Bed 16-Bed Man Dormitory Room
- 1 Bunk bed
- Shower
Hotel · Cape Town · Western Cape
Riverlodge Backpackers - Cape Town
A straightforward backpacker hostel in the Oude Molen Eco Village, a five-minute walk from transport links and about 25 minutes on foot from the University of Cape Town.
- Free Wi-Fi and parking included
- Shuttle booking and free airport drop-off reported by guests
- Communal kitchen and lounge for self-catering
7
good
53 reviews
Booking.com 7 · 53 reviews
About
Riverlodge Backpackers - Cape Town
Riverlodge Backpackers sits inside the Oude Molen Eco Village in Pinelands, a five-minute walk from the eco village itself and about 25 minutes on foot from the University of Cape Town. With parking on-site and a 14:00–22:00 check-in window, it is a practical pick for travellers arriving by car or later in the day.
The hostel offers shared dormitory rooms, including a 16-bed male dorm and a 4-bed mixed dorm, both with shower access. Free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, and a lounge area are part of the setup, and guests have praised the ability to book airport shuttles through the staff.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Carpeted floor
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
5 reasons to book- Friendly and hands-on staff — Guests repeatedly mention helpfulness, from booking airport shuttles to offering a free drop-off.
- Great transport links — A train station is right next door, making the city centre about a ten-minute ride away.
- Clean, well-maintained shared spaces — Showers and bathrooms are frequently called out as clean, and the kitchen is well equipped.
- Value for money — Rates from £10 per night put it firmly in the budget category, with guests praising the price-to-quality ratio.
- Quiet and safe surroundings — The gardens and quiet atmosphere are appreciated, and the nearby hospital adds a sense of security.
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Worth weighing
5 to weigh- Outside the city centre — You'll need to rely on the nearby train or a short drive to reach central Cape Town.
- Limited room types — Only two dormitory options are listed – a 16-bed male dorm and a 4-bed mixed dorm – so private spaces aren't available.
- No pets allowed — The policy is clear, so leave furry companions at home.
- Strict check-in window — Check-in is only between 14:00 and 22:00, which may be tricky for late arrivals.
- Mixed area rating — The local area averages 8.1 out of 10, but the property itself scores 7.0 from 53 reviews – decent, but not top-rated.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
- 1 Single bed
- Shower
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
Common areas
- Communal kitchen
- Lounge area
- Outdoor spaces
Practical
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Bag storage
- Shuttle booking
Room features
- Shower
- Carpeted floor
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7/10 from 53 reviews
Booking.com · 7 · 53 reviews
7Verified guest“We loved how close it was to public transport, which made exploring easy. The showers and bathrooms were clean, and having a kitchen and lounge was useful. Staff were friendly and helped us book a shuttle to the airport.”
7Verified guest“Great stay! The location suited us – a bit outside the centre but right next to a train station, so getting downtown took only about ten minutes. The quiet gardens were peaceful, and the staff were very helpful, even offering a free lift to the airport. Our room was comfy, with a lovely double bed and one of the best showers we've had.”
7Verified guest“Excellent value for money. Prices were fair, and attention to detail stood out. The area is cool, close to the beach and not far from the centre. Staff gave great service, and basic facilities were well maintained. Rooms were spacious and clean, and the breakfast at Millstone coffee was delicious.”
7Verified guest“Clean facilities, a helpful night manager, a safe neighbourhood, and spacious rooms with clean showers.”
7Verified guest“I had a great time over Christmas! The location was convenient for attractions and public transport, and staff were always ready to help. The kitchen was clean and well equipped for cooking.”
7Verified guest“A good budget option for business trips, with clean rooms and basic facilities. It's convenient for travellers thanks to nearby transport links, and the staff were friendly and happy to give advice.”
04 — Location
Getting around Cape Town
The property sits in Cape Town.
Getting around: The train station is right next door, and guests report it takes about ten minutes to reach the city centre. Parking is available on-site if you're driving.
Local sights: Oude Molen Eco Village is a five-minute walk away, and the University of Cape Town is roughly 25 minutes on foot. The beach is a short drive, not within walking distance.
Safety and amenities: Guests mention a safe neighbourhood, with a hospital nearby adding to the sense of security. The hostel has a communal kitchen, lounge, and outdoor spaces.
Oude Molen Eco Village Alexandra Road, Pinelands, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7405, South Africa
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-22:00
- Check-out
- By 06:00-10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 16 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 22:00, and check-out is from 06:00 to 10:00.
Is parking available at the hostel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed according to the property policy.
What room types are available?
There are two dormitory options: a 16-bed male dormitory and a 4-bed mixed dormitory, both with shower access.
Is breakfast offered?
One guest mentioned a delicious breakfast at Millstone coffee, but the details of whether this is included or at an extra cost are not specified in the provided information.
Can I book an airport shuttle through the hostel?
Yes, guests report that staff can arrange airport shuttle bookings, and some even received a free drop-off.
How far is the hostel from the city centre?
The hostel is a bit outside the centre, but a train station is right next door, and guests say the ride into town takes about ten minutes.
The bottom line
Riverlodge Backpackers delivers what budget travellers need: a clean, friendly base near transport, with staff who go the extra mile. The location outside the centre is a trade-off, but the train station and reasonable rates make it a solid pick for those who don't mind a short commute.
7Based on 53 guest reviews and our own editorial analysis.
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