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Urban Hive Backpackers

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

Choose dates to view prices

Urban Hive Backpackers in Cape Town City Centre offers a social vibe with a lively bar and arcade room. Relax on the terrace or browse the library. Free WiFi keeps you connected, and multilingual staff assist with daily planning and dry cleaning services.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
The current price is P778
P1,789 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 21 - Nov 22

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 19 of 19 rooms

View all photos for 6 Sleeper Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

6 Sleeper Dorm

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 8 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 6 Sleeper Female Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

6 Sleeper Female Dorm

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 8 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 9 Sleeper Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

9 Sleeper Dorm

Highlights

Balcony
Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 18 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 9
  • 9 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 5 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 9 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Double Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 18 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Triple Room, Mixed Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Triple Room, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Budget Single Room With Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Budget Single Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room With Balcony And Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room With Balcony And Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room With Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Triple Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Triple Dormitory

  • Sleeps 3

View all photos for 9 Bed Dorm

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

9 Bed Dorm

  • Sleeps 9

View all photos for 6 Bed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

6 Bed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for 6 Bed Female Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

6 Bed Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for Budget Twin Room With Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Budget Twin Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Budget Double Room With Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Budget Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

Double Room

  • Sleeps 2

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
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About the neighborhood

Map
208 Long Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001

What's nearby

  • Long Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Bree Street - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Kloof Street - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Greenmarket Square - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • South Africa Library - 5 min walk - 0.4 km

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
  • ‪Carne SA - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Long Street Café - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Kennedy's on Long - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Melt Toasted Sandwich Café - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Urban Hive Backpackers

Hostel near Long Street
Cape Town International Convention Centre is located near Urban Hive Backpackers, which provides a terrace, an arcade/game room, and a library. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), a front-desk safe, and a vending machine
  • ATM/banking services, a billiards/pool table, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage, multilingual staff, and a TV in the lobby
Room features
All guestrooms at Urban Hive Backpackers have comforts such as free WiFi and safes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens and housekeeping

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includes taxes & fees
Nov 23 - Nov 24
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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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Towels fee: ZAR 100 per person, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

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

Is Urban Hive Backpackers pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

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

As of Nov 20, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Urban Hive Backpackers on Nov 21, 2025 start from P 777.93, 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.

How much is parking?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Urban Hive Backpackers?

Check-in begins at 1 PM.

What time is check-out at Urban Hive Backpackers?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Urban Hive Backpackers provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 200 per vehicle applies.

Where is Urban Hive Backpackers located?

Located in Cape Town City Centre, this hostel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Long Street and Cape Town International Convention Centre. Bree Street and Company's Garden are just steps away. Cape Town Station is 15 minutes by foot.

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Urban Hive Backpackers Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

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

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tali

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

Great location to nightlife+restaurants+good price

Urban Hive was a perfect spot for our stay here in Cape Town. Next to great restaurants and nightlife spots. Wonderful price for the area and rooms were nice. Would recommend to any young traveler coming to visit.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Aurora Sutton

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

2/10 Terrible

Dave

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

8/10 Good

HOELISOA

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

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

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

2/10 Terrible

Vibeke

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

Sjarmerende, men umulig å sove

Det var ekstremt mye lyd fra barene i området rundt. Det var helt umulig å sove. Jeg måtte skifte hotell midt på natten. Reagerte også på unge jenter som gikk rundt i badedrakter om natten.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

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

Verified traveler

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

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It wasn’t clean. Staff r rude n unhelpful. The noise was unbearable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are extremely rude esp. the cleaning staff.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

Private Room Differed from Picture/Description

The listed information (photos and description) is not accurate. I mentioned this to the hostel, and they didn't care or accept responsibility. The bed was extremely uncomfortable and the linens weren't very clean. There's also no a/c or fan, so in the summer I can imagine the rooms get excessively warm. Additionally, an undisclosed 100 Rand deposit is immediately required at check-in in order to receive your key. For the private rooms, no toiletries and no towel are provided. I would absolutely not recommend this hostel.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
El hostel es Muy lindo comodo y la gente muy buena onda
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Bien situé mais dans une rue très bruyante. Central si on a un véhicule
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Henry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Fine

Bed and room fine. Central location. Noisy at weekends and no air con. Good value all in
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019

2/10 Terrible

Chris

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Where not to stay in cape town

I did not stay there. 2 am in the morning and full volume disco on the go... Area did not look the best at that time.....
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
very noisy at night.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

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

Chill Spot

UH is in a great location near bars and restaurants. The staff is genuinely nice and the vibe is friendly. At night, people tend to gather on the balcony or in the tea room, so it's easy to meet others. My only complaint is that there's only one shower and toilet for each floor. There definitely needs to be more.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its very friendly. Nice, helpful, outgoing staff. Wonderful atmosphere. A place that feels like a home. It is loud on the weekends from Thursday night to Saturday night. The place is secure. Good kitchen. Great interior art. Accessible bathrooms. Storage in the rooms. Average comfotabilty for the beds. Great access to food and bars in Cape Town. Really considerate owner in the new establishment.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Itumeleng

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

You the best

It was so wonderful I really enjoyed my stay and the staff was so awesome and for the entire staff ' keep the good work you doing guys and high five for you. Just the bed that was bit tired could feel the springs.but besides everything was spot on.and the area rocks .
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are friendly and helpful. The location is good. Ten-minute walking to the northeast, it's the tour bus terminal; five minutes more, the CBD (central business district). Then, laundry is downstairs. And, 10 minutes to the south, a 24-hour McDonald and the southern end of the Company's Garden. Five minutes further to the southwest, a supermarket. On the other hand, Long Street is a "party street". Bring your earplugs. Otherwise, you can't sleep at night
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Liz, Colorado

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location! Good showers, rooms, and beautiful common room perfect for when your roommate sexiles you lol. Incredibly nice and fun staff. Tory was great!!! Loud on weekends but doesn't matter if you're trying to go out on long street... cause you're literally right there!! Awesome stay I can't wait to go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Steve, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just stayed one night before taking the train. It's an awesome location for sightseeing in Cape town but it is very noisy as others mentioned. We were prepared with ear plugs so it was ok but the street noise definitely went well past 4am.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

adelin

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

Emplacement idéal

Très bien placé, un peu bruyant la nuit
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018