We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Lowest prices for your stay
Lock in the lowest price from these sites
Booking.com
US$100
Expedia.comUS$169
Official SiteUS$209
Hotels.comUS$169
Agoda.com
Priceline
ZenHotels.com
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
avatar-imageavatar-image
Traveller (153)
Room & Suite (136)
Videos (1)

About

#368 of 1 833 hotels in Cape Town
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
In the remains of the earliest recorded commercial foundry (1876)—where sparks flew and metal bent as engineers and iron founders plied their trade—rises Ideas Cartel’s flagship location. The Old Foundry Hotel is a true experience of old-world sophistication and contemporary elegance. Choose from 24 rooms, work out at the in-house gym, grab a coffee at the café, visit the Frontier members’ lounge and feel the hustle in the air around the Inner City coworking spaces. Built to be the best boutique hotel in Cape Town with access to a network of extraordinary business and pleasure facilities. Beyond these facilities, Cape Town central waits at your doorstep. Who says booking a room means sleeping all night?
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Game room
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Secured parking
Wifi
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Nightclub / DJ
Shuttle bus service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Photo copier / fax In business centre
Facial treatments
Adults only
Rooftop terrace
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Executive lounge access
Doorperson
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Washing machine
Ironing service
Show more
Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Extra long beds
Bath / shower
Bathrobes
Dining area
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Minibar
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
On-demand films
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Show more
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu
128Reviews0Q+A19Room tips
Traveller rating
  • 104
  • 13
  • 2
  • 3
  • 6
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Jane S wrote a review 02 Dec
Cheltenham, United Kingdom14 contributions6 helpful votes
This hotel is a converted foundry keeping all its industrial history which makes for a contemporary style. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The staff are helpful and friendly. Breakfast menu has a lot of choice and is tasty. The location is great for a 5 min walk to waterfront and feels safe and secure. This hotel is great value for money.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: No lift but only 1 flight of stairs
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
SunOnTheBeach_13 wrote a review Mar 2022
New York City, New York19 contributions48 helpful votes
Hotel's Favourite
The Old Foundry is a stylish hotel that seems to have been decorated for Millennials who enjoy vintage furnishings. It is a mere 10 minute casual walk to the Waterfront and about 30 minutes to the town center; the location is fantastic. The beds and pillows are comfortable, the hotel restaurant serves excellent breakfast in a beautiful, serene courtyard, and the front desk makes an awesome Gin and Tonic as a welcome drink! Now for some tips that I hope will be helpful. 1) The location. As great as it is from sights, the front faces a small homeless encampment. We never had any issues, but this does make for an uncomfortable first impression. Not surprisingly, the front entrance is locked after 7:00PM. No worries. Continue on Ebeneezer to the end of the block and make a left onto Prestwich. You will find a second entrance, which gets locked after around 9:00 PM. Again, no worries. Travel a few feet to the end of the block and make a left onto Cardiff. You will find a third entrance into the Foundry that is open all day and night. 2) Load shedding. That happens in South Africa, and when it does, it only lasts for 2 about hours. When it happens during the day, you will be told at what time. Plan your day accordingly. 3) The hotel room we were in had very limited storage. The sink floats (I had to be creative with where to store toiletries), the towel hook is really, really high (I had to jump), and the closet space is tiny. If none of this bothers you, then this will be a great place for you. For me, I will definitely return.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Andrew M wrote a review Aug 2023
Nantwich, United Kingdom411 contributions73 helpful votes
+1
Wonderful hotel, built on the site of an old foundry . The decoration within the hotel is to an high standard with some of the original foundry equipment forming part of the decoration of the hotel. Staff were really helpful and would highly recommend staying here if you are planning to visit Cape Town
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Leisel P wrote a review Jul 2023
3 contributions
+1
Loved the style and decor in this hotel. Great location with easy access to Waterfront. Very friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast options were great and food was exceptional. Parking was limited but very secure. We enjoyed our stay and will be back.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Parking limited but secure
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Passenger24171186846 wrote a review Jun 2023
1 contribution
The room smelt of what can only be described as excrement, an incapable drainage system and noisy in-room water-pumps keep you awake at all hours, would highly recommend to avoid, very poor experience.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Ludo wrote a review Jun 2023
Abidjan, Ivory Coast159 contributions25 helpful votes
Regrettably, my recent stay at this hotel was an absolute disaster, marked by a complete lack of attention to detail, neglectful customer service, and a series of disconcerting surprises. From the very beginning, it became evident that the establishment's primary focus was on superficial elements rather than providing a satisfactory experience for its guests. The customer service was consistently lackluster and disinterested. The staff appeared indifferent to guests' needs and concerns, displaying a complete disregard for delivering quality service throughout my stay. Their apathetic approach left me feeling neglected and frustrated, further contributing to the overall disappointment of the experience. Upon entering the room, I was greeted with a disheartening contradiction. The room description touted a private bathroom, leading me to believe I would have a personal and secluded space. However, what was conveniently omitted from the description was the presence of a panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the bathroom. This design flaw provided an unobstructed view of every aspect, including the toilet. It was a shocking and deeply uncomfortable realization that compromised any sense of privacy. This crucial detail was purposefully hidden from guests and not evident in any of the promotional pictures, creating a breach of trust and a complete lack of transparency. To compound matters, the bathroom itself was cramped and impractical. It became clear that aesthetics took precedence over functionality, leaving guests to navigate a limited space that was ill-equipped for their needs. This design oversight further reinforced the impression that the hotel prioritized style over the genuine well-being and comfort of its guests. As if these issues were not enough, a significant problem arose with the shower drain. It frequently malfunctioned, resulting in water overflowing and flooding both the bathroom and the main room. The inconvenience and frustration caused by this recurring problem were unacceptable. It was evident that basic maintenance and upkeep were sorely neglected, adding to the mounting list of disappointments during my stay. Perhaps the most alarming discovery was the shocking lack of security regarding the hotel safe provided in the room. The master reset key was inexplicably stuck in the keyhole, rendering the safe accessible to anyone, regardless of whether they possessed the safe combination. This critical security flaw completely undermined the purpose of having a safe in the first place and posed a significant risk to guests' valuables and personal belongings. It was an inexcusable oversight that raised serious concerns about the hotel's commitment to guest safety. In a stunning display of negligence and disregard for guest communication, the hotel had established a WhatsApp group prior to our arrival. This group included key staff members, including the supposed manager of the hotel. It was presented as a means to share information and address any requests or concerns we might have during our stay. However, when we attempted to voice our concerns through this channel, we were met with complete indifference. The messages were read by the staff, including the so-called general manager, but they couldn't be bothered to provide a response or address the issues raised. This flagrant lack of responsiveness and failure to engage with guests' concerns further exemplified the hotel's complete lack of genuine care and professionalism. Furthermore, the problems extended to the very process of check-in. Despite being two guests, we were only provided with one key to the room. It was only after repeated requests and reminders that we were finally given a second key. To our astonishment, on the day of our checkout, we discovered that both keys had been deactivated more than a hour prior to our scheduled departure. This left us locked out of our room after enjoying breakfast, and we had to search for a solution. We encountered a maid in the hallway who, without verifying our identity or room ownership, opened the room for us. This lack of security protocol and disregard for proper verification procedures was deeply concerning. Despite these numerous disappointments, it is worth mentioning that the building itself is a commendable example of architectural transformation. The old foundry has been beautifully renovated into a hotel and coworking space, showcasing impressive design and creativity. However, it is disheartening that such remarkable aesthetics were not complemented by an equal level of functionality, attention to detail, and guest satisfaction. The only highlight of our stay was the breakfast, which was surprisingly good. The quality and variety of the food provided a brief respite from the numerous disappointments and frustrations we encountered throughout our time at the hotel. However, it is disheartening that this was the sole positive aspect amidst a sea of shortcomings. In conclusion, my experience at this hotel was marred by a multitude of disappointments and instances of negligence. From the indifferent customer service to the deceptive room description, the invasive bathroom design, the recurring shower drain issue leading to flooding, the compromised safe, the lack of responsiveness from the staff, and the mishandling of key access, each aspect contributed to a thoroughly unpleasant stay. It is evident that the hotel's priorities lie more in superficial aesthetics than in providing a genuinely comfortable and secure experience for its guests. I strongly advise against choosing this establishment for your accommodations, as it fails to deliver on even the most basic expectations of hospitality and guest satisfaction.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
TravelDispatch wrote a review Jun 2023
Washington DC, District of Columbia1425 contributions298 helpful votes
+1
We stayed at the Old Foundry the first couple nights of our 12-day trip through South Africa. Although located along a side street with a few tents along the sidewalk across the street, the hotel had a unique industrial-loft-library feel to its interior. Staff was very friendly upon checkin and walking us to our rooms. It had been raining that day, so there was a bit of a damp and musty smell along the carpeted hallway to the rooms. Aligning with a recent trend we’ve found at a couple other hotels, our room (#10) had a large window in the bathroom looking out into the bedroom; it does make the bathroom feel more spacious, if you don’t mind putting on a show for those in the bedroom. With that said, it might get awkward if you’re staying with someone other than your spouse. Otherwise our bedroom was spacious and had plenty of storage and a good size fridge; it would have been nice to have one or two luggage racks rather than having to use the chairs for the small dining table. The only negative aspects to the room was hearing the annoying groaning sound of the water pumps not only in our room, but in adjacent rooms during any use of water (flushing, showering, sink); also there was a valley in the center of our bed that I felt I had to continually avoid rolling into. Overall, the Old Foundry is a good option when staying in Cape Town.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: There are a few parking spots out front; gate to lot is closed between 7pm to 7am, but there’s a...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Zina K wrote a review Jun 2023
1 contribution
+1
This was our worst hotel experience so far. The personnel were kind and welcoming, but not helpful at all for all of the troubles we’ve encountered during our stay. We stayed for 4 nights. On the arrival, they put us in a room with a terrible smell of a mold. They moved us in another room, but only for one night, so we needed to pack again in the morning and move to a 3d room, as they were still trying to clean up the 1st room. The 3d room, where we have stayed for the rest 3 nights, smelled a bit as well, but we stayed. We suppose the smell comes from the old carpets on the floor, which never dries properly after cleaning. Here, we had a problem with water flowing from bathroom’s ceiling. The receptionist told us that it is caused by an extensive use of the air conditioner, so we turned it off. But, the air conditioner was set up in a way that it automatically turned on after a couple of hours, so the water started to flow again at night. Btw, I also catched cold because of this air conditioner and was sick for the whole following week, so the half of our holiday in South Africa. The worst thing though happened the night before our departure. We put out cameras and passports in a safe box in the hotel and the key stopped working. We told it to the receptionist and he asked when we’re planning to leave in the morning and we said 9 am. He promised to send their technician in the morning, who came to wake us at 6 am in the morning!!! He tried to open the safe and forced the key the whole morning with no success. Then, the receptionist told us that the technician cannot break the safe because it’s too expensive to replace and they need to call an external company to fix this and we should pay the expenses as he supposes that we forced the key and it is our fault!!! Of course we refused to pay for their defective key. They told us that they have no cash at the reception and they need an approval of 3 managers to get this.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Sarah P wrote a review May 2023
1 contribution
This was a bizarre (and unpleasant) hotel stay. Since I was traveling while working, I specifically sought out a hotel with a good workspace and loadshedding resilience. The Old Foundary has both, and it's beautiful, but that's where the good stuff ends. I also chose this hotel because it has self catering options with a fully equipped kitchen and a washer/dryer. Here's where the weirdness begins. 1. When I checked what equipment was available, there were no pots/pans, and no detergent/cloths/sponges. No washing powder for the washer dryer. When I asked the front desk why not, the staff member on duty told me most people don't use them, so they supply on request. So I requested. What arrived in my room was a bewildered looking cleaning lady carrying an old reused tub with a couple scoops of laundry powder and an enormous bottle of dish washing liquid half empty, and clearly showing signs of wear from a central cleaning location somewhere. No cloths/ sponges or drying towel. 2. The washing machine detergent tray was filled with old, stale, goopy powder so I pulled it out and washed it before use. However, our clothes came out smelling so bad, even after doing a self clean cycle, and washing them again, that we took it to a private laundry service to fix. 3. There is a coffee machine with provided pods, but all decaf. I asked for caffeine and they said they don't offer them because no one ever uses them, which I think we can all agree is far fetched to the point of gobsmacked disbelief. 4. There were no bedside lamps in the room. I asked for one so that I didn't need to stumble to bed in the dark after turning the lights off, and I was informed they didn't have any but "will consider adding them in future". Every other room I peeked into had them. Lastly, the bathroom has a large glass window into the room, which looks gorgeous, but has no blind or curtain, and while my husband and I are certainly comfortable with each other, we are not individuals who like an audience while pooping! (Also, the extracter in the bathroom was broken so it permanently smelled damp and musty). We cancelled the second part of our booking, and in future will stay elsewhere, and rent a desk at their office spaces if we need them. At the end of the day, a beautiful hotel, but all style and no substance.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: If you're staying in the hotel principally for the work spaces, stay somewhere else snd rent the...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Andrea E wrote a review Apr 2023
4 contributions
The hotel was awesome. Creative interior Design and Everything to satisfaction. Friendly staff and good breakfast selections. Conveniently located walking distance close to Victoria and alfred Waterfront
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Good for long term stay
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Previous
123456
PRICE RANGE
US$109 - US$191 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeCape Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

THE OLD FOUNDRY HOTEL - Now R 1 735 (Was R̶ ̶2̶ ̶8̶8̶5̶) - UPDATED 2023 Reviews & Price Comparison (Cape Town, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Foundry Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Old Foundry Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Cape Diamonds (0.1 km), Uwe Koetter Jewellers (0.4 km), and Baraka Gifts and Decor (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Old Foundry Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at The Old Foundry Hotel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a minibar, and air conditioning.
What food & drink options are available at The Old Foundry Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Old Foundry Hotel?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Old Foundry Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include GOLD Restaurant, Pigalle Restaurant, and Signal Restaurant Waterfront.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Old Foundry Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness centre, fitness classes, and locker rooms available in the fitness centre during their stay.
Does The Old Foundry Hotel have an airport shuttle?
Yes, The Old Foundry Hotel offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does The Old Foundry Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, The Old Foundry Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is The Old Foundry Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.8 km away from the centre of Cape Town.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Old Foundry Hotel?
Yes, laundry service and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.