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A good option for value-conscious travelers, the modern Cape Cadogan is a friendly guesthouse in the Gardens neighborhood, near the restaurants and shops of Long and Kloof streets. The elegant, double-storied Georgian mansion, which dates from the early 1900s, houses twelve rooms and a three-bedroom villa also on the premises. Opened in 2004, the bed and breakfast is run by the owners (fourth generation South Africans) who created Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sand. The sleek rooms are comfortably spacious with a predominantly white color scheme, beautiful fabrics and king-size beds, including some polished four-posters. Number 4 comes with a small balcony; number 2, on the ground floor, is one of the largest and has a small private patio, and numbers 6 and 7 overlook the street.

There’s WiFi throughout though what’s most charming about Cape Cadogan is the homey ambience, in part thanks to the buildings history. The dark wood floors were restored, there’s a large fireplace in one of the sitting rooms, which is also outfitted with overstuffed couches where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, and walls are decorated with framed mirrors and period drawings. Breakfast is served in a contemporary, all-white dining room. During the summer months, there’s also a leafy courtyard where you can sit with coffee.

Cape Cadogan doesn’t allow children under the age of twelve, but the owners also run nine apartments in the area ranging in size from one- to two-bedrooms. They have the same elegant, understated décor as those in the hotel and daily maid service can be arranged, but guests enjoy more independence.

You may not be near the waterfront or have sweeping views of Table Mountain at Cape Cadogan, but travelers who prefer small, personal properties will be happy at this well-run place. The staff is helpful and can help with Cape Town suggestions, whether it’s the new hot spot restaurant or arranging a guide for a city tour. Rooms from Rand2125 (about $215).

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The More Quarters apartments come with kitchenettes, but the Kloof Street location also puts guests within walking distance of cafés and restaurants. Interiors feature a chic design scheme with dark-wood floors and cozy furniture. The emphasis is on making guests feel at home. More Quarters is the sister property of Sabi Sand’s Lion Sands Camp.

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This low-key and comfortable hotel, in a 19th-century mansion in the southern suburb of Newlands, is better known to locals than tourists, although it has a regular overseas clientele (mostly British) who return year after year. While the hotel has mountain views and a pretty garden, with a new spa and swimming pool area, it doesn’t reach the heights of luxury offered by the other hotels I’ve mentioned. But I’ve been going to the Vineyard for lunch, drinks, and tea on the large veranda since I was a student at the nearby University of Cape Town, and it always feels like a more intimate glimpse of Cape Town than that provided by most other hotels. A separate spa wing has more stylish suites and is close to the pool. The restaurant, Au Jardin, is very good, if on the formal side. Rooms from $185.