91 Loop Boutique Hostel in Cape Town

Eat, sleep and play at this unique new accommodation spot in the heart of the city

With the advent of revolutionary accommodation concepts like Airbnb, and the budget flexibility it allows for, the idea of a grubby hostel just doesn’t cut it anymore.

That is until you check out 91 Loop, Cape Town’s newest boutique hostel, to experience how backpackers-style accommodation is being taken to greater heights.

The fresh new space features funky accommodation, a deli, a restaurant, a spa (that is opening in March 2016) and a smorgasbord of events and activities that guarantee guests a one-of-a-kind experience.

The idea for this multifunctional space was conceptualised by owners Glen Davidson, Caroline Da Silva, Samuel Daams and Fredrik Dahlberg after three of the four attended WYSTC, a popular tourism conference that shed light on international accommodation trends. After spending months looking for the perfect spot they finally stumbled upon the building at 91 Loop Street. And so began a massive refurbishing project to turn a decrepit building into a one-stop spot for travellers and visitors to have a good time. “The concept is that you want to be able to keep your guests entertained and create such a buzz and atmosphere that it’s cool to hang out here,” explains General Manager Brendan Charlton.

The accommodation component features private rooms with en suite bathrooms, ordinary  dorm-size rooms and special pod rooms, which is essentially a room inside a room (see image below). The various rooms are all named after different world cities (think Lima, Nairobi, Auckland, Johannesburg) and boast a minimalistic look and feel but with special features that include really good quality mattresses and hi-tech lockers for storing valuables. There is a major focus on service which means beds are made every day, new linen is provided every fourth day (for long-stay guests) and towels are provided, and more. There’s also a welcome drink on arrival, which is always great!

After a good night’s rest guests can head downstairs to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks at the Honey Badger restaurant or enjoy a delicious pastry at the On Longmarket deli, or simply enjoy fresh air in the courtyard. The menu at Honey Badger places emphasis on “simplicity done really well”, explains Brendan. Folk can expect popular favourites like burgers, pizzas and wings as well as salads and desserts, all done exceptionally. The best part? This restaurant is open to the public too, meaning there is a chance for guests to mingle with new people.

When it comes to events and activities 91 Loop goes all out to ensure that there is always something to do. Each day there is a different in-house activity for guests to enjoy like comedy nights, movie nights, pub crawls, beer olympics and daily tours organised by a top excursions company. The hostel also compiles a gig guide for guests who want to spend a night out on the town. “We’ve even decided against having TVs in the bedrooms because they tend to create an antisocial environment,” says Brendan. “We want people to interact with each other.”

Ultimately, this is an all-encompassing establishment that appeals to locals looking for a spot to grab a bite, meet new people and relax as well as out of town guests (local and international) who are looking for a place that offers more than just a bed to sleep. “Our logo is the international home symbol for scouts, and it speaks volumes to what we stand for,” says Brendan. “We want people to feel at home here. Go ahead and chill on the couch, relax, because you’re at home. You’re at 91 Loop.”

Note: The spa is set to open in March 2016. Visit 91 Loop’s website and Facebook page for event details.

Tip: The deli and the courtyard are available for hire. For more information, contact 91 Loop on +27 (0) 21 286 1469

The Bill: Please visit 91loop.co.za for a detailed listing of the accommodation price and room types.

Opening Hours: Accommodation is open 24 hours a day. Walks-in are accepted. The Honey Badger restaurant: Monday – Sunday: 7am – 2am

On Longmarket deli: Monday – Sunday: 7am – 4pm

91 Loop Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 286 1469

by Dudu Luthuli

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