Situated by the beach and backdropped by Table Mountain and Lion's Head, the luxury Bay Hotel is set on lovely grounds. Palm trees flank the white exteriors, while inside, chic and polished decor is inflected with a subtle beachy touch, including vintage-style seaside posters adorning the walls in the lobby and tasteful seashell chandeliers hanging throughout. Soft neutral hues dominate and are paired with attractive wooden furniture. Common spaces throughout are swathed in natural light thanks to large windows, some of which overlook the beach. There are plenty of charming outdoor spaces to relax in as well, including four outdoor pools that offer chic, parasol-shaded loungers on wooden sundecks. Clientele here mainly consists of leisure travelers -- both couples and families with kids (but note that there's not much in terms of kid-friendly amenities here) -- though it makes a good base for business travelers as well.

The hotel is situated along Victoria Street, directly opposite Camps Bay Beach, the largest white-sand beach in Camps Bay. Many restaurants and cafes line this stretch of beachside road, as well as several shops and other hotels. This area is the main tourist hub of Camps Bay, an affluent suburb of Cape Town bordered by the bay and the mountains. Cape Town's center is about a 15-minute drive away, or about a half-hour by public transportation. The V&A Waterfront is around a 20-minute drive. Table Mountain National Park is about a seven-minute drive from the hotel, while Lion's Head is an eight-minute drive. Cape Town International Airport is about a half-hour drive away.

Rooms feature chic and stylish contemporary decor, pairing soft creamy and white hues with attractive wooden furniture and tasteful accents such as striped pillows. Stylish details include items like wooden boat models, paintings on the walls, and vertical wooden bookshelves decorated with several tomes. All rooms have sitting areas as well as desks. The spaces are equipped with flat-screen TVs, well stocked minibars, electric kettles, Nespresso machines, electronic safes, and free Wi-FI. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, equipped with tubs and separate walk-in showers, plus they come with L'Occitane toiletries.

There are a variety of room categories available, many of which have private patios (some with direct pool access) or balconies. Suites have two balconies and separate living rooms. Other extras in some rooms include spa tubs (some outdoor). Views vary and can include the mountains, beach, or pools.

The hotel offers an array of amenities for leisure travelers. There are four attractive outdoor pools, all with wooden sundecks and plenty of umbrella-shaded loungers. Pool floats are a nice extra. Note that the infinity-edge Sandy B Pool is basically in the busy parking lot. Wellness features include a chic spa that has a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool tub. The spa offers a wide selection of treatments like massages, facials, and nail services. Two massage beds are placed by the pool. The fitness center presents several cardio and strength-training machines; personal training services are available.

There are several dining options on-site: the poolside Bistro @ The Bay serves casual lunch fare and afternoon cakes and pastries, and there's a chic beach club, a tapas bar, and a lounge-style bar serving various drinks and coffee. There are poolside bars as well. A free breakfast is served in a bright and airy space enveloped in floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the beach. The meal includes a buffet of baked goods, fresh fruit, cereals, cold cuts and cheeses, plus guests can order a la carte hot breakfast items.

The hotel offers meeting and event space, including a boardroom, conference room, and a wedding venue for up to 500 people. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Limited parking is available on-site for a fee.