33 South Backpackers
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About
#2 of 8 hostels in Observatory
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
33 South Backpackers is the best way to stay in Cape Town, a true home away from home. We're situated in the heart of Cape Town's vibrant atmosphere, where you're able to enjoy all the Mother City has to offer, in the cleanest and most affordable of way. This is what backpacking is all about, providing the adventure of hostel residence with the luxury of a hotel. Our outside lounging areas, braai facilities and on-site bar, will have you wanting to spend your day having fun with the friendly staff, our local visitors from the vibrant Observatory (fondly known as Obz) neighbourhood, and fellow guests. Our rooms and dormitories are named after famed Cape Town neighbourhoods, so that you can experience the diversity Cape Town has to offer, without leaving the front gate!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Darts
Evening entertainment
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Concierge
Street parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Snack bar
Board games / puzzles
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Ironing service
Room features
Housekeeping
Safe
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu
Location
48 Trill Road, Observatory 7925 South Africa
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 77 out of 100
77
Cape Town Intl Airport
12.5 km•
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Car Hire
37 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
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Detailed Reviews
Had a great stay @ 33 South Boutique! The staff is very friendly and the hostel does a good job of planning activities and events. Did an awesome hike with Ace up Lion's Head for sunset. Even if activities aren't formally planned, you can talk to the staff and see if it is possible to plan. The hostel has lots of info on tours in ZA as well, which is really helpful to see what you can do around Cape Town.
My friend and I stayed in a private room (Tyger Berg) and we felt all our things were safe and found the beds very comfy. All-in-all we had a great stay here & would recommend to others!
My friend and I stayed in a private room (Tyger Berg) and we felt all our things were safe and found the beds very comfy. All-in-all we had a great stay here & would recommend to others!
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled with friends
Location
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Sleep Quality
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.
Best of comfy showers are decent there a kitchen you can cook in or you can walk up a short distance to many places you can eat out everything here in central transport is easy to find too come in a time when summer is at it peak!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
The service was excellent and the stay felt safe and secure. Rooms were clean and I was comfortable. The area was out the way of the place that I was doing the course so for this reason, I had to relocate. Thanks to friendly staff for your understanding.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Nice relaxed backpackers, in an area that felt safe at night and had numerous cafes/restaurants very close. Reasonably priced, and staff helpful booking tours etc. However a few gripes -
Near impossible to get a good nights sleep from Private Room. Floorboards very noisy (suggest night shift staff go barefoot???), and for some reason a staff member insisted on setting kitchen table at 5.30am-6am every morning loudly banging every kitchen plate in the process. This is after other staff members staying up and talking loudly in the kitchen post 11pm. A door is badly needed on kitchen doorway to block out noise.
Having sole TV at reception is pretty hopeless. Surely can find another cheap TV to put up in common area.
Overall with 4 nights very fitiful sleep I can't really recommend this place which is a shame.Some people who work in hostels really have no idea how important it is for their guests to sleep well.
Near impossible to get a good nights sleep from Private Room. Floorboards very noisy (suggest night shift staff go barefoot???), and for some reason a staff member insisted on setting kitchen table at 5.30am-6am every morning loudly banging every kitchen plate in the process. This is after other staff members staying up and talking loudly in the kitchen post 11pm. A door is badly needed on kitchen doorway to block out noise.
Having sole TV at reception is pretty hopeless. Surely can find another cheap TV to put up in common area.
Overall with 4 nights very fitiful sleep I can't really recommend this place which is a shame.Some people who work in hostels really have no idea how important it is for their guests to sleep well.
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Travelled solo
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from Crew_33South, Manager at 33 South Backpackers
Responded 04 May 2015
Dear coochiee, thank you very much for your feedback. We want to apologise for your bad experience and we really appreciate your comment. We are already planning to buy a new TV for the common room. Furthermore, we also take it seriously that our guests have a restorative sleep. Therefore, we are planning to buy a door and we also spoke to our staff to lower the noise level. Thank you very much. Kindest regards, Natasha Manager of 33 South Backpackers
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at 33 south backpackers for 1 week. The hostel was well run; the staff was polite and professional and they worked as a team. Overall, it was a great place that I would definitely recommend.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
This backpackers is a great place to stay in in Cape Town. It felt more like being in a small family house than in a hostel. Friendly staff, clean and nice rooms, a peaceful surrounding and a kitchen where you could find everything you need made my stay wonderful.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
My best friend and I have just returned from a 4 week volunteering programme in Cape Town and stayed at 33 South for the duration of our trip. Before we arrived in Cape Town we assumed our hostel would just be a place to lay our heads but 33 South turned out to be so much more than that! The hostel is situated in the buzzing little town of Observatory - perfect distance from a variety of bars and restaurants and just a small taxi drive away from the centre of Cape Town. The rooms are cleaned daily with meticulous precision and linen is changed every week. The washing facilities are available at a small fee with assistance from the cleaning staff. The kitchen is fully equipped with a large communal dining table. As long as you stick to the allotted times there is always hot water available. There is also FREE wi-fi in the newly renovated bar/ reception area. However the element of 33 South that makes it so special is the staff, who are unbelievable, incredibly friendly and welcoming and are available 24/7 at the reception desk for any help or advise no matter what the issue. As a whole the hostel has a friendly, vibrant and homely atmosphere. Thanks for a wonderful stay 33 South!!
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â There are a variety of rooms available from dorm room with up to 8 people sharing or private...
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.
I have stayed here for two weeks now and have yet to have one hot shower. They advertise hot showers all day but really the water is only hot sometimes late at night. I also have never seen the cleaning ladies change my sheets. Would not recommend this place.
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Date of stay: June 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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.
Response from natasha m, Manager at 33 South Backpackers
Responded 30 Jun 2014
Good Day Thank you for the honest review , we apologize for the poor service delivery and we would love to say that the hot water issue has been rectified .We have also had made investigations as to why your linen was not hanged and necessary steps have been taken so that this matter will not be repeated again . 33 south values all the feedback that all our guest give as we strive to to keep our guest all happy and provide a home away from home . Please note that if there is anything that you would like to share please do not hesitate to contact me . Natasha
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I stayed at 33 south for about two months. It became my home. The staff was my family. They treated me with love and respect and was there for me like a family. It is a beautiful home filled with interesting people coming and going. I met some of my best friends at this place and I will always be thankful for the time I spent at this lovely backpackers. The facilities are clean and the staff is very adamant on keeping their guests happy. I look forward to when I'm come back to Cape Town and I will definitely stay at 33 south again. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
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Date of stay: January 2014
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.
Response from natasha m, General Manager at 33 South Backpackers
Responded 30 Jun 2014
Kristina T We are happy that we had you as our guest and you certainly left a mark at 33 south .We would also love to thank you for the amazing paint work that you did .It was sad to see you leave as you had became a part of us .33 south will keep on thriving to make this a home away from home and we want to make sure that all our guest have a memorable experience . We are looking forward to seeing you again .We will keep in touch and update you with all the amazing activities that are happening at 33 south . Wishing you all the best in all that you do . Natasha
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The 33 South Backpackers were one of the best I've visited, but there are still some points they should improve.
Cleanliness: Okay, but with a little more effort it could be much better
Breakfast: For a quick breakfast it was sufficient, but all in all it was not very good. (only tea, coffee and toast)
Kitchen: It was nice that it was not very busy, so for self caterers it is very helpful. BUT: after every monday (cleaning day) you can't be sure if your stuff in the fridge is still there (although your products are identified through your name and the date)
Location: It was the first time I visited Observatory, that is the reason why it was at the beginning difficult to find some nice places in this area. Especially the staff at the reception was not very helpful with giving tips, because the staff member was new too.
Bar: It was always fun to spend some time with Emil at the Gypsy bar.
Although there are some negative points, I recommend the Backpackers especially to young people.
Cleanliness: Okay, but with a little more effort it could be much better
Breakfast: For a quick breakfast it was sufficient, but all in all it was not very good. (only tea, coffee and toast)
Kitchen: It was nice that it was not very busy, so for self caterers it is very helpful. BUT: after every monday (cleaning day) you can't be sure if your stuff in the fridge is still there (although your products are identified through your name and the date)
Location: It was the first time I visited Observatory, that is the reason why it was at the beginning difficult to find some nice places in this area. Especially the staff at the reception was not very helpful with giving tips, because the staff member was new too.
Bar: It was always fun to spend some time with Emil at the Gypsy bar.
Although there are some negative points, I recommend the Backpackers especially to young people.
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Date of stay: November 2013Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
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"The two double rooms are lovely and the dorm in the front has lots of sun but is near the street."Read full review
"Double rooms are more private but if you are 4 people travelling together the 4 bed dorm is great aswell"Read full review
"All the rooms are have a unique feel, there is a lovely outside double room that would be a bit more quiet."Read full review
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
33 South Boutique Backpackers
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeCape TownObservatory
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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.
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Claim Your Listing33 SOUTH BACKPACKERS - Hostel Reviews (Observatory, South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about 33 South Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to 33 South Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include 2handsy Experience (0.1 km), Observatory Liquor (0.07 km), and Total Ninja Black River Park (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at 33 South Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at 33 South Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a lounge, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at 33 South Backpackers?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to 33 South Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include 1890 House Sushi, Ferdinando's Pizza, and Cafe Ganesh.
Does 33 South Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, 33 South Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is 33 South Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Observatory.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at 33 South Backpackers?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa.
Are there any historical sites close to 33 South Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Iziko Slave Lodge (4.8 km), City Hall (4.7 km), and Iziko Bo Kaap Museum (5.4 km).
Is 33 South Backpackers accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.