Long Street Backpackers

The location on Long Street couldn't be better, and the staff are all friendly and ready to help with any problems. Volunteers and staff put together activities every day, both during the day and at night, so there's plenty to do and people to meet in Cape Town. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen has everything you need, and the shared facilities are clean. There's also a large workspace to retreat to when you want one. Just remember this is a party hostel, right in the middle of Long Street's pubs and clubs, and the hostel makes that clear. If you need somewhere quiet, look elsewhere. For everyone else, it's the place to go.

I was there for an English course and found it easy to meet people and practice. Guests came from many nationalities, which made the experience even better. I had a private room for the whole stay, room 17B, and felt very safe. The hostel was well organized, including its shared spaces. It's close to major universities, the V&A Waterfront and Company’s Garden, and there's no shortage of bars and nightclubs on the street. The location was excellent. The one small drawback for me was nighttime noise, though it honestly wasn't a major issue. I stayed in a room at the back, which I'd suggest for anyone bothered by noise. Some guests like to party and drink, and can get a bit loud. I don't drink or smoke, so it did bother me a little now and then, but only on a few occasions. I enjoyed the bar as a place to socialize, and my stay was very positive. I'd definitely recommend the hostel.

I had just arrived in Cape Town and found myself without somewhere to stay, so I booked at Long Street Backpackers. They explained right away that my reservation was for a mixed room with men and women. I wasn't comfortable with that, and they quickly found me a better room. Their customer service was great. Even when I first wanted to cancel, they were still willing to help. If you need a place to sleep, you can go there.

I spent fourteen days there over Christmas and New Year's. Someone opened my sealed luggage and stole a BOSE speaker and some clothes. The property did absolutely nothing to help. There's also a deposit to rent a shower towel. Without local money, I left 10 EUR, then forgot about it when I checked out, though the towel was still in the room. When I contacted them, they offered no solution. They replied that they still had my 10 euro towel deposit, and that since their towels cost R350 each, the deposit was less than the towel's value. Great customer service, if you ask me. They kept both the towel and my money. The dorms have no fans, not even ceiling fans. With the heat and mosquitoes buzzing in your ear and biting all over, the nights were torture. Mosquitoes are a thing in South Africa. I wouldn't recommend this place or stay again. It felt unsafe, the customer service was zero, and amenities and facilities were lacking.