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The Hippo Backpackers Reviews

Official Hostelz Review
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Of Port Elizabeth's hostels, The Hippo Backpackers is a relatively new addition to the list; as it's at the end of the line for the eastbound backpackers' Baz Bus from Cape Town, hostel beds are in high demand.

The Location

Just fifteen minutes' walk to downtown and twenty minutes' walk to the railway and bus station, The Hippo is in a quiet district.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are two double rooms in the main house and three dorms of five or six beds in the back garden buildings. The downstairs dorm by the main house has an en suite toilet and hot-water shower, contained in one of the tiniest spaces we've seen in many years! There is really only room for one or the other, not both! Consequently, there is virtually no room to get dressed after a shower and there is no lock on the door. You're better off to use one of the outdoor showers. The room also has a damp and musty smell to it. The five beds are comfortable enough, but there is no storage room or lockers (instead there's one long table, which also has the power sockets, for unpacked luggage. The upstairs dorm has six bunk beds and looks much more comfortable with outside showers and toilets.

Common Spaces

There is a common kitchen, which is clean and fairly well equipped, and attached to the sitting room which also has TV. The kitchen is well equipped, but when we were there, we noticed that water from the upstairs showers drips through the ceiling onto the kitchen worktop right by the kettle and toaster. There is a small swimming pool in the back garden along with a braai (barbecue), and free Wi-Fi is available, but the signal doesn't reach the dorms. You'll get the best signal sitting in the small, covered bar area near the main house -- where there is also a table tennis table. Those staying in the double rooms have access to the large sitting room and kitchen in the main house and much better Wi-Fi, as they are close to the router.

Summary

This place is ok for a night or two, but could do with some attention by the owners. The leaking kitchen ceiling is a concern, and the place looks generally a little shabby. The Hippo is accessed through a security gate into the front garden parking area, then a security door to the back garden and to the rooms. When we stayed there, there weren't enough keys for all the guests, so we had to ring the bell and wait to get in, which took some minutes. All in all, this is place just about adequate.

Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.

Londonroad

Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer

Published on 2016-12-18

Verified Reviews by our Community

my friend Magda and I stayed for two weeks at the Wet Hippo almost a year ago, and I still think of it every single day, it was the most amazing experience and truly life changing. Matthew looked after us like we were Royalty. we still talk about our holiday and will always do so. Magda and I have agreed to meet in London to celebrate the first anniversary of our holiday of a lifetime. Thank you heaps and heaps to Matthew and Carla for looking after us and for making us feel so special during our stay. If I know anyone is going backpacking in S.A. I always suggest going to the Wet Hippo, it was most surely the best and warmest welcome on the planet.

Maggie Whitwham

2007-02-15

Fantastic hostel and staff. The facilities are good, and washing is done for you. Very clean and honest hostel. Fellow guests are great, and there's a really good atmosphere. It has good and easy access to the main city and good taxi services. There's a great back garden and swimming pool. It's about a 5-minute drive from the beach and good local facilities.

Lep

2005-09-06

Great place. The staff and fellow guests were friendly and the facilities were excellent. You can get your washing done here (service wash) for little more than doing it yourself using their machine. Breakfast is available and there is a large and sunny back garden with a good-sized swimming pool. The only downside was that there was no lock on one of the bathroom doors. And it's a bit of a way from the beach, but otherwise it's an excellent value.

Anonymous

2005-02-27

Still young at heart but with a lot of potential!! Very friendly staff. Clean facilities. Surely we will be back. :-)

Carla + Alex

2004-12-20

Description

We offer backpacking and hostel accommodation at affordable rates in Port Elizabeth that include FREE internet/Wifi access

We are located in the funky Richmond Hill area with a very popular Euro street cafe vibe which boasts a great selection of bars and restaurants...all within walking distance.

We are a small lodge offering a high quality standard of backpacker accommodation and facilities. We also off superior guest service, taking care of anything you need from booking adventures and onward travel to where to find the best local music, entertainment and food!
All this and a comfy, clean bed and hot showers!

Make use of our one night free special if you book the Addo/Schotia full day safari-2nd night free!

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Located in arty ,trendy,original and local Richmond Hill with funky eateries to choose from,
wine and art galleries and specialist shops for every taste.
Easy to explore the city on foot and to enjoy the unique free Hippo walking tour
that takes guests along heritage trails, up a lighthouse, on art routes,
cathedral and the wonderful stretches of beaches that the city offers.
Easy access to main beaches,airport and shopping malls makes this
a great spot to put together a fantastic 48 hours in Port Elizabeth.

Location and Contact

Location

Map

Address: 14 Glen Street, Richmond Hill, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Hippo Backpackers is listed on the following booking sites:

Not listed at Hostelworld

Website

www.thehippo.co.za

Phone Number: +27 (41) 585 6350

To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.

Facilities and Amenities

Party Hostel

Solo Traveller

Bedsheets

Luggage Storage

Parking

Safe Deposit Box

Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons

Airport Pickup (R70)

City Tours

Towels

24 Hour Security

BBQ Grill

Bar

Cable TV

Concierge/Info Desk

Gameroom

Hot Showers

Kitchen

Lounge Area

Outdoor Seating

Pool Table

Power Point/Sockets in Rooms

Swimming Pool

Breakfast

Credit Card Payments

Entirely Non-Smoking

Pet-Friendly

Max. Age: All Ages

Min. Age without Parent: 18

Checkout: 11:00 (11 AM)

Curfew: No Curfew

Lockout: No

Maximum Stay: Unlimited

Minimum Stay: 1 night

Open Dates: All Year

Reception Hours: 24 Hours

Size: Small (less than 30 beds)

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The Hippo Backpackers, Port Elizabeth

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