Urban Hive Backpackers

2.0 star property
Victorian hostel with a 24-hour front desk and a bar

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Urban Hive Backpackers

Terrace/patio
Couples dining
Bar (on property)
Interior
Front of property

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
208 Long Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001
  • Place, Long Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Kloof Street
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Cape Town International Convention Centre
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cape Town (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

6 Sleeper Dorm

  • 85 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

6 Sleeper Female Dorm

  • 87 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

9 Sleeper Dorm

  • 195 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 9
  • 9 Twin Bunk Beds

Single Room

  • 56 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Twin Room

  • 93 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room

  • 112 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 198 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Triple Room, Mixed Dorm

  • 107 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

Budget Single Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

Deluxe Double Room With Balcony And Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Deluxe Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Triple Dormitory

  • Sleeps 3

Budget Twin Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Budget Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

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About the neighborhood

Cape Town

Located in Cape Town City Centre, Urban Hive Backpackers is adjacent to Long Street and within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights like Cape Town International Convention Centre. This 26-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and concierge services.

What's nearby

  • Long Street - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Kloof Street - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Castle of Good Hope - 15 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Cape Town International Convention Centre - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Cape Town Stadium - 3 min drive - 1.5 miles

Getting around

  • Observatory Station - 7 min drive
  • Cape Town Station - 15 min walk
  • Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mama Africa - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Long Street Café - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Carne SA - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Melt Toasted Sandwich Café - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Royale Eatery - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Urban Hive Backpackers

Victorian hostel with a 24-hour front desk and a bar
Guests of Urban Hive Backpackers enjoy access to free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. There's free offsite parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for ZAR 200 per vehicle one way. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include an arcade/game room, a library, and a terrace.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Relax with a rainfall shower. Safes are also standard. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Rainfall showerhead

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 1 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

  • Towels fee: ZAR 100 per person, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 200 per vehicle (one way)
  • A kitchen/kitchenette is available for an additional fee

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 1 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free nearby parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

Property is also known as

Urban Hive Backpackers Hostel Cape Town
Urban Hive Backpackers Hostel
Urban Hive Backpackers Cape Town
Urban Hive Backpackers Cape Town
Urban Hive Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Urban Hive Backpackers Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cape Town

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Urban Hive Backpackers?

Urban Hive Backpackers offers free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Urban Hive Backpackers?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Urban Hive Backpackers on Oct 14, 2025 start from $13.17, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of Urban Hive Backpackers?

This hostel is situated in Cape Town City Centre, just steps from Long Street and Kloof Street, and within a short walk of South African National Gallery. You'll also find Cape Town Stadium and Table Mountain within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Urban Hive Backpackers?

No, there isn't parking at the hostel but you'll find free parking nearby.

Does Urban Hive Backpackers include a casino at the property?

No, Urban Hive Backpackers doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Urban Hive Backpackers?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What do couples enjoy most about Urban Hive Backpackers?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like a rainfall showerhead as well as a bar and concierge services.

Does Urban Hive Backpackers have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

Does Urban Hive Backpackers feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Urban Hive Backpackers doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Urban Hive Backpackers allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Urban Hive Backpackers.

Are there connecting rooms at Urban Hive Backpackers?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Urban Hive Backpackers?

The closest major airport to Urban Hive Backpackers is Cape Town Intl. Airport (CPT), which is 12.3 mi away (16 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Urban Hive Backpackers?

Yes, some rooms at Urban Hive Backpackers offer a balcony and may feature city views.

Reviews

Urban Hive Backpackers Reviews

7.8

Good

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 73 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 73 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 73 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 73 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 13 out of 73 reviews

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Dave

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disgusting - Beware not as advertised

The place is a dump and is full of indignant persons. It was totally unsuitable for our needs and we didn't stay 1 night. When we asked to cancel and get a refund we were told that this will not happen. Will never use Hotel app ever again
Stayed 18 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zaeya

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zaeya

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zaeya

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Zenande

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

ANDRIANAIVO

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zaeya

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Mandla

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aurora Sutton

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very homey and I love that
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful desk agent the lady was great. But when I say everything I mean EVERYTHING else about my stay was horrible. Andwith this place you get wat you pay for here. Never again
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Yen Kuang

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2023

2/10 Terrible

Nelly

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked a 6-female room which is advertised as a three bunkbeds. To my surprise, it was not. It was 2 triple bunks. The room was tiny and messy. There were suitcases, shoes, backpacks, and random items on the floor making it nearly impossible to walk inside the tiniest room. There were not enough outlets to support 6 people in the room and the little power source available was being hogged by others. It was a challenge trying to charge my after having a long travel day. The shower clogged. Hair everywhere. I tried to freshen up as I had a long travel day. I felt disgusted. I left the property to get my mind off it. I came back to find a room that was like a sauna with a fan that only reaches the two people at the lower bunks. I was issued the highest bunk. Lucky me! There was a lady in my room fully naked doing her makeup and started the blow dryer at 1030pm. There is no noise control or behavior control from the staff. That was the last straw for me. I immediately booked a hotel just hours after checking in. The staff did nothing to address the issues after expressing my concerns. I am glad I left. I’ve stayed at plenty of hostels before. This place is not it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

HOELISOA

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were delighted with our stay in this establishment. It's right in the center of town and very easy to get to. However, as it was winter, the rooms on the upper floor were too cold. Otherwise, the staff are very welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good value single room

Very good rates for single (small) rooms in such a good location in Cape town! The old building was really charming. My room had a lovely view of the table mountain.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

6/10 Okay

nancy

you get what you pay for

the hotel was very affordable-but the bar scene, on the streets outside-was very loud no air in room-was very hot
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Siyambona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 11 nights in Nov 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Located on a very popular tourist street - lots of clubs, bars and noise -especially on weekends. Ask for a rear room if noise bothers you
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019