Dormitory Room Mixed
- 1 Bed in shared room
Hostel · Cape Town · Western Cape
The Big - Luxury Backpackers
A design-forward hostel in Green Point with a swimming pool, free breakfast, and staff rated 9.7 by guests.
- Free breakfast included
- Outdoor swimming pool
- 10-minute walk to V&A Waterfront
9.1
Perfect
1049 reviews
Booking.com 9.1 · 1049 reviews
About
The Big - Luxury Backpackers
The Big - Luxury Backpackers sits on Thornhill Road in Green Point, a short walk from the V&A Waterfront and the city bowl. The hostel combines the social energy of a backpacker stay with the comfort of a hotel: dorms and private rooms, an outdoor pool, and a garden with sun loungers and BBQ facilities.
Inside, the hostel is decorated with a quirky, homely style. There's a shared kitchen, a TV lounge, a game room, and a movie room with comfortable seating. Practical touches include 24-hour reception, key-card security, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Guests consistently praise the staff, who earn a 9.7 rating for their helpfulness and local knowledge. The hostel organises tours, has a tour desk, and offers a range of activities from hiking and cycling to yoga classes.
Breakfast is included and described as delicious. The continental spread is served in the communal dining area, which doubles as a central gathering spot.
Rooms range from mixed and female-only dorms to private doubles and a family room with a balcony. Private rooms come with ensuite bathrooms, and the Superior and Family rooms feature air conditioning and heating.
The property is well-rated at 9.1, with particular strength in service (9.4), value (9.1), and staff (9.7). The hostel is also praised for its location, with the V&A Waterfront about a 10-minute walk and Table Mountain within easy reach.
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
6 reasons to book- Exceptional staff, rated 9.7 — Guests repeatedly highlight the friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable team. They go out of their way to make stays personal – from writing names on beds to organizing tours and offering local tips.
- Great location near the Waterfront — A 10-minute walk to the V&A Waterfront and a short stroll to the city bowl. Restaurants, shops, and attractions are all nearby.
- Free breakfast included — The continental breakfast is described as delicious and well-stocked, and it's included in the room rate – a bonus for budget travellers.
- Clean, comfortable rooms with thoughtful design — Rooms are clean, cozy, and have a quirky, homely decor. Dorms come with private bathrooms, and private rooms offer extra comfort.
- Secure and safe environment — 24-hour reception and security, key-card access, and a no-smoking policy create a safe and pleasant stay. Luggage storage adds convenience.
- Great value for money — With a price from £55, the hostel offers a pool, free breakfast, and a range of amenities – rated 9.1 for value.
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Worth weighing
6 to weigh- Check-out is early — Check-out is between 08:00 and 10:00, which may feel rushed for those who like a lazy morning.
- No pets allowed — If you're travelling with a pet, this hostel won't accommodate them. The property is strictly no-pets.
- Some rooms lack air conditioning — The Economy, Budget Double, and Double rooms don't list air conditioning, which might be a consideration during warm summer months.
- Limited private bathroom options — Some room types (Dormitory, Economy) don't list a private bathroom, so you may need to use shared facilities.
- Mixed reviews on noise levels — While many guests appreciate the social atmosphere, one reviewer noted it's not a party hostel, but noise from other guests could still be a factor for light sleepers.
- Price may be higher than typical hostels — At £55 per night, it's positioned as 'luxury', so budget travellers might find cheaper alternatives elsewhere in Cape Town.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Dormitory Room Female only
- 1 Bed in shared room
Economy Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
Budget Double Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
- Shower
Superior Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Double Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
- Shower
Family Room
- 1 King-size bed,2 Queen Size Beds
- Shower
- Heating
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- 24-hour security
- No smoking on site
- Luggage storage
- Safe deposit box
Food & Drink
- Breakfast (included)
- Snack bar
- Vending machines
- Coffee shop
- Shared kitchen
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
- BBQ facilities
Recreation
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Garden furniture
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Board games
- Game room
- Leisure/TV room
- Fireplace
Activities
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Canoeing
- Horseback riding
- Golf course
- Yoga class
Services
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Housekeeping
- Grocery shopping service
- Welcome drink
- Paid airport shuttle
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning (some rooms)
- Heating (some rooms)
- Ironing facilities
- Free toiletries
- Cots
- Parquet floor
- Curtains
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 9.1/10 from 1,049 reviews
Booking.com · 9.1 · 1049 reviews
9.1Verified guest“The front desk staff were incredibly helpful and always smiling. They even wrote our names on the side of the bed – a really personal touch. The blackboards with activity suggestions were a great idea. Breakfast was delicious, and the room was clean and comfortable. Location was perfect for exploring the city and the waterfront. Our double room was spacious and modern with a great bed. Free breakfast was a bonus. Lots of facilities: Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, laundry, snack bar, and plenty of activities like hiking and canoeing. 24-hour reception and security made us feel safe.”
9.1Verified guest“My sister and I loved it! The staff were friendly and always ready to help with plans. The rooms and kitchen are beautifully decorated. The honesty bar and the lecture room were great. We relaxed by the pool with other guests and staff. Location is ideal – just a 10-minute walk to the Waterfront.”
9.1Verified guest“My first hostel stay and it was perfect. The staff created a warm and friendly vibe. The dorm was clean with a private bathroom. Shower and bed were excellent. The hostel attracts a diverse crowd, and it's not a party hostel, so you sleep well. They also offer activities to see the city.”
9.1Verified guest“Location is very convenient – you can walk to the city bowl and the waterfront. Plenty of good restaurants nearby. The garden is a relaxing spot to unwind.”
9.1Verified guest“Friendly staff, good security, well-stocked breakfast, cozy common areas, and convenient luggage storage.”
9.1Verified guest“Beautifully decorated, welcoming atmosphere. Staff were friendly and went out of their way to help. Breakfast was delicious, and they had a stove available. Perfect location. Plenty of spaces to relax and socialize – pool and TV room included. Highly recommend.”
04 — Location
Getting around Cape Town
The property sits in Cape Town.
V&A Waterfront: A 10-minute walk away, the V&A offers shopping, dining, and attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium.
City Bowl: The hostel is within walking distance of the city centre, where you'll find museums, galleries, and nightlife.
Table Mountain: A short trip from the hostel, the cable car and hiking trails are popular activities. Staff can help with tickets and tours.
18 Thornhill Road, Green Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005, South Africa
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 08:00-10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 25 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is from 08:00 to 10:00.
Does the hostel have parking?
Yes, there is a car park on site. Parking is listed as an amenity.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Yes, breakfast is included and has been described as delicious and well-stocked by guests.
Are pets allowed at the property?
No, pets are not allowed at The Big - Luxury Backpackers.
Is there an airport shuttle service?
Yes, the hostel offers a paid airport shuttle.
Does the hostel have air conditioning in all rooms?
No. Air conditioning is only listed for the Superior Room and Family Room. Other room types may not have it.
What is the closest attraction to the hostel?
The V&A Waterfront is about a 10-minute walk away, and the city bowl is also within walking distance.
The bottom line
The Big - Luxury Backpackers is a standout hostel in Cape Town, earning high marks for its staff, cleanliness, and location. If you're after a social yet comfortable stay with a pool and free breakfast, this is a solid choice.
9.1Best for solo travellers and couples who want a social base with hotel-like comfort.
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