THE BIG Luxury Backpackers

The BIG checked all the big accommodation boxes for me: comfortable, clean rooms, tasteful decor and a great breakfast. More than that, the kind and warm staff, including John, Chantal, Koketso, Laura and others, made it feel like home and helped guests enjoy sharing experiences. Staying here really shaped how I experienced the city, and I'm very grateful. Best hostel stay I've had.

I really enjoyed my time at The Big Luxury Backpackers. It's a comfortable, well-run place with good value and a relaxed social atmosphere, not a party hostel. The front desk team, Jocelin, Chantelle, Abdul and John, made us feel welcome from the start. They're professional, friendly and always trying to help with requests or recommendations. The cleaning team also deserves a thank you. They do a great job every day, and the rooms and shared areas stay spotless. Breakfast was a highlight. The kitchen team is ready before 7am with fresh fruit, bread and coffee. You can also cook eggs yourself in the iron pans, which gives it a homely touch. I'd gladly stay again and recommend it to anyone visiting Cape Town. It's a reliable, comfortable backpackers with a team that cares about the guest experience.

Calling The BIG a hostel, even a luxury one, undersells it. It feels more like a boutique hotel. I brought a group of 18 to Cape Town, and between us we had 10 rooms. Each had its own design and furniture, so no two were alike. Some rooms were small, while others were very large with space to spare. The team is a real strength. Nothing seemed too much trouble; they were helpful, knowledgeable and easy to chat with, and even joined guests around the communal breakfast table. Breakfast was a feast, with freshly baked bread, yoghurt, cereals and bowls of fresh fruit. Book the braai if you stay. It was delicious and a lovely way to spend an evening with other guests and the BIG team. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants just down the hill, only minutes away, and the area felt very safe to walk around. The hostel is about a ten minute walk from the V&A Waterfront, a few minutes from the stadium, and a short drive from Lions Head and Table Mountain, so everything is within reach. We stayed in March/April this year. It was my second visit, after staying in November 2025, and we'll surely be back.

This was a great experience, probably the best "not so hostel" I've stayed in. I loved the atmosphere, people, mix of ages (very important when you're 30+ haha), safety, cleanliness and breakfast. It's not a party place, but it's easy to make friends and connect deeply, and there are quiet spots where you can work. The staff are genuinely kind, friendly and always ready to help. They change the towels and make your bed every day, and really make you feel at home. If you're a bit shy but want to meet people, go ahead and book, it's worth the price, even if it's a little expensive for a guest house/hostel. The area is great, and you can easily walk to both the Waterfront and Sea point during the day. And PLEASE try Giovanni's near by.