Once in Cape Town

Once in Cape Town sits on Kloof Street in the Gardens neighbourhood, a strip lined with cafes and bars a short uphill walk from Long Street and the City Bowl's museums and galleries. Part of the small Once hostel group, the property is a design-led hostel rather than a traditional budget hotel, mixing exposed brick, colourful murals, and communal lounge spaces with a rooftop bar that looks toward Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Accommodation ranges from multi-bed dorms to private ensuite rooms, all sharing a self-catering kitchen and lounge area. There is no formal restaurant, but the rooftop bar serves drinks and light food into the evening and hosts regular social events, braais, and pub crawls organised by staff. There is no spa or pool, though the hostel's rooftop deck functions as its main relaxation space. Service leans social and informal, with a young, well-travelled staff who run daily activity boards covering hikes up Table Mountain, township tours, and wine-region day trips, making the property best suited to solo travellers and small groups looking to meet people rather than families or business guests.