In the heart of Cape Town City Centre, Urban Hive Backpackers offers a social haven with a lively bar and arcade/game room. Unwind on the terrace or get lost in a book from the library. With free WiFi, dry cleaning services, and multilingual staff on hand to help you plan your day.
Cape Town International Convention Centre - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
Cape Town Stadium - 4 min drive - 3.2 km
Cape Town Cruise Terminal - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
Getting around
Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) - 16 min drive
Cape Town Station - 15 min walk
Cape Town Bellville Station - 30 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Mama Africa - 1 min walk
Kennedy's on Long - 1 min walk
Beerhouse on Long - 1 min walk
Royale Eatery - 1 min walk
The Waiting Room - 1 min walk
About this property
Urban Hive Backpackers
When you stay at Urban Hive Backpackers, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Long Street. Other highlights at this Victorian hostel include a bar/lounge and a terrace.
Languages
Afrikaans, English, French, Portuguese
At a glance
Hotel size
26 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at 1 PM
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free off-site parking nearby
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
What to do
Pool table
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
1 building/tower
ATM/banking
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Picnic area
Terrace
Library
Television in common areas
Arcade/game room
Victorian architecture
Room amenities
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Rainfall showerhead
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Shared kitchen access
More
Housekeeping (on request)
In-room safe
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Towels fee: ZAR 100 per person, per stay
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 200 per vehicle (one way)
Kitchen/kitchenette use is available for an extra charge
Policies
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Urban Hive Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cape Town
Frequently asked questions
Does Urban Hive Backpackers offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Urban Hive Backpackers does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Urban Hive Backpackers?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Urban Hive Backpackers?
No, unfortunately, but there's free parking nearby.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Urban Hive Backpackers?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 200 per vehicle one way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Urban Hive Backpackers?
You can check in starting at 1 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.
Is there an onsite casino at Urban Hive Backpackers?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World (15-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Urban Hive Backpackers and nearby?
Urban Hive Backpackers has an arcade and a picnic area.
What's the area around Urban Hive Backpackers like?
Urban Hive Backpackers is in Cape Town City Centre, a short 1-minute walk from Long Street and 19 minutes' walk from Cape Town International Convention Centre.
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Urban Hive Backpackers Reviews
Reviews
7,8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8,2/10
Cleanliness
8,4/10
Staff & service
7,4/10
Amenities
7,8/10
Property conditions & facilities
6,8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
08 May 2024
Very homey and I love that
Aurora Sutton
Aurora Sutton, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
27 July 2023
We were delighted with our stay in this establishment. It's right in the center of town and very easy to get to. However, as it was winter, the rooms on the upper floor were too cold. Otherwise, the staff are very welcoming and helpful.
HOELISOA
HOELISOA, 2-night trip
2/10 Poor
09 February 2024
Wonderful desk agent the lady was great. But when I say everything I mean EVERYTHING else about my stay was horrible. Andwith this place you get wat you pay for here. Never again
Verified traveller
1-night trip
2/10 Poor
08 January 2024
I booked a 6-female room which is advertised as a three bunkbeds. To my surprise, it was not. It was 2 triple bunks. The room was tiny and messy. There were suitcases, shoes, backpacks, and random items on the floor making it nearly impossible to walk inside the tiniest room. There were not enough outlets to support 6 people in the room and the little power source available was being hogged by others. It was a challenge trying to charge my after having a long travel day. The shower clogged. Hair everywhere. I tried to freshen up as I had a long travel day. I felt disgusted. I left the property to get my mind off it. I came back to find a room that was like a sauna with a fan that only reaches the two people at the lower bunks. I was issued the highest bunk. Lucky me! There was a lady in my room fully naked doing her makeup and started the blow dryer at 1030pm. There is no noise control or behavior control from the staff. That was the last straw for me. I immediately booked a hotel just hours after checking in. The staff did nothing to address the issues after expressing my concerns. I am glad I left. I’ve stayed at plenty of hostels before. This place is not it.
Nelly
Nelly, 3-night trip
2/10 Poor
22 January 2025
Sjarmerende, men umulig å sove
Det var ekstremt mye lyd fra barene i området rundt. Det var helt umulig å sove. Jeg måtte skifte hotell midt på natten. Reagerte også på unge jenter som gikk rundt i badedrakter om natten.
Vibeke
Vibeke, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
31 October 2024
Mandla
Mandla, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
01 September 2024
Edward
Edward, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
14 January 2024
Yen Kuang
Yen Kuang, 10-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
30 December 2022
Bradley
Bradley, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
16 May 2022
Good value single room
Very good rates for single (small) rooms in such a good location in Cape town! The old building was really charming.
My room had a lovely view of the table mountain.
Verified traveller
4-night trip
6/10 Good
02 February 2022
you get what you pay for
the hotel was very affordable-but the bar scene, on the streets outside-was very loud
no air in room-was very hot
nancy
nancy, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
13 February 2020
Siyambona
Siyambona, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
06 December 2019
Verified traveller
11-night trip
2/10 Poor
20 November 2019
Verified traveller
6-night trip
2/10 Poor
19 November 2019
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
16 September 2019
Nina
Nina, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
11 September 2019
Located on a very popular tourist street - lots of clubs, bars and noise -especially on weekends. Ask for a rear room if noise bothers you
Verified traveller
3-night trip
8/10 Very good
06 September 2019
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
16 August 2019
Nico
Nico, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
04 August 2019
Verified traveller
1-night trip
2/10 Poor
31 July 2019
It wasn’t clean. Staff r rude n unhelpful. The noise was unbearable.
Verified traveller
4-night trip
2/10 Poor
31 July 2019
The staff are extremely rude esp. the cleaning staff.
Verified traveller
7-night trip
2/10 Poor
17 June 2019
Private Room Differed from Picture/Description
The listed information (photos and description) is not accurate. I mentioned this to the hostel, and they didn't care or accept responsibility. The bed was extremely uncomfortable and the linens weren't very clean. There's also no a/c or fan, so in the summer I can imagine the rooms get excessively warm.
Additionally, an undisclosed 100 Rand deposit is immediately required at check-in in order to receive your key.
For the private rooms, no toiletries and no towel are provided.
I would absolutely not recommend this hostel.
Verified traveller
5-night trip
8/10 Very good
15 May 2019
Brandon-Lee
Brandon-Lee, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
12 April 2019
El hostel es Muy lindo comodo y la gente muy buena onda