George Backpackers, George

Budget accommodation in George -- a major stop on the bus routes along the south coast -- is very limited as most travelers push on to Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, or Wilderness, but there is one choice offering backpacker dorms and it's George Backpackers. This hostel is set among a beautiful backdrop of mountain scenery and many nature trails.

The Location

Located in the west of town, it's a short walk to the central shopping area and the bus station. George Backpackers is also quite handy for the nature and hiking trails in the northwest of George on the road to Oudtshoorn. The minibus taxi station off Cradock Road gives access to Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Knysna, and even all the way to Cape Town.

Rooms and Bathrooms

George Backpackers is a tiny place boasting just five rooms, of which three are dorms. Two of the dorms have six beds each and a third has four beds, all bunks. The two private rooms are twins and all rooms share bathrooms. The dorms are quite roomy and have tons of cupboard space. The wooden bunks are sturdy and the bedding warm, with extra blankets provided for the winter nights. Each room has a couple of power points, too. There is one toilet and a bathroom with a toilet and two shower stalls. Hot water is available twenty-four hours.

Common Spaces

Because George Backpackers is so small, there is little common space. There are a couple of chairs and a sofa in the reception area with a TV in the corner. A little table and chair sits in another corner of the hallway leading to one of the six-bed dorms. The shared kitchen has a kettle, toaster, microwave, mini grill with two hot plates, two gas rings, and a fridge. There's not much space and it's a little light on pots and pans. The ones available are pretty large and the cutlery and crockery would just about stretch to half a dozen people.

Summary

George Backpackers is a neat and tidy place, but the lack of common areas doesn't make it particularly homey. It's a place to spend a night and move on. If the place is empty, there'd be more space in which to move around, but if it's busy, it could feel a bit claustrophobic having so many dorm beds. The owners are helpful and friendly and have good information on what to do in George and the options for moving on. George Backpackers is a good little place for travelers in transit, but do confirm any bookings you make with this place as the frequency of no-shows have made the owners a little careful.