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The Backpack

74 New Church Street, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa
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The Backpack
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187 reviews from our community

Traveller rating
    116
    56
    10
    2
    3
See reviews for
Families
10
 
Couples
39
 
Solo
62
 
Business
4
 
Rating summary
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Sleep Quality
    4 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

After trying a few hostels in CPT, this one was the best. I was in a private with bathroom, and it was a nice choice, though the public rooms seemed nice and clean as well as the shared bathrooms. The staff at the front desk ensured we had the tours scheduled that we wanted, even on a public holiday. Breakfast... More

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EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
13 May 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review The Backpack on Tripadvisor. Thank you for the idea about possibly expanding our free wifi zone. We will be sure to look into that. It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed your overall stay with us and that you were able to get the front desk staff to book tours for... More

London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
29 hotel reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

Stayed for 5 nights in a double ensuite room and found the hostel to be really clean, well run with friendly helpful staff. - Rooms, bed, sheets were all really clean and when it comes to cleaniness I'm fussy and have high standards but these were definately met here. Rooms are cleaned daily too as are all the communal toilet/shower... More

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EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
13 May 2013

Thank you for reviewing hour hostel on Tripadvisor. It is awesome to hear that you had a good stay with us at The Backpack. We pride ourselves in giving our guests the best stay possible while in Cape Town. We are glad to hear that you were able to use majority of all the services offered at the hostel and... More

Cape Town Central, South Africa
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

The studio apartment was a perfect fit for my daughter and I when we first arrived in Cape Town. The studio was in a great location, right across from the Company Gardens with a beautiful view of Table Mountain, within walking distance to the Hop on and off Tour Bus and the Green Market. The kitchen and bathroom facilities were... More

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EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
13 May 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review the studio in Tripadvisor. It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed the stay at the Studio. It really is in the perfect location to get around the city. We hope that you will book it again next time you visit Cape Town. Kind Regards Eleni Good More

Hoedspruit, South Africa
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

I stayed at The Backpack for 10 days - first i only booked for 2 nights because i wanted to see if Cape Town had something else to offer, but i failed to find another place as good as this. Its always 100% clean and staff is always there to help and advice you. Prices are reasonable and food is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
13 May 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review our hostel on Tripadvisor. We are extremely glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us while in Cape Town. It is lovely to hear you felt safe leaving your things in your dorm and that you found the hostel to be kept clean and tidy. We look forward to welcoming... More

Gansbaai, South Africa
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 April 2013

The Backpack is easily the best backpackers in Cape Town. I have stayed at many (I am frequently in Cape Town for work and play!), and cannot recommend this backpackers highly enough. Awesome design, very clean and well turned down rooms - even in the dorms!, and excellent and most helpful staff, plus the cheapest bar in Cape Town!! It's... More

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See 3 more reviews by Michelle W for Cape Town Central
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
22 April 2013

Thank you for taking the time to complete a review on Tripadvisor. We are really glad that you use the hostel for as many stays as possible while in Cape Town. We are always striving to ensure our guests have an awesome stay at The Backpack. We look forward to welcoming you again for either work or play! Kind Regards... More

Durban, South Africa
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 April 2013

another awesome hostel very close the the action in cape town. the hostel does cheap breakfast if you want to eat in, i recommend it because you get spectacular views of table mountain as you eat. friendly helpful staff that know the local hotspot. check it, you wont regret it

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Karlosthebref for Cape Town Central
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
17 April 2013

Thank you for reviewing our hostel on Tripadvisor. We are really glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us at The Backpack and you enjoyed the awesome views of Table Mountain we have from our cafe area. The views that we have around the hostel are unbelievable and it is awesome to see it everyday. We look forward... More

Stratford, Connecticut
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 April 2013

Every detail concerning our stay at the Backpack was excellent. To mention a few are the staff members always friendly and helpful! The location is within walking distance to all major sites in Cape Town. Every thing at the hostile is very clean: beds kitchen, common areas, bathrooms and showers, pool, and the tent which we liked for sleeping! The... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
17 April 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review our hostel on Tripadvisor. It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us while in Cape Town. Our housekeeping team, strive to ensure that the hostel is always kept to the best standard possible, and work extra hard to ensure that it is always lovely and clean. We are... More

New York
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013

My mom and I stayed here for several nights in July 2012, in a double room with private bath. We were happy to find that The Backpack was comfortable, friendly, and a great place for travelers of all ages. We arrived just in time for the monthly wine tasting in the bar, so had a great first evening meeting fellow... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
17 April 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review our hostel on Tripadvisor. It is awesome to see that nearly a year later your stay with us at The Backpack is still an awesome memory. We are glad to hear that you did enjoy your stay with us and that you were able to use the travel desk services. We hope... More

Tempe, Arizona
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013

This is a wonderfull hostel - lots of room to chat and move around, extraordinarily helpful staff, travel assistance, and lots more. I especially enjoyed the day trip they set up for me to see the Longa township and visit Robben Island.

Was this review helpful? Yes
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
15 April 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review our hostel on Tripadvisor. We are really glad that you enjoyed your stay with us at The Backpack. We are delightled to hear that you were happy with the travel tips that our staff were able to give you. It is awesome to hear that you loved the township tour that you... More

1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 April 2013 via mobile

Can't say enough good things about this hostel. Staff was tremendous, very helpful and knowledgeable. Gave us great tips on what to see and do in Cape Town. Great location, very nice rooms. Thank you for a wonderful beginning and end to our South African trip. The place to stay in Cape Town!

Was this review helpful? Yes
EleniGood, Duty Manager at The Backpack, responded to this review
4 April 2013

Thank you for taking the time to review our hostel on TripAdvisor. We are extremely glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us at The Backpack. We are happy to hear that you were able to start and end your trip with us and that our staff gave you tips that were helpful. We hope that you will... More

 
 
The Backpack
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Additional Information about The Backpack

Also Known As:
The Backpack Hotel Cape Town Central
The Backpack Hotel
The Backpack Cape Town, South Africa
Address: 74 New Church Street, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa
Phone Number:
Region: South Africa > Western Cape > Cape Town > Cape Town Central
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Shuttle Bus service Swimming Pool
Hotel Style:
Ranked #7 of 159 Speciality lodging in Cape Town Central
Price range (per night): RM106 - 293
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Making a difference is more than just an initiative of The Backpack, it is the way we are, the way we work and the way we live. South Africa's original award-winning backpacker hostel and travel agency is simply the best place to make your travel arrangements, with all the facilities you can expect from a great hotel, such as stylishly decorated Afro-chic rooms offering superior comfort and quality, with shared or en-suite bathrooms, private electronic safes and in-house ATM. Stay in touch in our internet cafe or use WiFi throughout the hostel; swim in the pool with a stunning view of Table Mountain, or meet like-minded international travellers in our buzzing Cafe or Bar. This 5* Backpackers offer a variety of rooms, ranging from 8- and 4-bed dorms, to singles, twins, doubles and family rooms; communal kitchen and dining facilities; lots of sociable and chill-out spots to relax in. A night on the town in Long Street, gorgeous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront and the city centre is just a stone’s throw away. Independent winner for Best Practice Economic Impact - Imvelo Awards 2011Independent winner for Best Single Resource Management Program in Waste Management - Imvelo Awards 2011 "One of the world's 10 coolest hostels" Guardian UK - 2010, Winner of 2011 AA Quality Assured Accommodation Award Awarded Best Hostel in South Africa 2010, 2009 & 2008. ... more   less 
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