Daddy Long Legs Self-catering Apartments

Apart from the popular hostels in Long Streets, Daddy Long Legs self- catering apartments come extremely highly rated. The apartments have all the usual appliances you would expect from self- catering venues. They also have a washing machine in the apartment which is something you don’t always associate with self-catering facilities in Cape Town. It is however a wonderful addition to the standard equipment that any mother with small or even bigger children would appreciate.

One World Lodge

One World Lodge is the other Long Street venue that needs mentioning. It stands proudly as the smallest hostel-like, self- catering accommodation with only two rooms. It works very much on the same concept as a hostel but can only accommodate four people at a time.  The pink Victorian building is just one of the landmarks in this busy street. The location is perfect for sightseeing, dining and clubbing. Long Street further hosts an array of interesting shops with one of the biggest bead shops around. Authentic African crafts, bookshops, a tailor and even Turkish baths complete the mixture.

Sea Point

Sea Point is the other area that comes to mind when you think about budget accommodation. While the hotels are not necessarily cheap you will find some three and four star hotels and guesthouses in the area that are remarkably cheaper than the same grading accommodation at the V&A waterfront and Camps Bay or Clifton. Anything at the end of any of the winding roads towards the mountains will guarantee a great view of the ocean. There are quite a few high rising apartment buildings close to beach that can restrict the views of the accommodation on lower levels.

Protea Hotel

The Protea Hotel in Sea Point is known for its great specials at any time during the year. Sometimes it is a last minute special and other times it can be winter specials or midweek specials.  Luxury suites with specific art themes such as the Ndebele art works and dolls or the art of one South Africa’s renowned artists add a unique experience for those who choose to stay in these suites.

Tamboerskloof is practically in the city but quieter than the city bowl. There is a variety of self catering flats in this area at very reasonable prices. Many of the establishments are renovated Victorian Houses or buildings that have been around Cape Town for many, many years.  The Underberg guesthouse for instance was built in 1860 and perfectly compliments the even older Table Mountain that serves as a backdrop to this distinguished Victorian beauty.
No matter if it is Tamboerskloof or Long Street; there is a place of rest for every traveler seeking to experience the ambience and diversity of the one and only Cape Town.

While parts of Sea Point are now turning into luxury villas and upmarket apartments there is still that eccentric vibe with, here and there, some seedy areas where gambling and strip clubs can be found.

During the 1930 -1950s Sea Point changed from a little seaside village into an area where high rising buildings became the norm. The chic New York and Hillbrow lifestyle of the time became popular. The area towards the ocean is laden with high rising apartment buildings while the upper Sea Point area towards Signal Hill is becoming exclusive with luxury private mansions.

The Sea Point promenade stretches to Mouille Point (close to the V&A Waterfront) and is a popular jogging area.

Self-catering Sea Point accommodation can be found in many of the luxury apartment buildings facing the ocean. Villa Sunshine is an addition to the Villa Sunshine Guesthouse that has been in Sea Point for a couple of years now. There are three separate apartments varying from a large studio to an apartment with two bedrooms that can sleep six people. It has most of the facilities expected from a luxury apartment and is very close to the beach area.

Eilat self-catering apartment is another highly commended luxury apartment with views of Robben Island and the ocean. This comfortable apartment is only 100 meters from the Promenade and can sleep 4 people.

The Protea Hotel is another one of the popular Sea Point accommodation venues. It is well-known for its regular specials and quality service. Their special rates, many times, include a free breakfast. The hotel offers everything you would expect from quality accommodation and is following the art trend in the hotel industry. There are six luxury art suites decorated by highly acclaimed South African artists.

The Cape Town Ritz claims to have the best sea views in the area. It is a large hotel with 222 en suite rooms.  It also hosts Cape Town’s only revolving restaurant, Top of the Ritz, where you can have a meal with a view. Conference and wedding facilities are available and business travelers enjoy this hotel as it is out of the city, but still close enough to get to the business area in a short time.

For B&B accommodation you can choose between the four star graded Huijs Haerlem, with a distinct Dutch flavor as indicated by the name, Sweet Ocean View, Villa Rosa, Villa Martini and many more.

Sea Point is ideally located and within ten minutes from the city, the V&A Waterfront and the Camps Bay area. The main street in Sea Point has a variety of shops and services such as Woolworths and internet cafes as well as a smallish Mall with speciality shops.
Restaurants, bars and clubs can also be found in this street to allow you to enjoy Cape Town’s nightlife without venturing too far from your Sea Point accommodation.

V&A Waterfront accommodation is mostly luxury and includes apartments and elegant hotels. More than three quarters of the waterfront is easily taken up by accommodation venues.

Waterfront Village

The Waterfront Village, managed by the Village & Life group, consists of a group of luxury apartments that cater for singles, couples or families. The family apartments have nannies available as well as a 24 hour cartoon network channel.

The Waterfront Village apartments are especially popular with business people because it is so close to the CBD and highway. The marina is another attraction as well as the internet service in the apartments and the bigger apartments have lounges that are large enough to accommodate meetings.

The group also provides other corporate services, convenience shopping and luxury transfers.

Breakwater Lodge

This V&A Waterfront hotel has an interesting history. During the 19th century this hotel, now belonging to the Protea Hotel group, was a long-term male prison. It later became a hostel and with the construction of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront the Protea group saw the opportunity to turn this historic building into an elegant but relaxed hotel. The Breakwater Lodge is categorized as a budget hotel and even though it has many luxury features it is one of the most affordable V&A accommodation venues.

It also offers corporate facilities and has 11 conference rooms available.

V&A Marina Residential

For those who want to own a piece of South Africa’s most popular city, the V&A Marina Residential development provides an excellent opportunity.  Once the entire project is completed it will host 518 units with 200 boat moorings. All units come standard with air-conditioning, under floor heating, security systems, parking and much more.

The large outside terraces are ideal for the long summer days and it is designed to provide maximum privacy.

Commodore Hotel

This is one of the many five star establishments at the V&A Waterfront that provides excellent accommodation.  The Commodore has a distinct Victorian atmosphere and offers standard, superior and business rooms. Your biggest problem will be to leave your comfortable room to visit all the exiting attractions right on your doorstep and that doesn’t even include the many attractions of the greater Cape Town area. Four hundred quality stores, the exciting Two Oceans Aquarium, an IMAX theatre and forty five restaurants are within a short walk from the Commodore.
Apart from these mentioned V&A Waterfront accommodation venues there are several more five star hotels including the elegant Cape Grace, the ultra-luxurious One & Only, The Table Bay and The Victoria & Alfred Hotel, to name a few.
The V & A Waterfront is one of the most exiting developments on the African continent and the ideal place to explore the Cape Town area from.

It is interesting to note how many Cape Town B&B accommodation venues are not the standard guesthouse type anymore, but also offer apartments and penthouses as part of their B&B establishment.  It gives you the luxury of being part of the smaller guesthouse concept, but with more privacy which makes it the ideal accommodation option.

Auberge du Cap, a four star B&B venue in Camps Bay is such a unique guesthouse. There are double rooms available for those who want the comfort, but don’t need the space of an apartment. The Camps Bay area is one of the most exquisite locations on the Cape Peninsula and all the rooms and apartments in Auberge du Cap have balconies and it is on this balcony that you will want to be around sunset. Few views in the world can match the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean and especially at Camps Bay.

The luxury apartment has quality wood cupboards and the wooden ceiling creates a true African feeling. The white curtains and bed linen compliment the wood well and create a fresh clean look. Some of the unique features of this apartment is the extra long king size bed and the Jacuzzi spa bath with views of the Twelve Apostle Mountains.

Prices include a South African health breakfast. This establishment can easily compete with any of the luxury hotels as a premium Cape Town B&B.

Another luxury B&B in Camps Bay is Twenty seven on First, which offers 17 bedrooms of which some has balconies and the reasonable prices include a continental breakfast.

Woodstock, one of Cape Town’s oldest areas, within the city bowl, has a very unique history. Even during the worst of the Apartheid’s years this area managed to stay integrated and never experienced the racial segregation the rest of the country had. Woodstock is known for its semi-detached Victorian houses and exiting shops and markets. It also hosts its own theatre and art gallery. Cape Town B&B accommodation can be found at the Avo Tree Villa. The venue has a distinct Victorian atmosphere with lead glass windows and wooden window frames. Couches and chairs are covered with rich fabrics and the period fireplace in the dining area creates a cozy atmosphere.

Vredenhoek is on the slopes of Table Mountain with easy access to the CBD and major highways. Villa Antoinette in this area is a very intimate Cape Town B&B with only two en suite rooms. Both rooms have private entrances from the lovely patio area. This guesthouse’s pride is its wonderful breakfasts prepared and served by the hostess.

Other areas with Cape Town B&B accommodation is Blouberg on the West Coast and the lovely towns and villages in the False Bay area.

Families might still find that an apartment can be cheaper for a large family. Children and hotels aren’t always the best of friends either and if you still have little ones an apartment, where they can do their own thing without disturbing anyone, is more ideal.

Cape Town has apartments for every taste and need. From luxury self- catering houses in the Clifton and Camps Bay area to something more basic in one of the leafy suburbs of the city.

Backpacker’s lodges also have self-catering facilities and are most of the time your cheapest option if there are only one or two travelers. Backpacker’s facilities are mostly a room and usually it is shared with a few other people. For privacy and small children this isn’t always a good option. Some backpacker’s have age restrictions and don’t allow small children.

Good self-catering accommodation in the city can be found in Tamboerskloof, which has a tranquil and calmer atmosphere than the city, while it is still very much part of the city. Green Point and Sea Point have many apartments for short period rentals and are sometimes cheaper than the inner city and suburbs.

Bloubergstrand is another popular area for self-catering accommodation and ideal for families. It can be a bit windier on the beach at Bloubergstrand than it will be in Clifton or Camps Bay but it is ideal for people who like water sports. The beach at Bloubergstrand is lovely for walks with a beautiful view of Table Mountain in the background.  Bloubergstrand is about 15 minutes out of the city.

Gordons Bay and Strand is a bit further away and about a half an hours drive out of Cape Town, but again very close to the wine lands, which is not to be missed on any trip to Cape Town. Gordons Bay has self- catering accommodation with the loveliest view across False Bay. South Africa’s favorite Restaurant, Spur, is right on the beach and you can combine lunch with a swim in the warmer waters of False Bay. In the Strand there are lovely self-catering places right on the beach.

While the choice is so big you will want the best accommodation at the best price. The internet is making it so easy to plan your trip and book accommodation online that anybody can do it. Most websites will allow you to enter your travel dates and exactly what accommodation you would prefer as well as the area you would like to stay in.

When searching on the internet websites it is important to look at the photos. Be weary of places with very small photos or photos of only the outside of the apartment. If you have a quality apartment to rent out, you will make an effort to make the photos attractive to the user. Also check amenities and if it is not available ask before you book.

Most quality places will give you as much information as they can to attract you.

Nine out of ten times the backpacker’s lodges will be the really cheap accommodation. For the young and young at heart this will be ideal. If you don’t mind to share a room with 10 or so other people and make a trip at night, to a possible far off bathroom, this will be your ideal cheap accommodation. Backpackers are extremely popular and many have changed over the years to allow you more choices. Obviously if you want private facilities you will pay more, but it will still be a lot cheaper than a cheap hotel for instance.

Backpacker’s Lodges

Longstreet Backpackers has been around for a long time and they have been voted as the number 1 backpacker’s lodge in Africa many times. What makes this place so unique is the location right in town and close to everything. There are double and single rooms available, as well as small apartments with their own bathrooms.

Most backpacker lodges in Cape Town are roughly around R100 per night for a shared dorm room. Private rooms and rooms with bathrooms will cost more. Chill & Surf and Cape Town Backpackers are two of the cheapest ones but it will take a lot to beat the new Ashanti Backpackers in Green Point where dorm rooms are R50.

Many of Cape Town’s trendy backpackers are situated in the city for easy access to transport, the many tourist areas in the city and the night life.

Self Catering

Families or people with small children might prefer something more private or less noisy and busy. Self catering flats might then be a better option. To find something really cheap you can try the classifieds of the Cape Town newspapers. Most of them are online or you can also look at gumtree.co.za on the Cape Town page. Private owners might offer accommodation at a cheaper fee than websites and agencies. This, however, might be a risky option and while most people are honest about what they offer, you won’t have any backup or a chance to read reviews from other people that visited. You might end up with something unsuitable that can have a negative impact on your holiday.

Outside the City

In most places accommodation a bit out of the city, is cheaper. With Cape Town it is, unfortunately very seldom the truth. The areas around the city are very popular and some of the most luxurious accommodation choices are here. Your best bet for cheaper self- catering will be around Green Point and Sea Point.  With a bit of luck you will find something around R600 for four people. In season this will, most of the time, not be the case. If you look at prices on the website you will find prices can differ between R600 and R3000. The R600 will usually be during the lowest season while during popular times such as December and school holidays you will easily pay R3000 for that same accommodation.

Budget hotels are also available and the safest bet is always the Holiday Inn group or the Protea Hotel group. Here you will look at prices from about R500 per person per night.

For real cheap accommodation there is nothing that beats a backpacker’s lodge.

Luxury hotels, guesthouses and apartments will make even the pickiest traveler’s dreams come true.

Luxury Hotels

Cape Town is one of the few cities in the world to host one of Sun International’s One &Only Luxury Resorts. The others are in exotic destinations such as Dubai, Mauritius and the Maldives.

The Victoria &Alfred Waterfront is famous for its magnificent hotels of which the Victoria and Alfred is one of the most elegant hotels around. Most rooms either have a view of the harbor or the mountain. It is perfectly located within walking distance of all the attractions at the waterfront. The colonial feel combined with modern day luxury makes it a perfect stay.

The Cape Grace and the Table Bay hotel are five star venues with the same colonial look as the Victoria &Alfred while the Harbour Bridge Hotel &Suites are simplistically modern with lots of whites, glass and steel.

The Mount Nelson in the city has been around since 1899 and with its Victorian exterior of laced balconies against the backdrop of the ever-so-old Table Mountain; it will take you on a ride to the past.

For Luxury with a view, few come better than the Twelve Apostles Hotel on the Camps Bay road toward Hout Bay.

Luxury Apartments

The apartments around the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and De Waterkant are shouting luxury.   Loader Street in De Waterkant hosts an array of four star apartments.  Many has king size beds and en suite bathrooms with fully equipped kitchens.

Camps Bay, one of the most luxurious areas just a few minutes out of the city, has apartments, villas and holiday homes with all the luxuries you can think of. Houses and apartments have idyllic views of either the ocean or the mountain. Most come standard with DSTV, wireless internet, air-conditioning and under-floor heating.

Clifton, the traditional playground of South Africa’s rich and famous is a mere five minutes from Camps Bay and has the same views of the Atlantic Ocean and mountains. Villas and apartments in this area don’t come cheap, but if you are looking for ultra-modern settings and ultimate luxury you are at the right place.

Luxury Bed and Breakfast Facilities

Tamboerskloof is part of the greater city of Cape Town with Table Mountain keeping a close eye on huge trees lining the sidewalks.  There are various bed and breakfast facilities here which will take you out of the busy city, while you are still very close to all the attractions. Lovely restored Cape Dutch homes and Victorian Villas will provide all you need while you experience the magic of Cape Town.
Closer to the beach, Bantry Bay is a perfect choice.

Longstreet Backpackers
The favorite and the oldest backpackers lodge in the trendy Long Street is the Longstreet Backpackers. The colorful vibrantly painted exterior makes it stand out from all the other buildings in the street. You will be close to all the activities in Long Street and if night life is your scene, this is a great option. It is also very closely situated to other attractions such as the Castle of Good Hope, the V&A Waterfront and when you step out of the door you will be greeted by the majestic Table Mountain from all sides.

The Penthouse on Long

The Penthouse on Long is also situated on the vibey Long Street and has dorm rooms that are specifically for female travelers, which is an ideal option for those who would prefer a bit more privacy than what a mixed dorm would offer, while you are still paying less than what you would for a private room. The bigger mixed dorms with 20 beds cost only a R100 per night while a private en suite is R225.

Ashanti Lodge

Ashanti Lodge in Green Point is a bit out of the busy city, but still close enough to everything. The building has been renovated with this brand new look and at R50 a night for the dorm rooms, it is a steal. They also have separate female dorms at no extra price. Bathrooms are shared except if you choose the private room with en suite facilities at R260 per person per night. Ashanti looks more like a hotel than a hostel, but with the prices of a hostel.

Saltycrax Backpackers

The water sport lovers should consider Saltycrax Backpackers close to Blouberg Strand. Cape Town city itself doesn’t really have beaches and areas for water sports. You will need to travel a bit out of the city to enjoy these activities. Blouberg Strand is a mere 15 minutes away from the city and ideal for windsurfing and other water sports. If you are going to spend most of your time in the water, you don’t want to get frustrated with Cape Town’s traffic in the mornings on your way to the beach, but you will still be close enough to the city for a night of entertainment.  Prices start at around R135 per night for dorm rooms.

Most of the backpackers have the usual facilities such as luggage storage, which comes in handy if you have to check out much earlier than your flight leaves. This will give you the freedom to do some shopping or visit that attraction you just didn’t have time for, before you depart.  Most backpacker lodges also provide linen but you should check, towels are not always included, though at most places you can hire them. Internet access is available at most with some having Wi-Fi in the rooms.

All backpacker lodges have kitchens for the use of their guests and most offer breakfast and other meals at an additional fee.

When you start looking at Cape Town as a possible holiday destination you are going to feel overwhelmed with everything there is to do and see. A week, two weeks and even a month won’t feel long enough.

Finding the right accommodation for your holiday can be a daunting task and you should decide what exactly you want from your holiday and where you are planning to spend the most time.

Sun and the Beach

If you are planning to spend a lot of time on the beaches and do some fishing or water sports you will want to look at the areas with the beaches. The city itself doesn’t really have much to offer in the sense of beach holidays. Areas like Blouberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek are close to the city while you will have lovely beaches and lots of opportunities for water activities. Come rain or high water if you drive in the direction of Fish Hoek, along the coast from Cape Town, you will find the guys with their wet suits and surf boards everywhere on the beaches.

These areas are close enough to Cape Town’s attractions for easy trips into the city. The quaint little village of Kalk Bay is an experience on it is own and if you like shopping of a different kind this is where you want to be. Kalk Bay hosts the most exiting restaurants and the very popular Olympia Café.

History

If you want to experience the magic and mystery of the age old city at the foot of the amazing Table Mountain, you will find various types of accommodation right in the heart of the city. If you can think of it, you will find it. Backpackers lodges, luxury and budget hotels, self catering apartments and B&B’s to pick and choose from. If you don’t have a car available you will find staying in the city the easiest. Even though Cape Town has a better bus service than many other areas it is still far from perfect. There are various tours leaving from the city to Cape Point, the wine lands and other popular tourist areas for people without their own transport.

Spa and Luxury

If a luxury or spa experience, with exquisite sunsets and drinks on the beach are more your scene there is no better place than Clifton, Camps Bay or Llandudno. Very few views in the world can match the sunset from Camps Bay beach and even better if you are higher up on the mountain at the Twelve Apostles Hotel. Relax on the verandah with an exotic cocktail while the sun sets and you will know you have experienced magic. Camps Bay and Clifton have a vibe that fits the rich and famous. Street cafes, hotels and restaurants line the beach front. Don’t expect to find cheap accommodation here but you can rest assure you will find value for you money.

So if you want to bake in the sun or roam the streets of the oldest city in South Africa, you will find the perfect place to stay.

If those luxuries sound too much like money, rests assure there are many other more basic hotels that will suit the needs of travelers.

Even if the Mount Nelson is too pricey, you can still enjoy the luxury of their high tea without staying at the hotel. The Mount Nelson stands proudly at the foot of Table Mountain right in the city of Cape Town. You will feel as if a little courtesy bow would be in order when you walk past it. The elegance and old-world charm can not easily be contested. High tea is around R150 per person and you will be able to lift a pinky, while holding a fine porcelain cup in the traditional English way.

Sol Kerzner left nothing to chance with the addition of a One & Only hotel to the already busy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Walking into the entrance hall is like walking into another world. You will forget about everything outside those doors and start making plans on how to stay permanently. With a discreet butler service at your beck and call nobody would want to leave. In the typical One & Only style (he recently launched one in Dubai and the one in Mauritius has been a favorite for years), everything is bigger than life with a maid service twice a day and an aromatherapy turn- down menu at night.

Coming back to the real world, Cape Town has many other wonderful hotels that won’t break the bank and will definitely offer a great stay. The Breakwater Lodge is right there at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and if you didn’t know, there is no way you could have guessed, this classy hotel use to be a 19th century prison. To enjoy a bit of this class in a perfect location won’t set you back more than R1 200 night depending of the time of the year. Compared to the One & Only’s lowest priced room at over R6000, this is a steal.

The City Lodge hotels, Holiday Inn and Protea group regularly have specials where you might find something for less than a R1000 a night.

Those looking for a unique and different experience should consider the Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel. This boutique-style hotel is in the city and each room is a work of art. Different Cape Town artists, poets and musicians were commissioned to turn each room into a perfect work of art. Prices are per unit and very affordable.