Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge
Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge
5 Lichtenstein Street, Swellendam 6740 South Africa
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About
#3 of 3 hotels in Swellendam
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Cosy wooden cabins and luxury en suite rooms lie in a lush bird filled garden fringed by its own gurgling mountain stream and the Marloth Nature Reserve. Halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route it is ideally situated to hike or horse ride through indigenous forests or wander through the picturesque village. Beneath the most spectacular peaks of the Langeberg Mountains Swellendam is the 3rd oldest magisterial district in South Africa with plenty of inspiring and peaceful experiences. Sit around our welcome fire under starry skies and enjoy the countryside.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Paid wifi
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Fireplace
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Location
5 Lichtenstein Street, Swellendam 6740 South Africa
Getting there
Car recommended
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: 47 out of 100
47
Cape Town Intl Airport
171.2 km•
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26 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
The owner is exceptionally unfriendly and unhelpful, it ruined the whole feeling of our stay. Addtionally, although room and facilities clean and nice - this place is NOT a backpackers. The atmosphere is stiff and formal and one gets issued with 'rules' upon arrival in a patronising and rude tone. I would not recommend this place to anyone, whether they're looking for a backpackers or otherwise.
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Date of stay: January 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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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.
Me and my boyfriend spent there 2 nights. Despite its name this place is not backpackers as commonly known in SA. It does not have dorms and the cheapest room for couple costs 480R/night. Room was very basic, which was quite dissapointing considering its price. It was very cold and damp room, we could not get warm there. Beds were comfortable though. Bathroom would benefit from handwash, shelf for toiletries and toilet brush. Main house is decorated nicely, has good kitchen, but it is small house and it felt a bit crammed at times. We did not like cat's eating area in the kitchen. Internet is charged 30R/device. Camping is costly: 300R/night.
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Date of stay: June 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
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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.
We arrived in Grahamstown at dusk, without having previously arranged accommodations. We were anxious to find a place and settle into the town.
When we first entered Adventure Lodge, no one was present at reception. We waited for a good 5 minutes. Finally, a person I presume was the owner, came to our attention. Thankfully, they had accommodations. The owner, however, was entirely unfriendly and seemed to want to rush us through our check-in, hastily answering our questions. When it seemed everything was in order, we took the keys to our room, and the owner rushed away. When we returned to reception to ask a few questions about the town and where to dine, she was again not present. When we were finally able to track her down, the woman indicated that you "just go to the main area and there are lots of restaurants". This was hardly a recommendation, and vastly incorrect, as when we went to the main strip, only one restaurant was visible and open!
The room itself was okay, however, the bathroom toilet was filthy, requiring me to rub it down entirely with sanitizer and paper towel.
Overall we were quite disappointed with Adventure Lodge, however, this review does not appear to stray from the norm of this place.
When we first entered Adventure Lodge, no one was present at reception. We waited for a good 5 minutes. Finally, a person I presume was the owner, came to our attention. Thankfully, they had accommodations. The owner, however, was entirely unfriendly and seemed to want to rush us through our check-in, hastily answering our questions. When it seemed everything was in order, we took the keys to our room, and the owner rushed away. When we returned to reception to ask a few questions about the town and where to dine, she was again not present. When we were finally able to track her down, the woman indicated that you "just go to the main area and there are lots of restaurants". This was hardly a recommendation, and vastly incorrect, as when we went to the main strip, only one restaurant was visible and open!
The room itself was okay, however, the bathroom toilet was filthy, requiring me to rub it down entirely with sanitizer and paper towel.
Overall we were quite disappointed with Adventure Lodge, however, this review does not appear to stray from the norm of this place.
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Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
From the moment we slept in until the moment we check out host didn't pay any attention to us, she just was constantly on the phone all the time. One thing we head from her that we need pay for accommodating and if we brake glass on light candle we must pay 20 Eur. For Internet need pay. And when I asked about towels she was really surprised by the fact I want to get a shower in the evening after long trip and replayed that all towels are dirty and I will get one only in the morning. Such a lazy [--]! She was just too busy talking with her girlfriend.
I glad we stayed there only one night. It took me awhile to recover from a such hospitality. Btw bathroom was dirty.
I glad we stayed there only one night. It took me awhile to recover from a such hospitality. Btw bathroom was dirty.
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Date of stay: December 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
We booked a double en suite room ahead telephonically, on arrival there was no staff to meet us, only the cleaning lady. On inspection of our room, we noticed that construction was being undertaken right next to our room. It was very distracting and noisy. No mention of this was made when we had made our booking. Although we wished to relax in the room before going out in the evening it was too unpleasant and we rather took a drive. The next morning, shortly after 7h00 we were awoken by the construction yet again. Although we had planned to sleep in we had to get up and pack our things. When we returned the key we mentioned to the hostess that we had a concern regarding the noisy construction. She was very rude and unprofessional, telling us that if it is not the construction that we complain about we would complain about something else like traffic. She then said that we had to pay the full price. We had not even mentioned that we were not prepared to do so. We then said to her that to compare this noise and discomfort with traffic was ridiculous and that they should at least have informed us thereof when we had made the booking. She merely shrugged and said nothing else. We have never before experienced such poor hospitality. Overall the staff was not helpful.
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip 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.
Stayed one night here on a solo bike tour along the garden route. Made an enquiry through the website but didn't realize that a room wasn't guaranteed (my own fault!! Make sure to BOOK in advance). Luckily there was room available in one of the garden cottages. The cottages don't have electricity, but there is something romantic about reading a book by the light of a paraffin lamp. At night, the infamous Cape Winds blew at close to 30mph but these cottages are built to last!! The bathrooms and showers are cleaned daily and centrally located and the water is HOT! (After riding 65 miles from Cape Agulhas the hot shower was reinvigorating). In the morning, a couple of the other guests chose to go on one of the many mountain hikes that are a stones throw from this backpackers, and the owner Steff was more than happy to go over the maps. As some of the trails aren't marked, she made sure the guys knew where to go and also told them that if they weren't back by dark SHE WOULD GO LOOK FOR THEM!! Good luck getting that kind of service elsewhere lol. Finally, when the BazBus came to pick me up and the driver wasn't trying to take my bicycle (the BazBus website states that ALL busses have trailers for bikes and surf boards, but apparently you have to let them know in advance) Steff once again came to my aid and said something to him that made him change his mind and I was on my way!!! If I'm ever passing this way again there will be no question as to where to stay. Thanks Steff!! :)
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Date of stay: September 2013
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.
Travelling as a young couple we stopped here for two night so that we could enjoy some of the local hikes. Having backpacked and stayed in hostels for the last 5 weeks around South Africa, we have stayed in quite a few hostels to see what is good value and what is not. Unfortunately this hostel has the potential to be a great place if only they invested a little money on the decor and general maintenance. The main communal area (kitchen and lounge area) was very dirty, poorly maintained and the furniture was very worn and in some parts mouldy and falling to pieces. We stayed in a double en-suite in the bedroom which is attached to the main house which cost 410. The bed was damp and unfortunately the pillows had mould seeping through the pillow cases so we had to lay our clothes on top so we could lie on them. The door didnt really close properly to the outside so we had problems with spiders and bugs and mosquitos coming into the room. ( we know were in the bush but there are things you can do to minimise the bugs) I think if they spent a minimal amount of money on skimming the walls, painting and general repair, update the bedding and linens, this place could be an amazing hostel. Unfortunately because felt that there wasn't much effort or thought put into the hygiene and comfort of their paying guests, I'm afraid i wouldn't rate this highly at all. Sorry buts is a 2.
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Date of stay: November 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â check out the prices of local b&b's, you might get more for your money
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.
Very good location for hiking and some nice restaurants nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful but the hostel itself is very tired and in need of maintenance. We had booked the double on suit room and paid 410 Rand which was expensive for the quality of the room. We arrived late evening and had to catch and release at least 5 spiders from our room when we arrived and swat loads of Mosquitos that had gathered in there before we could sleep. It also smelt quite damp and was very dark and gloomy. The kitchen was quite dirty and had a missing window which allowed the insects in at night. Overall we wouldn't re visit as I'm sure there are nicer hostels in town.
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Date of stay: November 2012Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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 location is pretty, next to the Marloth nature reserve. Also a great bird-filled backyard and a comfortable bed. And that's all the positive things i could think of thinking of my stay.
The place is very worn down, the showers were cold all weekend. Not very clean as well.
The communal kitchen is very small & old and only opens at 8.00 am so if you want to hike out early, make sure you got your own equipment.
The website states there's a Braai every night (not true, at least not the 2 nights i stayed and the weather was lovely), it states you can rent bikes (not true) and you can reserve breakfast (not true). Price for the double room is very steep, i would expect more.
The worst thing was that the female hostess was very cranky.
Swellendam is lovely but i wouldn't stay at this backpackers.
The place is very worn down, the showers were cold all weekend. Not very clean as well.
The communal kitchen is very small & old and only opens at 8.00 am so if you want to hike out early, make sure you got your own equipment.
The website states there's a Braai every night (not true, at least not the 2 nights i stayed and the weather was lovely), it states you can rent bikes (not true) and you can reserve breakfast (not true). Price for the double room is very steep, i would expect more.
The worst thing was that the female hostess was very cranky.
Swellendam is lovely but i wouldn't stay at this backpackers.
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Date of stay: October 2012Trip 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.
We stayed one night at the Swellendam Backpackers in a double en-suite room with entrance via sliding doors.
The room was clean but very dark and the bathroom was below the standard I would expect from the price of the place. There were lots of mosquitos so I'd recommend taking repellent.
When we arrived their was no one in reception to meet us.
The area the backpackers is located is very quiet and residential, you'll have to walk 10 min to get to restaurants and 15-20 min to get to the high street.
There are some customer parking bays at the front of the house and parking on the grass verges.
The communal kitchen wasn't cooking dinner when we stayed but looked tidy and clean.
The room was clean but very dark and the bathroom was below the standard I would expect from the price of the place. There were lots of mosquitos so I'd recommend taking repellent.
When we arrived their was no one in reception to meet us.
The area the backpackers is located is very quiet and residential, you'll have to walk 10 min to get to restaurants and 15-20 min to get to the high street.
There are some customer parking bays at the front of the house and parking on the grass verges.
The communal kitchen wasn't cooking dinner when we stayed but looked tidy and clean.
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Date of stay: November 2008
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check-in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
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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"Garden cabins give you privacy but you have to cross the garden to get to the ablution facilities."Read full review
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeOverberg DistrictSwellendam
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your ListingSWELLENDAM BACKPACKERS ADVENTURE LODGE - Hotel Reviews (South Africa)
Frequently Asked Questions about Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Drostdy Museum (0.7 km), NG Kerk Swellendam (1.0 km), and Bukkenburg Pottery Studio, Galley & Guest Cottage (0.8 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, kids activities, and internet access.
Is parking available at Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Swellendam Backpackers Adventure Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Field & Fork, La Belle Alliance, and Barrel and Blues.