Getting away for the weekend is always fraught with danger. There’s the ‘fomo’ many people feel when the mates all have a cracking jol, there’s organising someone to look after the crib and then there’s forking out your hard-earned money to pay for it all.
If we’re honest, it’s often the last one of the above reasons that causes the most hassle, because the misapprehension remains that spending a weekend away is a costly experience. Sure you can stay in the lap of luxury and fork over more than you really want to but, with a bit of inside knowledge, it is still possible to get away without having to spend beyond your means.
Of course these places could also come in handy for when that friend of a friend comes to Cape Town, and you’re not sure you want to commit to having them stay at yours. You don’t have to broadcast your intentions but a gentle nudge in the right direction and you could get off scott-free.
We’ve snooped around and found five lekker spots in the Western Cape that are going for under R500 a night for two people. Pretty good value hey, let’s see what catches your fancy.
Signal Hill Lodge – From R490 per two-sleeper unit
Signal Hill Lodge is ideally located amidst the slopes of the Signal Hill Nature Reserve and offers quality guest house accommodation. The lodge overlooks the historical and colourful Bo Kaap district, presenting guests with unprecedented views of Cape Town’s City Bowl, Table Bay and partial views of Table Mountain.
Castle Hill Guesthouse – From R450 per two-sleeper unit
Castle Hill Guesthouse is a 4 Star graded characterful Edwardian villa overlooking the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay. The beautiful ceilings and lattice veranda gives this building the charm and warmth that would make one feel at home. Features include a cosy sun room for reading and relaxing that leads to the lounge with a TV, while the terrace is perfect for soaking up the summer rays.
SaltyCrax Backpackers Surf Lodge – From R160 per person in a dorm room
SaltyCrax Backpackers is located 500m from the beautiful beaches of Blouberg, the perfect place to see picturesque views of Table Mountain. They are a 20 minute drive/40 minute bus ride from Cape Town Centre and are able to organise a variety of tours in and around the Western Cape. They are walking distance to major shopping centers, transport terminals, beach, restaurants and bars.
Wish U Were Here Guesthouse – From R170 per person sharing dorm room
Wish U Were Here is a creative new lodge situated in Woodstock, one of Cape Town oldest suburbs. At Wish U Were Here you will experience an authentic cool urban stay over in a renovated old building with high ceilings and wonderful old wooden floors. This building has been lovingly restored using materials sourced within a mile’s radius of the building. It has a central courtyard with a funky bar, fire pit and a pizza oven.
Albergo for Backpackers – From R130 per person sharing dorm room
Albergo for Backpackers is situated in the most amazing spot in Plettenberg Bay. The beach, shops, restaurants and nightlife are all within easy walking distance. Nothing can beat their stunning views from the balcony where dolphins and whales are often spotted cruising the beautiful bay of Plettenberg Bay.
You see good people, you don’t need to break the bank to spoil you and your significant other to a weekend away – and if you’ve managed to palm off that unwanted house guest to some affordable accommodation nearby you’re just being a good mate.
We would also like to reward you for making it all the way to the end of this post so here’s a rather handy reminder. Give THIS a read and you might just have the cost of your entire weekend refunded.
It pays to be thorough.
