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Urban Hive Backpackers

2.0 star property
Cape Town's vibrant backpacker hub blends city energy with adventure, offering BBQ grills for socializing and games for evening fun.

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

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Kitchen
The current price is ￥1,864
￥4,389 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 2 - Jul 3

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for 6 Sleeper Dorm

A bunk bed with a wooden frame, a window with a decorative iron grill, and a red wall.

6 Sleeper Dorm

  • 8 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 6 Sleeper Female Dorm

A bunk bed with multiple levels, each with a patterned mattress.

6 Sleeper Female Dorm

  • City view
  • 8 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for 9 Sleeper Dorm

A bunk bed room with a red wall and wooden beams.

9 Sleeper Dorm

  • City view
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 9
  • 9 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Single Room

A room with a bed, a small table, and two wall decorations.

Single Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 5 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin Room

A bedroom with a bed, a nightstand, a lamp, and a wall map.

Twin Room

  • 9 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room

A bedroom with a bed, a framed picture of a sailboat, a life preserver sign, and a small table.

Double Room

  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

A bedroom with a bed, a chair, a table, and a lamp.

Deluxe Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Triple Room, Mixed Dorm

A bunk bed with a patterned bedspread and wooden frame.

Triple Room, Mixed Dorm

  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

Budget Single Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Double Room With Balcony And Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Double Room With Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Located in Cape Town City Centre, a neighborhood in Cape Town, Urban Hive Backpackers is in the entertainment district and near a train station. Shoppers can check out Long Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Camps Bay Beach and Table Mountain. Iziko South African Museum and Africa Centre are also worth visiting. Visit our Cape Town travel guide
View more Hostels in Cape Town
Map
8001, Western Cape, Cape Town, 208 Long Street

What's nearby

  • A building with a sign for 'Long Street Hotel' and 'Buena Vista Social Cafe'.
    Long Street
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • A coastal city with a prominent mountain in the background.
    Bree Street
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • A cobblestone square with market stalls selling textiles and hats, surrounded by multi-story buildings.
    Greenmarket Square
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • A building with a large bronze statue in front of it.
    South African National Gallery
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Kloof Street
    3 min walk - 0.3 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
  • NomNom on Long
    2 min walk
  • Carne SA
    2 min walk
  • Hey Stranger Coffee
    1 min walk
  • Royale Eatery
    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 24-hour front desk, and concierge services
    • A front-desk safe, multilingual staff, and a TV in the lobby
    • ATM/banking services, tour/ticket assistance, and luggage storage
  • 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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￥5,809 total
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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 200 per vehicle (one way)
  • A kitchen/kitchenette is available for an additional fee
  • Towels fee: ZAR 100 per person, per stay (or guests may bring their own)

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

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 Jul 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Urban Hive Backpackers on Jul 2, 2026 start from ￥1,864, 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.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Urban Hive Backpackers Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.2

Staff & service

7.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 79 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Oleksiy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very friendly staff. Great, central location, great price. There is no airport shuttle.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rafael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I stayed in a private room and it was clean and well-maintained. The team is fantastic—super friendly and always ready to help with a smile. It’s also close to everything you need.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Marcos

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
I do not recommend this hostel at all. Our experience was absolutely terrible. The facilities were extremely dirty and full of cockroaches, specially inside the rooms. I want to emphasise this: there were many cockroaches in the accommodation areas. It was very disturbing. There was constant noise at all hours, making it impossible to rest properly. We did not sleep well at all. We also witnessed very strange and uncomfortable situations inside the hostel, including harassment incidents and people becoming very unwell in the bathrooms, with medication scattered on the floor. It felt unsafe and poorly managed. The hostel also advertises parking, but this is false. There is no on-site parking. The only option is street parking, which is paid and the area feels unsafe at night.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

YOONKYOO

Liked: Staff & service
주방용품이 낡고 지저분함 모기가 너무너무 많아서 잠을 제대로 잘수가 없었다
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

YOONKYOO

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
다른것은 좋으나 모기때문에 잠을 제대로 잘수가앖었다 ᆢ특단의 대책이 필요해요
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

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
Verified

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