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Bohemian Lofts Backpackers is one of a number of backpacker hostels in the southern suburb of Cape Town called Observatory or "Obs" to the locals.
The Location
Located above two cafes right on Lower Main Road, the social hub of Observatory, Bohemian Lofts occupies an old building with an impressive balcony. Less than ten minutes' walk from the train station, it's an easy journey by public transport from Cape Town city center. The entrance is tucked away, round the corner from Lower Main Road, on Trill Street, and accessed up a narrow, winding, wooden staircase. Don't miss the wrought iron chandelier overhead!
Rooms and Bathrooms
This tiny place has seven double/twin rooms, four of them en suite, and two six-bed dormitories. Both the dorms share bathrooms. Streetopia dorm leads out to the balcony above Lower Main Road. The mattresses are a little saggy and the old wooden floor creaks. Lockers are provided for those with their own padlocks and there are bedside lights and power points for some beds but not all. Streetopia also has a sink in the room. Woodstock dorm, also six-bed, is at the back of the building and there is a common bathroom right around the corner. All the bathrooms have twenty-four-hour hot water, but there is only one shower and toilet in each.
Common Spaces
The common kitchen is tiny and this is where the very basic, free breakfast of toast and jam is served every morning. You'll find a microwave, toaster, kettle, two fridges, and a four-hob electric oven. Leading from the reception to the kitchen, the hallway is a sitting area with chairs and a computer terminal. In the reception area, there are some comfy chairs and a sofa on your way to the balcony. The balcony overlooks Lower Main Road and is scattered with chairs, tables, and a couple of mattresses. The reception area is where the best signal from the free Wi-Fi is.
Summary
One of the smaller backpackers' in Observatory, this charming little place oozes with character. The old wooden house is a little creaky, but the old balcony, still with its original lacework eaves, is a major draw. Everything here is scrupulously clean and the atmosphere is friendly. Although it is right in the center of things in Observatory, it's one of the quieter hostels. It's convenient for commuting to the city center and is just a few minutes’ walk to Spar supermarket, if you don't want to patronize the local cafes and restaurants. This is a good choice.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+3
LondonroadMa
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on May 23, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• Directions from Cape Town International Airport : N2, take 'Liesbeeck Parkway' exit and turn Right under the bridge. • At the traffic lights (after the stadium) turn EFT into Station Road. • Go over the bridge - at the traffic lights go LEFT. • Backpackers is on the corner of Trill and Lower Main Road. (41 Trill Road).