Observatory Backpackers

1 CA Lloyd - a year ago

My stay at the Observatory backpackers was on the poor side of "so-so" - let me tell you why. After booking for a three night stay in an 8-bed mixed dormitory, I arrived after a long drive in Cape Town to check in at the advertised time of 13:30, only to find that no one was on reception. I tried calling the number on the yellow facade of the building and spoke to the manager, who told me that the person whose job it was to man the reception would be contacted. After half an hour or so of not hearing back from her, I phoned again and no one picked up. I waited another half an hour, phoned again and still no one picked up. By this time it was becoming quite unpleasant to be sitting on the side of the road. I spoke to some of the guests who informed me that the receptionist would be back at 16:00, which was an inconvenience because I had an event to be at later that day. Eventually someone who claimed to be covering for this person let me in and informed me that I could “chill". My room had not been cleaned, and I had nowhere to put my luggage. Eventually, at around 16:30, the receptionist arrived and peremptorily told me I could “wait in the lobby", which I did. The guests had been cleaning the rooms for new arrivals to check in, which I found rather peculiar. Besides the poor service, the upstairs bathrooms were in a disgusting state, nobody wore masks and maintained a safe social-distance, the kitchens were a mess and the cleaning staff appeared to bemoan the fact that they had to clean these amenities. Otherwise, my bed was infested with bedbugs. I have stayed in worse backpackers, believe it or not, but to say this one was among the best would be hyperbolic to put it mildly. Very poor, do not recommend!

1 Peter Kondo - a year ago

Place is fine but needs alot of work. I experienced bugs biting me the whole night, bed has sqeeky sounds. The wifi is very slow when you are in your room. This place needs more work otherwise i dont see it going somewhere further.

4 Mel Tigeress - 6 years ago

I did not stay here but one of my friends did. It is a really cozy place with lots of friends people. It also well situated to restaurants and bars and its out of the city. The rooms and outside area are really great as well. The guy at the reception is also super friendly and helpful from what I saw. :)

5 Say So - 5 years ago

This place is the real deal for Backpackers. My stay was just super dope and the place well organised. The receptionist dude is chilled and we had a chance to kick it with the international sisters from Sweden. Observatory surroundings are very lively and strangers accommodate easily such as this one Nasser dude I had breakfast with at this one diner spot. I am returning soon no doubt.

5 Christopher Leach - 3 years ago

On my top 10 list of every backpacker that I have visited in 40+ countries. Definitely the best in Cape Town. Clean. Contemporary and extremely well managed. I have stayed there numerous times and am there able to say the quality is consistent. A pity there isn't a 6th star to give them.

2 Marco Plebani - 5 years ago

I asked them three times on the phone if they had safe parking. They said yes all three times. When I drove there I found out that they have only parking space on the dodgy street in front of the hostel. I wasted time and they lost a customes. The 4-bed dorms looked nice and clean though.

2 Cara Fernandez - a year ago

Well...it was sumthing different. But too hostel like for me. No towels or toilet paper or soap or anything remotley extra supplied. Not even a warm blanket. Oh and the hot water. Non exsistant. Expect your shower cold. Otherwide intresting experience.