Having twice stayed in both the Cape Grace Presidential Suite and the Dock House suite, as well as having visited and dined/had tea many times at the One&Only, Ellerman, Mount Nelson, Table Bay, Taj, Twelve Apostles, and even Westin hotels, I think the following about Cape Town's most prominent properties:

Ellerman House is the toast of the town, though this may not be the best choice with kids (or parents) who might enjoy being closer to the V&A waterfront area. This is a sublime residence feeling boutique luxury hotel experience with wonderful seaside views in a very residential neighborhood area. It's about a 15 min drive from the V&A waterfront and farther from some of the best dining venues in Cape Town--the only weakness for staying in Bantry Bay, really.

The Cape Grace is Cape Town's version of a Four Seasons/St. Regis full service luxury hotel, the finest and most luxurious choice close to the V&A waterfront area. It is a mix of traditional and modern with a very club-like feel to the decor. It's a mere 10 min walk to the center of the waterfront area. The Penthouses, pool deck, and many rooms/suites have tremendous views of Table Mountain and/or the waterfront.

The Dock House Boutique Hotel (and affiliated Queen Victoria Hotel) are both boutique luxury hotels for those wanting a more intimate and/or less expensive option on the V&A waterfront. The Queen Elizabeth decor is quite modern. The Dock House decor is modern but mixed with many traditional elements in a very appealing fashion, and the property is literally across the street from the V&A waterfront--but with enough privacy that it feels more remote (especially for the Dock House 1st floor suite). The Dock House suite is my preferred accommodation whenever in this area; it's so nice that it has precluded us from yet staying at (or paying more for) Ellerman House! The Dock House is unique, much like Ellerman House. Views only from the second floor of the waterfront...but great views of Table Mountain from its garden/pool area.

One&Only Cape Town is a luxury hotel also at the V&A Waterfont almost between the Cape Grace and Dock House/Queen Elizabeth. But it is trying too hard to be something it isn't, and that and it's quite modern decor can be cold and off-putting. It feels out of place and forced to me, but it still is a very nice luxury hotel with all the bells and whistles. This is a lot of (modern) pomp without as much circumstance. Good service, but it just lacks character. There are nice views. I'd always choose the Cape Grace or Mount Nelson over the One&Only if I wanted a proper bigger hotel near the waterfront. Of course, I gladly and easily choose the Dock House suite over both--and both are an easy 10-15 min walk.

Belmond's Mount Nelson is a bit of the grand old dame of the Cape Town hotel scene: classic, traditional, and yet quite lovely. The hotel is in a residential feeling neighborhood not far from the wonderful Aubergine restaurant. This property is another excellent luxury full service hotel offering less pomp and much more circumstance...with wonderful service. There are some nice views of Table Mountain. It's quiet and less flashy, but an outstanding property that has a wonderful sense of place. It's just 10-15 min drive to the V&A waterfront, and it's much closer to most of the best dining venues in town.

The Table Bay and Taj Cape Town hotels are sub-luxury hotels to me that just feel past their primes. They both feel large and tour group-y to me, more like more traditional and yet still tired JW Marriotts. They have all the bells and whistles (and views) of a full service bigger hotel (except the Taj lacks an outdoor pool), and yet feel like big box hotels that could be almost anywhere. Not for me...ever.

The Westin Cape Town is about a 15-20 min walk from the V&A waterfront in a dull semi-business feeling area. Yet it's a very nice and modern Westin--though it's not a cheap Westin! Accommodations are very good and safe. It could be anywhere, but it's a great award redemption for those looking to save cash. A wonderful business hotel that can double as a leisure hotel when necessary.

The Twelve Apostles is located farther than Ellerman and even the Pod Hotel from the center of Cape Town, out past Camp's Bay in a beautifully scenic and dramatic area. The seaside location and views are amazing, and it's a wonderfully quirky nice luxury hotel. It's a little too far out of town for me, but it's a very nice option.

The Pod Cape Town is one I'd really like to visit. It's in Camp's Bay, not far from Ellerman House. It's supposed to be quirky modern and yet quite nice, but likely nowhere near the service standard of Ellerman House. Still, another great boutique option for those liking to stay in the Camp's Bay neighborhood or in a very modern boutique option.

The Silo has always looked to me like it was going to be a lot of pomp without much circumstance...and @MacMyDay's review pretty much confirmed that for me. I love a W vibe...but with appropriate price points. The Silo ownership obviously believes it will attract customers who will pay a lot for the views and design but without concomitant luxury level service. I don't think so.