Carnival Court Backpackers is right in the heart of the action in Cape Town, which has so much accommodation, it can be hard to know where to start. It's a great choice if you don't want to be somewhere that's a little quieter but within easy reach of the town center.
The Location
As it sits right in the heart of the bar and nightclub stretch of Long Street, you're not far from most of what Cape Town has to offer at Carnival Court. When you check in, the fact that reception provides earplugs should give you a clue as to what to expect! Long Street is the focal point of Cape Town's bars and nightclubs, and there is a great selection of restaurants here, too.
Rooms and Bathrooms
It's set in one of the old, historic buildings that line Long Street; the old wooden staircases lead to a number of functional rooms. This place is cheap and handy for the one step you need to go from bar to bed. The rooms are plain and you can even bag a (rather overpriced) single room here -- and there are not many of these available in South Africa anywhere. There are a number of dorms ranging from four to six beds and the price is ok, though facilities are very rustic. The bunk beds are a bit rickety, but the mattresses are ok and the rooms are clean, if well-worn. Lockers are provided (you need your own padlock), and there is a wash basin in every room. At the front of the house, the rooms lead out to a balcony overlooking Long Street with a few wooden tables and chairs. The shared bathrooms are clean, there are quite a few of them, and there is twenty-four-hour hot water.
Common Spaces
The main common space is the Scary Canary Bar, with its giant flat-screen TV on the wall, mostly showing sports channels; it leads out to a mural-decorated balcony with tables, chairs, and sofas. Guests will also find a pool table inside and there is a small sitting area with a sofa. There is a lack of quiet spaces here, but Carnival Court is basically for the younger party crowd. The shared kitchen is on the second floor and is tiny. It's not particularly clean, either, but you'll find a kettle, toaster, microwave, four-hob cooker, and a fridge. There is free Wi-Fi, but the signal is very erratic and you'll be hard pressed getting much when the place is full.
Summary
This is a functional hostel for the young and thrifty, and the beautiful exterior of the house belies the blandness within. There are no frills here and much better value can be had in other areas of Cape Town. It's ok for what it offers, but it doesn't offer much.
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Carnival Court Backpackers Reviews
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+4
LondonroadMa
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Aug 21, 2018
Description
This grand old Victorian building, dating from the eighteen hundreds, recently had a radical face-lift. With three giant floors of cosy rooms and woodwork restored to its original splendour, the interior feels fresh and majestic.
From the two enormous balconies on the first and second floors, you can spy on the street life, look out over the skyline onto the slopes of Signal Hill or see the ocean above the palm trees on the other side.
From late afternoon you can meet fellow travellers in our spacious buzzing bar for a drink or a game of pool. Just outside is Cape Town's hub of activity that is Long Street.
Take your pick of the bars, clubs and restaurants that line the pavement from the doorstep and step into the best of the city's nightlife.
We are five minutes walk from the famous Greenmarket Square and the Cape Town city centre. Table Mountain cable car station and Camps Bay / Clifton beaches are a 5 minute drive away.
All rooms have a basin and hanging space, and singles / twins / doubles are furnished with cupboards, tables and chairs. Showers and toilets are communal, there are 2 fully fitted self-catering kitchens, a bar and lounge area with DSTV and pool table.
On Sundays we have a braai (barbeque) with 3 salads and garlic bread, all homemade. Just bring your own meat or fish and experience a true South African braai with great food, music and vibes.
Snacks, drinks and cigarettes are for sale all day. Free coffee / tea all day. Friendly staff members. Gay friendly. Student discounts and special / monthly rates during off-season. No checking in without a foreign passport.
Location and Contact
Location
• From the bus and train station, walk up Adderley street, take a right into Wale Street at the top of Adderley, then left on Long Street.
• Continue for about 5 blocks. We are situated close to the top of Long Street, above Long Street Cafe.
• Entrance between Long Street Cafe and Kennedy's.
Facilities and Amenities
Party Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Luggage Storage
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Airport Pickup
City Tours
Lockers in Lobby
Parking
24 Hour Security
BBQ Grill
Bar
Concierge/Info Desk
Currency Exchange
Darts
Evening Entertainment
Gameroom
Kitchen
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Movie Library/Rental
Pool Table
Credit Card Payments
Checkout: 10:00 (10 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Maximum Stay: Unlimited
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Open Dates: All Year
Reception Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM daily, late arrivals by arrangement
Size: Large (60-100 beds)
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