Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
17 Mar 2024
Reply rate
86.3 %
Usually responds within 43 days
Feedback
43
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are situated in one of the most beautiful Victorian style heritage buildings in Cape Town. The blue and white striped iconic building is one the most photogenic landmarks, boasting a 90° street view of the ever buzzing Long street. We love to have guests, and we will do our utmost to make you feel at home and give you the best advice for an unforgettable stay with us.
We currently have 10 members on our team of permanent staff. We have 4 cleaning ladies, 3 which handle rooms and communal areas and 1 which handles laundry. We have 5 reception staff, 1 of which is also our manageress, 1 of which also works some bar hours, 1 of which is part time and the remaining 2 work night shifts and assist with maintenance when needed. We have 1 Director and that is the roles of our 10 members of permanent staff.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Hospitality/Tourism
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We accommodate travelers from all around the World which includes locals. The opportunity provides volunteers to interact with guests who speak a range of different languages and in turn our volunteers can learn all about their differing cultures and customs.
Help
The proposed volunteer position is ideally suited for an individual who is energetic and passionate about tourism and travel. Duties include checking in and checking out of guests, assisting them with booking tours and dealing with enquiries including answering emails related to our guest's travel requirements. Management will be present on each shift and will be requiring the help of a volunteer. We will have a structure in place which the volunteer will abide by, which will be overseen by the duty manager. The successful candidate will assist with front of house and admin duties.
The help that we require is behind reception where there will always be a receptionist on duty with you as the volunteer. The help will be day shift and not more than 15 hours per week. If you as the volunteer has particular skills to exchange that will be very much appreciated and welcomed.
Languages spoken
Afrikaans: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
The accommodation we offer is shared dormitory space and is self-catering. We usually have more than one volunteer so we try to allocate a room which is for volunteers only. We do however request that our volunteers can be flexible on a rare occasion that the specific room type has an overbooking or in the event that there is a group booking that requires that specific room type. We will always ensure that our volunteers have a bed here by us. However keep in mind that you may be requested to move rooms when the occasion does arise.
What else ...
We are centrally located close to a wide range of tourist attractions and activities and within close proximity to bus stops and the train station which offers inexpensive was to travel throughout Cape Town.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
15 hours a week
Host ref number: 626274834167
Feedback (24)
27 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Janis) for host
Volunteering at the Hostel was the best decision I could’ve possibly chosen for my first Volunteer experience at reception!
The staff team quickly starts feeling like a family and everybody’s super friendly all the time. They care about the volunteers a lot and give them enough freedom to decide when they want to do their shifts, how they wanna… read more
The staff team quickly starts feeling like a family and everybody’s super friendly all the time. They care about the volunteers a lot and give them enough freedom to decide when they want to do their shifts, how they wanna… read more
30 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Louis) for host
I just spent 2 months in this hostel and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised
Beyond life in Cape Town which was truly superb, I had the opportunity to meet very pleasant people in this youth hostel
Whether it is the residents of the hostel, the colleagues with whom you will have to work, your roommates, everyone will do their best to… read more
Beyond life in Cape Town which was truly superb, I had the opportunity to meet very pleasant people in this youth hostel
Whether it is the residents of the hostel, the colleagues with whom you will have to work, your roommates, everyone will do their best to… read more
3 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jakob) for host
I stayed here for a month and overall my stay was very pleasant.
Pros: Staff was extremely friendly and helpful and reception was occupied 24 hours a day. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable and after a month I made good connections with many of the guests and staff. Working at the bar three times a week from 6pm to 2am was nice,… read more
Pros: Staff was extremely friendly and helpful and reception was occupied 24 hours a day. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable and after a month I made good connections with many of the guests and staff. Working at the bar three times a week from 6pm to 2am was nice,… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
27 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Janis) for host
Volunteering at the Hostel was the best decision I could’ve possibly chosen for my first Volunteer experience at reception!
The staff team quickly starts feeling like a family and everybody’s super friendly all the time. They care about the volunteers a lot and give them enough freedom to decide when they want to do their shifts, how they wanna… read more
The staff team quickly starts feeling like a family and everybody’s super friendly all the time. They care about the volunteers a lot and give them enough freedom to decide when they want to do their shifts, how they wanna… read more
30 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Louis) for host
I just spent 2 months in this hostel and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised
Beyond life in Cape Town which was truly superb, I had the opportunity to meet very pleasant people in this youth hostel
Whether it is the residents of the hostel, the colleagues with whom you will have to work, your roommates, everyone will do their best to… read more
Beyond life in Cape Town which was truly superb, I had the opportunity to meet very pleasant people in this youth hostel
Whether it is the residents of the hostel, the colleagues with whom you will have to work, your roommates, everyone will do their best to… read more
3 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jakob) for host
I stayed here for a month and overall my stay was very pleasant.
Pros: Staff was extremely friendly and helpful and reception was occupied 24 hours a day. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable and after a month I made good connections with many of the guests and staff. Working at the bar three times a week from 6pm to 2am was nice,… read more
Pros: Staff was extremely friendly and helpful and reception was occupied 24 hours a day. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable and after a month I made good connections with many of the guests and staff. Working at the bar three times a week from 6pm to 2am was nice,… read more
5 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Evelyn)
We truly appreciated Evelyn as a volunteer, she really suited our environment and atmosphere well being sociable with guests, our other volunteers and staff alike. She has a beautiful personality and we could also rely on her to give her best with the tasks allocated to her. We would highly recommend her to hosts seeking assistance with their… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Evelyn) for host
I was staying in the hostel for the whole february 2022 and loved it! The work schedule allowed me to have enough time for exploring the city and I got along super well with the other volunteers! The location is ideal to get around the city and the staff was always helpful and gave me tips for my stay. Thank you for the amazing experience!
3 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mariem)
We truly appreciated Mariem’s time with us, she is genuinely sociable and guests were drawn to her presence. She has a keen interest to learn languages and interact with the culture she finds herself in. Her personality and friendly demeanor radiates from within and is truly a treasure to all those who are touched by her presence. We would highly… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mariem) for host
"Wow, volunteering here has been an incredible experience! Specifically, working at the bar has been such a rewarding opportunity. The vibrant atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the amazing guests made every day exciting.
The team at Backpackers really knows how to create a welcoming environment. They value the contributions of their volunteers,… read more
The team at Backpackers really knows how to create a welcoming environment. They value the contributions of their volunteers,… read more
2 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
We had a wonderful experience with Andrea volunteering for us. Guests and staff truly appreciated her time here. Her sociable skills and competence for her tasks assigned to her were highly valued. We reflect upon the opportunity to host her in the utmost positive light. We believe that she would be a treasured volunteer to add to any setting with… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
I volunteered at the hostel for one month and absolutely loved it! I shared a room with 2 fun volunteers and the staff and the guests were all super friendly as well. The location of the hostel is amazing, as it is right on long street, aka the party street. I can highly recommend it :)
2 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jagriti)
We genuinely appreciated Jagriti’s time with us as a volunteer. She has a genuinely pleasant personality and she truly connected with guests and staff alike who felt the joy flowing within the beauty of her heart. She had enthusiasm for the tasks before her and performed really well within her duties. She is capable and trustworthy with all that… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jagriti) for host
I spent one of the best months of my travels volunteering here! Everything is perfect, the hostel, staff and location. The whole team is very helpful and go out of their way to make you feel at home, including the owner Jan and the manager Winslow. it's like one big family where everyone does braai together on Saturdays and celebrates birthdays… read more
8 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Carla )
We truly valued Carla as a volunteer with us, she has a sweet and caring personality and got along well with staff and was really sociable with guests who chose to return because of her presence here with us. She fulfilled all her tasks we required of her and she would always be welcome back when we would have availability for volunteers. We would… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Carla ) for host
I spent about 6 weeks here as a volunteer and couldn't have imagined my first experience with workaway any better. The team is so warm hearted and it quickly felt like a home away from home. Winslow is always considerate of you if you want a special day off or want to take a certain shift, which allow you to do and experience super much in your… read more
8 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)
We really appreciated Sarah as a volunteer, she got on very well with guests and staff. She had wonderful social abilities, she was skilled in all arenas that we required her assistance in and she fulfilled her tasks diligently. We would always welcome her back and we would highly recommend her to any hosts seeking assistance with their projects… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
I was staying at the backpackers for about 6 weeks. I had a wonderful time and I made a lot of memories!
The teams made me feel welcome from the very first day and I can truly recommend staying there.
Other than that: The location is super central for a lot of activities and the working hours are perfect for exploring the surrounding. Thank you… read more
The teams made me feel welcome from the very first day and I can truly recommend staying there.
Other than that: The location is super central for a lot of activities and the working hours are perfect for exploring the surrounding. Thank you… read more
8 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jeanne) for host
My experience at the place was wonderful, Winslow is a great host, very kind and understandable with all the volunteers. The amount of work was ok and flexible. It was a pleasure to spend 2 months here, I met some wonderful people (guests and volunteers) that I will remember for the rest of my life. Thank you for this opportunity and thank you for… read more
31 Mar 2022
Left by Workawayer (Maikily) for host
I couldn't ask for a better first experience with workaway! I stayed at the backpackers for 2 months and it has been nothing but amazing!! It was very fun, the working hours were very flexible, only 4 days a week, so you get to have 3 days off to enjoy beautiful Cape Town. Mercy and Winslow were great, I could rely on them the entire time. Thanks… read more
8 Jan 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Guillaume)
Guillaume was truly a wonderful volunteer and we genuinely valued him as a member of our team. He is reliable and can be counted on with the help he provides to one’s projects he is a part of. He communicates well and was very much involved in the social atmosphere here with us. With his well natured personality he really gets on nicely with… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Sep 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Monika & Sean)
We genuinely appreciated Monika’s time with us as a volunteer jointly with her sister Nina volunteering at the same time together. The help and good work behind reception, being quick learners and both adequately could complete tasks. Their cherished social atmosphere with their presence was adored by staff and guests. We also received the sincere… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Monika & Sean) for host
I stayed for a month and about 2 weeks at this backpackers. The experience was even better than I thought it would be!
I did reception work, although I arrived there with no experience in that range at all, Winslow and the head receptionist (Mercy) taught me all that I had to know.
I stayed in a dorm room (which was a room with 3 bunked beds),… read more
I did reception work, although I arrived there with no experience in that range at all, Winslow and the head receptionist (Mercy) taught me all that I had to know.
I stayed in a dorm room (which was a room with 3 bunked beds),… read more
1 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Michellekl)
It was truly wonderful to meet Michelle and to have her as part of our team while she volunteered for us. She has the sweetest manners and etiquette and she is very good in communication. She is a fast learner dedicated to her tasks and she gets along exceptionally well with those with whom she has interacted with.
We had the delight of her… read more
We had the delight of her… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Michellekl) for host
I really enjoyed my stay in this cute hostel!
From the beginning till the end the communication was absolutely perfect.
I had a call with the owner before I came, he was really helpful and gave me lots of informations. They organized me a driver to pick me up from the airport safely and from the first second everybody was friendly and I really… read more
From the beginning till the end the communication was absolutely perfect.
I had a call with the owner before I came, he was really helpful and gave me lots of informations. They organized me a driver to pick me up from the airport safely and from the first second everybody was friendly and I really… read more
1 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Rodrigo)
Rodrigo was genuinely a volunteer we appreciated having with us, he is enthusiastic towards tasks before him with his sincere welcoming and friendly nature. He has a wide range of skills and has a combination of qualities that compliment one another. His professionalism and work ethic shines through - and with confidence I would indeed recommend… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Jun 2021
Left by Workawayer (Rodrigo) for host
This was my first workaway experience as a volunteer, and I can't say enough good things about the place.
I was welcome like I was already part of the family, and I became good friends with all the staff and long term guests. I wish the best to the director and all the staff and I will definitely go back when in SA!
Thank you for everything, it… read more
I was welcome like I was already part of the family, and I became good friends with all the staff and long term guests. I wish the best to the director and all the staff and I will definitely go back when in SA!
Thank you for everything, it… read more
11 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Eva)
Eva was a wonderful volunteer we appreciated having with us. She is a fast learner and was capable to assisting with the tasks necessary. She is very friendly and social, our staff and guests had enjoyed her company while she was here. I would genuinely recommend Eva as a volunteer to any workaway hosts seeking assistance with their projects.
(Excellent
)
8 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Eva) for host
Thank you very much for the great time here. I’ve stayed there for 1 month and fell in love with Cape Town. The hostel is old and beautiful (a bit noisy but that’s fine), the staff very friendly and the city incredibly beautiful. It was my first workaway experience and I definitely don’t regret it. Thank you!
31 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (Daiva) for host
I stayed there for a month of October/November, somehow I see my feedback has not been posted until now. I would like to thank again to Winslow for having me and helping with any questions, for taking such a great care of me while I was volunteering in this hostel. I had an amazing time working with the best team members in this amazing location… read more
26 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Monique)
Monique was truly an amazing volunteer to have, one of our best who have been with us. She is a very thoughtful person who is able to see details and intricacies pertaining to situations and thus understands how to navigate in an amicable manner. We really appreciated her great work ethic, she was proficient with our systems we had in place and it… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Monique) for host
I had such a great experience here! I was planning to stay 1-2 months, but ended up being their longest workaway ever, staying for 4.5 months! The hostel is right in the centre of Long Street, so it's a great place if you like being in the middle of downtown action. Be prepared for loud evenings, and bring earplugs. Winslow is the greatest host… read more
24 Jun 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Laura)
We really appreciated having Laura as a volunteer with us at the Backpackers. She enjoyed the atmosphere here and we certainly enjoyed her company and we valued her hard work and dedication to the tasks before her. She is a deep thinker and ponders considerably on the intricacies of life and it was a genuine pleasure to hear her perspectives. We… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
The hostel is right in Longstreet, the heart of cape Town! There are so many things to do that are close by! Winslow is one of the nicest and most caring people I know. Already miss all the people I got to know there! They're truly amazing!
3 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)
It was great to Maria volunteer with us. She made wonderful connections with our guests, staff and other volunteers. Our South American guests and volunteers especially felt at home away from home with her being here. She was always dedicated to her shifts and her assistance was greatly appreciated, she is a fast learner and knew how to navigate… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host
This was my one and only experience in workaway but I can tell it was amazing!!! The place is wondeful just on long street, the people who worked there was very nice and Winslow is just the best host on earth! I really enjoyed my time working there, if you wanna have a fantastic workaway time dont doubt it, this is the place!!!! Thanks for… read more
3 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Tori)
It was truly wonderful to have Tori with us as a volunteer. She cared greatly about each person she came to know and it shines through that Tori comes from a family that loves one another deeply as that is what she extended to each one of us here; a genuine regard for the well-being of those who are dear to her. She approached situations with… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Tori) for host
I volunteered here for two months and I don't even know where to start to explain the experience. South Africa is wonderful in itself, but this volunteer experience made it 1000x better. The work is very easy and fun! The people here including the guests, the owners, other volunteers, and employees all combine to create the most welcoming and… read more
3 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabell)
Isabell has been a great volunteer, she made such wonderful friendships with backpackers and staff. It is a true treasure to converse with her. Her assistance with reception was greatly appreciated, she was proficient with our procedures and she provided guests with positive and memorable service. She embarked on an amazing journey through South… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Isabell) for host
I had an amazing time at this backpackers that only attracts the coolest people! The people working in the hostel had me at hello. I felt super welcome from the beginning and everyone was just super nice, cool, helping and funny. We were three workawayers and we got along really well and did a lot in our free time #milkshakesatroyaleeatery haha. I… read more
3 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina)
Gina was an amazing volunteer and we have genuinely had the privilege of her being a part of our team. Her work ethic was very impressive and she is aware of how to apply excellent customer care. She was helpful and professional to our guests who required her assistance, she provided them with adequate and knowledgeable information to their… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Gina) for host
I'm so happy I got to volunteer here! The manager Winslow is the nicest person to work for, super helpful and really kind about checking in to make sure the staff are happy and the schedule works well for everyone. The whole staff became like family, especially on sunday braai day! The work (reception desk) is easy to learn and I genuinely enjoyed… read more
11 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Joany)
Joany was a wonderful volunteer, she is a fast learner and she was proficient with all our procedures in place at our reception. She provided excellent customer service to our guests who adored spending time conversing with her. She has passion and enthusiasm for the activities she engages in. Our team truly appreciated her presence and I would… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Joany) for host
I had an amazing experience here. The whole staff were amazingly kind and helpful. My schedule was 7 hours a day for 3 days a week (morning or evening shift) and the other 4 days I was off + I received a food allowance as well. Every Sunday there is a braai where you can bring your own meat and they will braai it for you. I had an awesome time… read more
21 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Thaís)
Thais was truly a wonderful volunteer to have a part of our team, she is genuinely passionate about the activities she engages in. She is a fast learner and diligent with the duties presented before her. The front desk was always neat and tidy while Thais was behind reception. Her assistance was greatly appreciated with receiving our guests upon… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Thaís) for host
By far the best volunteering experience I had!
The location is great, the facilities are very good and the staff became a family. Everybody is always taking care of each other and making sure you’re happy. You’ll have time to work, because the schedule is light and usually fun, and also have enough time enjoy the city. Cape Town is in my heart and… read more
The location is great, the facilities are very good and the staff became a family. Everybody is always taking care of each other and making sure you’re happy. You’ll have time to work, because the schedule is light and usually fun, and also have enough time enjoy the city. Cape Town is in my heart and… read more
