Best Cheap Hotels in Cape Town
Let’s get one thing straight – “cheap” in the Mother City doesn’t have to mean “nasty.” In fact, some of our absolute favourite stays in the city are the high-value, savvy options that leave you with more cash for wine tours and shark cage diving! The current traveller is “Smart Spending and Savvy,” often opting to save on their mid-trip accommodation to afford a serious luxury splurge at the start or end of their holiday. For the UK and USA markets, “Value” doesn’t mean low-quality; it means a property that delivers the “brilliant basics” – cleanliness, friendly service, and a central location at a competitive price.
The city has seen a massive rise in “Lifestyle Aparthotels” and designer hostels that are perfect for travellers who want 5-star facilities like rooftop pools and 24-hour security without the 5-star price tag. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for a social vibe or a family wanting the flexibility of a kitchen, we’ve found the best spots that are safe, secure, and right in the heart of the action. Here is our guide to “Smart Spending” in the Mother City.
1. Hotel Lola (Green Point)
This is one of the most “adorable” and stylish budget choices in the city. With rates often starting as low as $60 per night, it represents exceptional value for travellers who prioritise aesthetic and personal connection. It’s located in Green Point, a safe and vibrant area that’s perfectly placed between the V&A Waterfront and the Sea Point Promenade. The decor is colourful and fun, making it feel more like a boutique hotel than a budget guesthouse.
Best for: Solo travellers and couples who love “Instagrammable” budget stays.
The Vibe: Cute, personalised, and very friendly with a central location.
✅ Pro Tip: It’s walking distance to some of the best cheap eats and coffee shops in Green Point.
2. Home Suite Hotels Station House (Sea Point)
This is the current benchmark for the “Lifestyle Aparthotel” category in Cape Town. It combines a secure, modern building with a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and a range of on-site restaurants and cafes. For a traveller from London or New York, it provides a world-class urban experience at a fraction of the cost you’d pay back home. It holds a “Wonderful” 9.1 rating from guests who love the security and modern design.
Best for: Digital nomads and long-stay travellers who want hotel amenities and apartment space.
The Vibe: Secure, modern, and very cosmopolitan.
✅ Pro Tip: The rooftop pool area is one of the best in Sea Point – perfect for a sunset dip.
3. Urban Elephant 16 On Bree (City Bowl)
If you want to stay in the tallest residential building in the city without breaking the bank, this is your spot. These are modern “lock-up-and-go” apartments with world-class views of Table Mountain and the harbour. The value here is incredible because you get high-end appliances, a full kitchen, and laundry facilities, which is a life-saver for longer trips. It holds a 9.0 “Wonderful” rating for its cleanliness and central location.
Best for: Families and groups who want the tallest views in the city at a mid-range price.
The Vibe: Modern, sleek, and right in the middle of the CBD action.
✅ Pro Tip: The building is centrally located to Bree Street, the heart of the city’s culinary and nightlife scene.
4. THE BIG - Luxury Backpackers (Green Point)
Don’t let the word “backpackers” scare you off. THE BIG is a newly renovated “Luxury Hostel” that is the first of its kind in the city. They offer private rooms that look and feel like a boutique hotel but at a significantly lower cost. It’s a very social environment with a focus on communal spaces and local tours. It currently holds a “Wonderful” 9.1 rating for its style and security.
Best for: Solo travellers and younger couples who want a social atmosphere and boutique style.
The Vibe: Social, vibrant, and very high-end for a hostel.
✅ Pro Tip: Their breakfast is consistently rated as one of the best “value” meals in the city.
5. Altona Lodge (Green Point)
Altona Lodge is a prime example of a property that focuses on the “brilliant basics”. It holds an exceptional 9.4 review score by keeping things simple: bright, clean rooms and incredibly friendly, professional staff. It’s located in the heart of Green Point, making it walking distance to everything from the stadium to the waterfront. It’s perfect for those who want a quiet, safe base without any unnecessary frills.
Best for: Savvy travellers who prioritise cleanliness and location over fancy amenities.
The Vibe: Spotless, bright, and very welcoming with a local feel.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask for a room with a private bathroom as they offer both private and shared options.
6. Neighbourgood 84 Harrington (District Six)
This is a modern condo-hotel that has been conceived in a very smart way for the modern traveller. It features an outdoor swimming pool and stylish rooms that offer world-class city views. With a 9.0 “Wonderful” rating, it’s highly praised for its great breakfast and central location near the District 6 museum and city markets. It offers that trendy, “industrial” feel that is very popular right now.
Best for: Creative individuals and couples who want a central, “smartly conceived” urban base.
The Vibe: Modern, equipped, and very vibrant with a 24-hour front desk.
✅ Pro Tip: It’s one of the best-value spots for getting high-floor views of the city skyline.
7. Check Inn Hotel (Green Point)
If you are looking for absolute “bare-bones” budget pricing without sacrificing security, Check Inn is a solid choice. It holds an 8.0 “Very Good” rating and is located just an 11-minute walk from the beach in Green Point. It’s clean, modern, and provides everything you need for a quick city stay. For those coming from the UK or USA, it’s a reliable, safe option that allows you to stretch your travel budget as far as possible.
Best for: Budget travellers who just need a clean, safe room in a prime location.
The Vibe: Modern, functional, and exceptionally well-priced.
✅ Pro Tip: It’s one of the most booked cheap hotels in the city for its proximity to the beachfront.
