I'm headed to SA in two weeks, and I'm trying to plan my first few nights in Cape Town. I'll be in Cape Town for a few days before I jump on the Baz Bus. I'd like to stay somewhere in Cape Town where I'll meet others who are either headed out on the Baz Bus or just came in off the bus. I'm also traveling by myself, so I'd prefer to stay somewhere where it would be safe to walk alone to restaurants/bars at night (or has a great bar where people tend to hang out). I'm also a little older than the average backpacker (30), so I'd rather not stay someplace that's so party-oriented that people are running up and down the halls screaming or you can't get a good night's sleep because of partying in the building or on the street. Oh, and I'm torn between being in the middle of things on Long Street and having a nice view a little further out. Right now my top choices are Long Street Backpakers, the Backpack, or Cape Town backpackers. Any thoughts? Am I missing a good one? Can anyone give me pluses/minuses about each of those choices?
Thanks!

the only time i've stayed in a Cape Town backpackers i stayed at the Big Blue! It's situated pretty close to the Waterfront and has an awesome atmosphere and bar! I really enjoyed my stay there, with very friendly people and staff and it has all the facilities you could want!

just as a side note... the private room i stayed in even came with those little shampoo and conditioner bottles and chocolates on the pillows!

For a safe and easy start on a tour of South Africa, I chose The Backpack (http://www.backpackers.co.za/) a few years ago, and I didn't regret it.

The people working there are knowledgeable and most willing to assist in figuring out an outline for the rest of your trip. They run/book excellent day trips and they're a Baz Bus agent.

The hostel is fairly quiet at night, but there's a bar/restaurant and they serve good food. If you want something more, a couple of blocks away there's Gardens with many bars and pubs, and it's not out of the question to walk to Long Street, although preferably you should be accompanied by someone. I'm male and 30+, and had no trouble at all walking alone from Long Street and the Waterfront on several occasions, even at night-time. I walked rather quickly, though. #8D)

I'd do it again, as the Long Street places seemed more busy at night than I appreciate. The only "problem" with the place is that it seemed like they fairly often have large groups arriving, school classes from England and France when I visited. Being surrounded by hordes of hormonal upstarts can quickly lose its charm.

If you're interested, you can download the South Africa chapter (pdf) from my Web site and read how I spent a few days in Cape Town in a way that pleased me immensely.

Bjørn
http://bjornfree.com/

Cape Town Backpackers is pretty solid. Great staff who will sort out any trips or things you want to do. Plus Mama Fefe is worth meeting. It's in a good location too!

hm, my personal choice is Longstreet Backpackers, but according to what you were saying I'd go for The Backpack!

seb

Big Blue is great, very well located and the staff is very friendly.

i highly recommend big blue. I stayed there for just about a week this summer. While it was the down season, and was pretty empty it was great. very homey feel and everything in the bar is a mere 10 rand! (current exchange rate is actually 11+ rand to 1 USD.

My caution is during the peak travel time to South africa, make sure you book this hostel well in advance. It has a really high rating on hostelworld and other sites so people book this place up quick.

I loved The Backpack near Long Street....be sure to attend their weekly Tues night Braai for an intro to the country's BBQ culture.