Hi, I will be in Cape Town in late October and early November with my dad and a friend for part of the time. I am looking for a realitively inexpensive and basic, clean and safe place to stay(hotel or B&B). Location is important as I will be walking to the convention center for a conference. I think I am best in the central area. I am looking into the following places: Cape Diamond (where I am leaning towards), Tudor Hotel, Park Inn, Fountains Hotel and the Capetonian Hotel. Has anybody stayed at one of these? Somewhere local and friendly would be great.
I will also be in the wine country for 2 nights. I think we will want to be near Stellenbosch/Franschhoek. Looking for a winery under $100/night. Any recommendations? One place I found is called Alegria House. Has anyone stayed there? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Also, what can I expect the weather to be like that time of year?
Thanks, Trixie

Hello,

A great source for B&Bs and guesthouses in South Africa is the Portfolio Collection:

http://www.portfoliocollection.com

They have a wide range of very reasonably priced Cape Town options that will offer much better value for money than a standard tourist hotel, and the hosts I have met are invariably warm and friendly people who love introducing you to their city.

I wouldn't worry about needing to walk to the convention centre as taxis are cheap and plentiful. It's not the nicest part of town to stay in (particularly at night) so you'd probably be better off somewhere else.

A great value option in the Winelands is the Akademie Street Guesthouses:

http://www.aka.co.za/

You can take an inside look at some of the Cape Town and Winelands places where people have stayed on the Safari Lodge Photo Album (despite the name it does contain non-safari places) -- the city hotels are at the end of the list.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasher/sets

All photos have been contributed by Fodorites.

Cheers,
Julian

Thanks for the information. So, you would not recommend staying in the central part of Cape Town? What part would you suggest?
Trixie

Hi Trixie, I leave for Cape Town in a weeks time and am staying in the Greenpoint area based on recommendations on this forum.

Hello,

I'd recommend Green Point/De Waterkant, Gardens, or Tamboerskloof -- Green Point/De Waterkant is the most central of the three, and is a lively neighbourhood with lots of shops and cafes. Tamboeskloof and Gardens are a bit quieter and residential, though Tamboerskloof is within walking distance of some very nice restaurants on the upper end of Long Street.

Cheers,
Julian

Hi Trixie_pujol!

We stayed at the Akademie Guest Houses in Fraenschoek, and really enjoyed them. The hosts name are Arthur and Katherine, and they go out of their way to be accomodating! They will make hotel reservations for you months in advance of you arrival, they will do your laundry at no charge,cooked-to-order breakfast is included. And the location is great too - walking distance to the main street shops and restaurants.

Happy planning!

<font color="green">Cyn</font>

Hey everyone,
Thanks for the information.
I am down to two hotels in my price range in the Waterfront/Greenpoint area. They are: The Break Water Lodge and The Cape Caste Hotel.
Has anybody stayed at either one?
In the wine country I am thinking of a place called Allegria Guesthouse. Anybody heard of it?
Thanks again, Trixie