Carnival Court, Cape Town

TWO THUMPS UP!!! Read this review. It will answer all your questions. I write reviews rarely. But my stay at the Carnival Court has compelled me to write of my great experience with the location, the staff, the facilities, and the people who stay there. I could not have felt more welcomed and pleasantly accommodated throughout my stay in Cape Town. I like to call this backpackers lodge “Hostel Chic.” It was designed with style, love and care. It is a new building, and the cleanliness is reflected in that. Location: Long Street. PERIOD. It’s the most central part of town. Bars, Clubs, Night life, action, and people, all right at your door step. Each floor has a beautiful view of Table Mountain. Rates: CHEAP. I did lots of research around town for a hostel. Stopped by many. They offered the best rates for the best accommodations. I did some serious research. You shouldn’t have to after reading this. Bathroom & Shower & Cleanliness: the Carnival Court is clean. Period. Clean Bathrooms, High Water Pressure, Consistent (and long) hot water. Taking a shower was a joy compared to my amenities at home! That says a lot. Bed, Noise, etc: Comfy bed, amazingly very little noise. Surprisingly Quiet. The Bar: Packed, a perfect combination of locals, travelers, all within a hello from being coming good friends and companions on a trip. It wouldn’t be a surprise to meet someone special and invite them to your room after a few drinks at the bar… Televisions to watch during sporting matches. Pool Table, Fooze Ball, Great music & soundsystem. Access to Balcony. Perfect. Security: Not a concern. Not one bit. Rooms locked very well. Sleazy people do not stay here. Felt very safe. They insisted I keep my passport in their safe. Not because of legal reasons, just because they care about you and want to make your trip worry free. Food: DELICIOUS!!! Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. The Chefs make the food with love and check to see whether you enjoyed it. The food is approached as a passion, not as a money making tool. Side note: I came to Capetown and stayed with my hometown friends for my first few nights. After my friends left, I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to continue my stay in Capetown. I knew no one and had no place to stay. The idea of a hostel or “back packers lodge” did not seem ideal. I could not have been more wrong. After walking into Carnival Court, my stay in Cape Town got better every minute. I have met so many people that were so willing to experience Cape Town with me. This couldn’t have been possible if I had stayed at a hotel. Staying at Carnival Court, being able to stop for a casual drink downstairs, having a friendly, genuine chat with the staff, and offering me sound suggestions and recommendations for my stay is why I recommend Carnival Court so highly. I wish I could extend my stay. From my interactions with the staff Fatima, Bardin, Devon, Trevor and of course the charming manager Charl, the great Rates, the clean Facilities, the social environment, and friendly tenants, I have concluded: Best place to stay in Cape Town.

Great staff, great vibe and lots of events happening like live bands, barbeque. Spacious rooms, very clean. Felt welcome there, can't wait to go again.

The Carnival court is certainly located in a central location, very busy and noisy but if you are out and partying, it's a great place to be. The place was really clean and well kept, the managers/desk persons were generally rude or high. They also tried to rip you off by charging you a booking fee of 5% if you tried to use your credit card. There is no fee if you book directly with touring companies, ie. for cape point tours. Now, for the worst part, my boyfriend and I stayed in room 24, a double room, which was a really nice room for a backpackers. However, there are nasty bed bugs that bit us; we have red welts all over our arms, legs and back. When we went to doctor he told us the bed bugs not only bit us and caused extreme itchiness, they also caused an infection. We spent a total of R1000 rand on medical expenses. Point being, I've also stayed at Inn Long Street 3 times, not as nice, but definitely no bed bugs. So please opt elsewhere, I've emailed them but who knows how many rooms are infested and if they will do anything about it. They seemed very reluctant to help their customers at their expense. Pick another backpackers!!!

This was such a great hostel. The staff are really friendly and helpful, they'll organise any trip you want to go on. The location is great as you have restaurants, bars and clubs right outside the front door. If your staying in Cape Town then this is the place to go!!!