Hermanus Backpackers

Hermanus Backpackers hostel is very popular and is the closest to the sea out of the three hostels in Hermanus.

It is in a quiet residential area, overlooking a green at the front, and is less than five minutes' walk to the sea cliffs and a ten minutes' walk into the town. There is unsecured parking at the front but this is a safe town. It is difficult to get to Hermanus by public transport with no coaches or trains going here, only mini bus taxis, so it is easiest to get here by self-drive or Baz Bus (which stops in a town half an hour's drive away which the hostel picks up and drops off at for a fee).

There are several dorms, mostly with bunks plus a single for seven sharing. The dorm is locked and each guest has a key for their room. There are plenty of showers. Upstairs there is a shower with a WC, and also a unisex shower room with two showers, a WC and two sinks. The shower cubicles are large enough to change in. They are slightly tired but clean with plenty of hot water. These serve two dorms, and then there is another shower room at the other end of the building for two more dorms. There is an almost identical layout downstairs in terms of a shower and WC, and a shower room with two showers and a WC and sinks. There is also a WC and sink by reception.

Off the locked front door is a large reception area which is also used as a travel centre, booking many activities in the area and further afield, and a foreign exchange - a fantastic benefit which saves going to a bank in town (although best to exchange money in the morning as it is likely to run out in the afternoon). Off here is a reading lounge with book exchange and internet connection (this is rather expensive especially considering that there is one of the cheapest internet cafes in the country in the town). Next to this is a large open plan lounge with sofas, an open fire and TV with videos and DVDs regularly being played. At the back is are two dinng tables and a large kitchen with two wings. There is dinner served nightly here. From here are doors to the outside, which has a patio with picnic tables, a very clean swimming pool, and a grassy area with seating, all overlooked by mountains. There is outside access to the bar which has a pool table and seating.

The hostel is busy and sociable with a great vibe. The people there are very helpful, there are lots of activities to do, and the forex facility is a huge bonus. A fantastic place to stay in a really picturesque seaside town.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
September 2007