Platberg Harrismith Backpackers

A brilliant stay, and affordable too, so good value for money. The South African decor is really creative, the bed was comfy, the shower warm and the room very clean. Couldn’t have picked a better backpackers!

After travelling 600 km, we arrived after dark in the cold and hoped to make a hot cup of coffee, but there was nothing in stock. We called the owner, whose response was shocking: “If you want to be served coffee, go to a guest house” and “We are already cheap, why must we serve coffee?” When we said we’d leave a negative rating because of the poor service and her terrible attitude, she said, “Do what you want.” I’ve stayed in hundreds of backpackers around the world and could get a simple cup of coffee at all of them, but not here. The mattress was thin and noisy, and the room had a bare concrete floor. If I wanted to sleep in a tin shack, I wouldn’t pay that kind of money. I left a negative rating on their Facebook page, and since then they’ve removed the entire ratings feature, apparently to hide the poor service. I don’t recommend this place at all.

A very nice place, easy to find and close to what you need, including restaurants, pubs and a market. The room was quiet and really nice, and the kitchen had everything we needed. The owner was fantastic.

A great backpackers, and the cleanest I’ve ever stayed in. I’d definitely recommend it to families with children or couples stopping over, as well as anyone looking for a base to explore the surrounding mountains.