One of around half a dozen backpacker choices in the Observatory suburb of Cape Town, Observatory Backpackers is a popular haunt for budget travelers to Cape Town.
The Location
Observatory Backpackers is about three hundred meters from the Lower Main Road bars and cafes, so it's nice and handy but away from the noise and hustle. It's a ten-minute walk from the train station and trains to the city center or further down the coast to Muizenberg and Simon's Town.
Rooms and Bathrooms
This large house has a plethora of rooms on its two floors. There are double rooms, some en suite; a family room and four dorms; plus one "luxury" sharing bathrooms. The dorms are either four or eight bed, with all bunks; they are very clean, as are the linens, and the mattresses are firm and comfortable. There are lockers for those with their own padlock and power points. Towels are provided. The bathrooms are clean and hot water is available twenty-four hours. A couple of the smaller dorms have their own en suite bathrooms.
Common Spaces
There is plenty of space in this large house and the big back garden has a number of chairs and tables scattered around both for sun worshipers and those wanting a bit of shade. The living room is liberally littered with comfy sofas and chairs and there is a flat-screen TV. The common kitchen is a little small but has a kettle, toaster, microwave, fridges, and an electric cooker. The adjacent dining area has a long table and bench seats and this is where the free breakfast is served -- cereal, toast, and muffins are what you get for breakfast and tea and coffee is available to guests all day, free of charge. There is free Wi-Fi, but the signal is only strong around the reception area and upstairs where there is a second router. It doesn't extend out into the back garden area.
Summary
This is a very good choice. It's a spacious property in an old house, and there is plenty of common room. It's spotlessly clean and the ambience is fun without being noisy. It's conveniently located for all the points interest around Observatory and it's easy to get further afield to the city center or further south as far as Simon's Town and back in one day.
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How is Observatory Backpackers rated?
Observatory Backpackers Reviews
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LondonroadMa
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on May 23, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• Located in the heart of Observatory on Lower Main Road Cape Town.
• Located in Observatory. With the University of Cape Town, and various other tertiary education colleges located close by, Observatory has gained a reputation as the student 'hood. Alternative, trendy, a cross culture mix of bars, restuarants, music and life.
Facilities and Amenities
Family-Friendly Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Parking
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
City Tours
Lockers in Lobby
BBQ Grill
Cable TV
Credit Card Payments
Entirely Non-Smoking
Hot Showers
Laundry
Lounge Area
Movie Library/Rental
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