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208 Long Street, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa
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US$39
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US$35
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US$42
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Traveller (41)
Room & Suite (24)
Dining (22)

About

#14 of 33 hostels in Cape Town Central
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Urban Hive Backpackers is located in the heart of Cape Town, in the iconic blue and white striped Victorian building which stands proud at the top of vibrant Long Street. Watch life’s passing parade from the two panoramic balconies with our 180° street views whilst enjoying a drink with new friends. Our funky, custom-built dorms sleep 3, 6 and 9 people, with one reserved exclusively for women. We also have a variety of stylishly decorated twin, double and single rooms. Facilities include a fully equipped communal kitchen with free coffee and tea, a cozy back ally with hanging plants and lights and a living room with full DSTV, a pool room and a reception and travel desk that’s open 24/7. At night, join the party or take a quick ride to one of Cape Town’s many attractions. Long Street is packed with bars, ethnic restaurants, antique stores, bookstores and bohemian clothing shops – all of which offer a diversified culture that appeals to travellers from around the globe.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free internet
Game room
Hiking
Airport transportation
Adults only
BBQ facilities
24-hour front desk
Street parking
Wifi
Billiards
Board games / puzzles
Car hire
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
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Room features
Housekeeping
Safe
Bottled water
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, French, Portuguese
63Reviews0Q+A8Room tips
Traveller rating
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Andrea L wrote a review May 2023
Canton of Zurich, Switzerland30 contributions44 helpful votes
I had an awesome time at Urban Hive! The guests were super nice and so was the staff :) The balcony is super cozy and there is a big kitchen. The hostel is very central (on long street) and there are tons of bars, clubs and restaurants close by. I would recommend staying there if you want to meet people and have fun.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
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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Adventure30314628243 wrote a review Mar 2023
1 contribution
I stayed at Urban Hive for a month, and it felt like a home away from home. The staff is super friendly, nice and accommodating, and ensures everything to make the guests comfortable. It’s centrally located on Long Street, in a beautiful heritage building, and has many hangout places like bar, balcony, lounge. Close to many touristic places and especially to explore the nightlife of Cape Town. The rooms, bathrooms, kitchen are all well maintained and super clean. All in all a perfect experience and will definitely stay there whenever I visit again.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
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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Joe Khan wrote a review Jun 2022
Cape Town Central, South Africa1 contribution
Gangsters paradise Very old, crumbling structure. Management have gangster mentalities for imposing inhouse rules. Intimadatory tactics to short change paid up guest. Other places fare far better. #ThumbsDown
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
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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marckdan wrote a review Oct 2021
Kuwait City, Kuwait9 contributions
I've stayed there a few nights, and return again & again; even contemplating a long stay. The place is clean; the communal kitchen & lounge area is inviting, the in-house pub & adjoining balcony is cosy and gives the feel of a private party, above the bustle of Long Street below. Communal bathrooms are OK, kept clean. I love the many nooks & turns & corners of the old house and the creaking wooden floors. But the guests are what make the place feel like a home away from home -- an eclectic mix of local & foreign visitors passing through the city. There's a feeling & atmosphere of being in a backpackers in a foreign city, somewhere abroad, making one feel as if one is on holiday, somewhere away from home. I love this place! It's become my accommodation of first choice, for a party night or two in the city.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Double rooms are the best (esp with balcony access).
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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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Fortunate khangale wrote a review Mar 2020
2 contributions
Fortunate khangale i stayed there for 2 and left for a tournament but when i was done i went bavk because its amazing services and close to everything and the people so friendly. Love the place. THEMBILE IS THE GUY THAT HELPED ME
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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Corey G wrote a review Feb 2020
5 contributions3 helpful votes
This is a wonderful hostel with helpful staff and a balcony overlooking Long Street. It has all the amenities I would need and, as of recently, has a lively bar as well. Thank you for a wonderful stay and for making this hostel feel like home.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
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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Alexander Fabricius wrote a review Feb 2020
Kongens Lyngby, Denmark15 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
What a cool place, really good atmosphere and warm hearted people ( especially the staff ) the staff engaged all my trips ( bungee jump, shark cage, garden rute, Wine tour, snorkling with seals, and paragliding ( Amazing ) and there were no problems, I can only recommend it. I am a big fan of the paintings that are made and i can spend hours looking at them. The location could hardly be better, short way to table mountain, waterfront, the mall and alot of restaurants and bars. I love South Africa 🤩
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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andreacl wrote a review Jan 2020
3 contributions
We booked this hostel for one night to sleep. Let me just say, we did not sleep. This hostel play LOUD (!!!!) music all night long which you can hear completely. NO Sound isolation. Worst thing i have ever tried.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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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Traveling man wrote a review Nov 2019
2 contributions
I must say, out of the many backpackers that I have stayed in. This backpackers is by far the friendliest, most prepared, well organised, vibrant, energetic homely home away from home. From the rooms to the people, I can highly recommend this backpackers to anyone who is looking for an amazing experience. Do yourself a favour and book in here, because you won't be disappointed. The staff are awesome, the owner is a legend, the manager/director is also a legend and if you lucky enough, you'll get to meet one of the great Legends "Pops" or "Papa Smurf" Be cool and come to the Hive.
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
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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Chase wrote a review Nov 2019
Cape Town Central, South Africa4 contributions
This place is central and in the heart of CT. With all the amenities u can think of. Clean spacious rooms, big communial kitchen and lounge area. Big grander over looking long street seeing the busy city life. The people who work there are Awesome, friendly and always going out there way to make you feel at home. Wouldnt want to be anywhere else. Will be back again and again.
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
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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Previous
PRICE RANGE
US$20 - US$38 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Blue Mountain Backpackers
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeCape TownCape Town Central
NUMBER OF ROOMS
27
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URBAN HIVE BACKPACKERS - Now R 447 (Was R̶ ̶5̶0̶3̶) - UPDATED 2023 Hostel Reviews & Price Comparison (Cape Town Central, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Urban Hive Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Urban Hive Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Local Knowledge (0.2 km), Dinner Time Stories SA (0.2 km), and The Diamond Gallery (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Urban Hive Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include airport transportation, free internet access, and baggage storage.
What food & drink options are available at Urban Hive Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Urban Hive Backpackers?
Yes, paid public parking nearby and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Urban Hive Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Iron Steak and Bar, SeaBreeze Fish & Shell, and Addis in Cape Ethiopian Restaurant.
Does Urban Hive Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, Urban Hive Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Urban Hive Backpackers?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and Portuguese.
Are there any historical sites close to Urban Hive Backpackers?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Iziko Slave Lodge (0.4 km), City Hall (1.0 km), and Iziko Bo Kaap Museum (0.5 km).