Reviews
We stayed at Once for 1 night, we were warmly welcomed by Michaela and Jeanine. Check in was easy and fast, the rooms were beautifully decorated and comfortable. I loved the vibe and that fact that we were able to sit in the back by the fire. Once is centrally located and within walking distance from restaurants if you feel like going out for something to eat. I would highly recommend Once to anyone looking for accommodation in the city :
Really vibey hostel with beautiful spacious rooms, and gorgeous bathrooms looking out onto Table Mountain. There's also a really cool bar/restaurant in the building. The location is absolutely fantastic, and close to all amenities. We had a small issue with noise outside the window early in the morning, but honestly the chat with Ruth the manager the next morning was so professional and amazing. She asked if she could chat to us after she'd heard about our issue, and she had already actioned changes to sort this out for future guests. The levels of service here are way beyond any hostel I've been to.
I had an amazing stay at Once in Cape Town. Perfect place to meet fellow solo travelers. There's a beautiful bar on the first floor. It often gets crowded with both tourists and locals. Half of the rooms are located just above the bar. I read in several reviews people complaining about the loud music. But the music does stop at 11:00pm. I think this hostel is just the perfect place to meet people and have a good time. The location is also just great. The rooms are cozy and clean. Honestly wish I could live there year-round!
An amazing hostel in the heart of Cape Town. Really enjoyed my stay here and would recommend it to everyone who likes to explore the city and meet people. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Plus there is a really nice bar downstairs and some great restaurants around.Rooms: 5/5
I absolutely loved my stay at Once in Cape Town. As a frequent traveler I always stay at Once and it never disappoints. The staff are so friendly and accommodating to all the guests needs. Very convenient and central to all great spots and a lovely place to meet new people!Service: 5/5
I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you to the wonderful ladies at Once Cape Town , For backpackers accommodation they really went above what is expected. Check-in was seamless and fast. Covid screening done upon arrival and when i got to the room it was really more then what i was expecting to be honest. As i did not want to be around to many people the ladies at the reception gave me the option to sit in the court yard which has a nice cozy fireplace and nice common area. Michaela and Jeanine was so helpful cause i had alot of questions. Nice surrounding area with a cozy restaurant attached to the place. all in all i was very satisfied and would definitely return.
I loved staying at Once. I had such a fun experience meeting people and doing activities with them. The staff and volunteers organized great activities that encouraged us to socialize with people staying in the hostel. The bar is super trendy with locals and tourists mingling among. I stayed 10 days as a solo female traveler and I had the best time. Special thanks for Rachel, Nate, Til and Bel who went beyond to assure I all had an awesome time! I made life time friends and I can’t wait to come back.
Would not recommend, very dirty hostel, they don't care about Covid regulations, no masks, no hand sanitizers, no hot water for weeks at time, unless you want to share 1 shower that is outside of the building for the entire building which doesn't get cleaned before or after use even during Covid lockdown. Safety is a big issue with food being stolen regularly from the communal kitchen, alcohol being stolen from the store rooms, no one at reception so anyone can just walk in and steal things from the Hostel and from guests, the electronic locks on the doors don't always work well, and the staff don't seem to care much after I reported that someone opened my door to my room at night which is a big concern being a single female. Management doesn't seem to care or be pro-active at all. Trash is left around the stairs for days at a time attracting huge rats. Such a pitty as the location is great and the staff are friendly but would not recommend.
Super friendly staff, great free daily activities, my bed was very comfortable and my private room was well cleaned daily. But noisy and smoky!! Having bar tables literally immediately outside my room window with loud music, loud talking and smoking coming right into my room while I'm trying to sleep was terrible. Even the lobby reeked of smoke! My private room was dark and needs more hooks. The bathroom sink didn't drain properly leaving a pool of dirty water. Initially I booked three nights but upon check in I said I'd probably stay longer and was told "no problem ". But early the morning after my third night when I asked to stay longer I was suddenly told that I had to check out because they were completely full. So I had to scramble to find another place. I understand places fill up on line but I should have been warned so I wasn't in that awkward position. Add lighting, hooks, art, and fit sink and room would be good. Restrict smoking away from windows and doors and it would be so much nicer. But as it is now, I can't recommend your place.
Absolutely love the staff, the rooms everything is really awesome.. Has a more hotel feel than a hostel really.. Each room is ensuit even the dorms! You have an array of restaurants right down stairs and an even more amazing bar called yours truly! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and if you're lucky enough depending on where your room is you'll have a great view of Table Mountain as you wake up!
