BY now you’re accustomed to my stories about the posh establishments I tend to frequent, and luxury accommodations. Today I am here to tell you that this is not always the case and that you shouldn’t rule out a backpackers when looking for a cool and definitely affordable place to stay in Cape Town.
When you think of backpackers, especially if you are of a certain age, you probably associate them with boisterous young travellers who are seeing the sights in between serious partying. Of course, there are such places, but The B.I.G. Backpackers in Green Point is not one of those.
The B.I.G. comprises two renovated houses, just off High Level Road, a super convenient location from which to explore the city, V&A Waterfront, and all the joys of Sea Point. Spending the night here meant I was finally able to get to Paris Cape Town bakery early enough in the morning to buy a loaf of ciabatta which, for the record, was fabulous. The array of sweet pastries is amazing too, and it’s difficult to choose just one. So I had three.
At The B.I.G. there are some dormitories in the manner of backpackers all over the world, with en-suite bathrooms, small ones so you don’t have to worry about being dumped in with a whole bunch of strangers. There are single and twin rooms too (all quirkily named), and a large two-roomed “family suite” on the upper level which sleeps up to four in spacious comfort, and it has its own private balcony overlooking the pool area. Beds and pillows are super comfy, and the decor is for the most part calming neutrals, with vibrant touches of African art, tastefully restrained so you don’t feel like someone went to Greenmarket Square with unlimited budget.
Downstairs are ample communal areas, inside and out, where you can cosy up next to the fire, curl up with a book (you’ll find some excellent titles on the shelves on the second floor landing), chill in a plant-filled courtyard, watch TV, or socialise with fellow travellers; plus there is a quiet workspace to send emails and whatnot. Continental breakfast is included – cereals, yoghurt and so on, but you have to make your own eggs (provided), which is fair since everyone has very definite preferences when it comes to eggs. You can also bring your own food to self cater in the kitchen, with boxes to put it in so no one else gets any ideas. Decency demands you wash your own dishes, again, fair. Tea and coffee is available all day and all night, there’s an honesty bar, and…quiet time from 10pm until 7am.
The staff are amazing, with personalities to match this kind of job: friendly and outgoing. I met front of housers Athi Mfundisi (during check in) and Joceline Ngomba (during check out), who were a delight. Someone is at the front desk until 10pm, after which the night guard hero Aluwis Chitavati takes over. If you have a car, there is secure off-street parking available, first come, first served I should imagine.
To make a stay even more memorable, there are events, like braai night, and BIG Nights In and Big Nights Out when guests are invited to visit somewhere local and lekker, shuttled there and back at no extra cost. There are brochures galore to help guests plan their time to get the most out of Cape Town.
It was a short overnight stay for me, but long enough for me to happily recommend The B.I.G. to locals and tourists from afar. For more information, click here.
