peter Weitz, who checked in recently, put it: “We were blown away by the beautifully appointed rooms, meticulous grounds, and thoughtful service.” Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit