Atlantic Point Backpackers in Green Point

Enjoy seaside city sophistication on a shoe-string at this happening high-end Cape Town hostel

Practising your putting on a mini golf course; cooling off in the plunge pool after a morning lazing on a sun lounger; curling up in a comfy nook to catch up with family via free Wi-fi or taking the stone’s throw stroll down to one of the world’s most stunning seafront promenades. Sounds like a dream holiday at an exclusive boutique hotel, doesn’t it? The honeymoon you might one day afford if you ended up marrying a millionaire or monarch?

This treat for travellers will cost you as little as R245 a night. Atlantic Point Backpackers in Green Point is leading the way in the upmarket, affordable accommodation game. Backpackers were once synonymous with the old hostel horror stories of cold, mouldy showers and cramped quarters shared with questionable characters. Those days are over since Atlantic Point introduced Cape Town to the era of the ‘flashpacker’. Hostels have shed the bed lice and the bad reputation, and are now the safe and sophisticated go-to for globetrotters in the know.

Tim Louw, Denis Post and James Henderson have created a haven for the adventurous in spirit, where travellers can relax and recharge in an environment that’s spacious, stylish and sociable. The brainwave for this cool but classy backpackers was born on the weary slopes of the Inca Trail when the two friends were making a gap year pilgrimage around South America. Seven years since they opened their first bunks to backpackers, Atlantic Point has perfected the home-away-from-home, creating a space that provides a perfect balance between the privacy and pampering travellers crave after a punishing long-haul flight and a vibrant social scene that makes it easy to find fun and friendship on the road.

Atlantic Point is a favourite with intrepid tourists and travellers from Mzanzi and all the far-flung corners of the globe. Tripadvisor's community of online travel junkies are the experts when it comes to hunting out well-priced wonders. Atlantic Point’s lekker, laid-back lodgings have earned the site’s rating as one of the top three speciality lodgings in Cape Town.

Sprawling between three adjacent houses, Atlantic Point is the most spacious of Cape Town’s budget accommodation options, with roomy dormitories offering space to stretch out and chill out with roommates. Public spaces are plentiful, with a separation of functions meaning that there’s something, and somewhere for every traveller’s tastes and mood. A laid-back lounging space in the loft welcomes movie watchers who want to put their feet up, while a lively bar and outdoor braai area are the heart of the party for those looking to meet and mingle. An immaculate kitchen makes communal cooking a dream, and the sizeable garden is the perfect place to catch up with friends while also catching some rays. Whether you’re looking for a pool or pool table, Atlantic Point’s offerings are high-end and on trend, with a range of facilities and activities to keep spirits high.

The Green Point based backpackers is the perfect launchpad into this vibey, creative seaside city. The friendly staff are passionate about Cape Town- far from forcing tacky tours and packages down customer’s throats, they’re ready with a wealth of advice on the best ways to explore the dynamic culture and nature of the Mother City for free, through the eyes of a local. Hire one of the backpackers’ cool vintage bikes, or take a tour from the range of awesome adventures hand picked, tried and tested by their in-house travel desk. The on the ball staff know that the best journeys start on a full stomach, so yummy muffins, and a healthy fruit and continental breakfast is included for all guests.

Budget busting dorm rooms with up to 4 bunks beds and sparkling shared bathrooms offer both a sense of community and a comfy haven after the exhilarating exhaustion of travel. Atlantic Point specialises in peace of mind, with personal lockers with internal plug-points to keep globetrotter’s devices secure and full of juice. Daily room servicing promises fresh linen and neat beds to fall into after a long hike up Table Mountain. But this funky spot isn’t just for millennials with itchy feet- solo travellers, couples and families alike will feel at home, with a range of smaller and ladies-only dorms on offer, as well as quiet private double (en-suite) rooms and family rooms located away from the bustling main building.

Weekly catered braai nights and an onsite bar keeps fun-loving guests entertained. Just a short, safe walk from Green Point’s happening bar and restaurant strip, the backpackers is the perfect spot for a pre-jol jam, before stepping out into Cape Town’s vibrant nightlife.

The buzzing backpackers' walls are covered with cool murals, chalkboards and gorgeous photos of the endangered species that their environmental campaigns aim to protect. Oh, and awards- lots of them. Atlantic Point won HostelWorld’s Best Hostel in Africa award in 2012 & 2015, and certificates of excellence from all the big names in backpacking- Poshpacker, Tripadvisor and more- attest to the many happy travellers who have revelled and rested their heads here. With the great vibe and great value Atlantic Point offers, we’re sure they’ll be back again.

Tip: The lodging is pretty famous for its last-minute special offers, so be sure to check out their website regularly for excellent deals and discounts.

The bill: Atlantic Point offers excellent value for money. Prices are seasonal, with a bed in an eight-bed dorm costing between R265 and R330 (the latter’s the price for a high season spot in a female-only dorm). A double en-suite will set you back between R960 and R1350 a night. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are always included. You can make a reservation online via the hostel’s website (www.atlanticpoint.co.za) or by calling +27 (0)21 433 1663. 

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Looking for more bang-for-your-buck accommodation?  Have a look at our Top Backpackers in Cape Town write-up for more info.
Also-  we have an excellent round-up of New Restaurants and Hotspots in Cape Town!

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