The Bay Atlantic Guesthouse
3 Berkley Rd., Cape Town, Western Cape, 8005, South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
Why We Like It
Old-school hospitality, great views, and good prices: the Bay Atlantic Guesthouse is actually a surprisingly rare find amid Cape Town's plethora of swanky boutique hotels, huge luxurious properties and chain hotels. A real gem right by Camps Bay's main strip and the beautiful beach.
Fodor's Expert Review
This unpretentious, value-oriented guesthouse is extremely well located just a couple of blocks from Camps Bay's lively main drag. With spectacular ocean and mountain views from the pool, breakfast room, and lounge areas, you know you're here for a seaside vacation. Interiors are dominated by varnished Oregon pine, which lend a sort of old-fashioned, summer-camp ambiance. But rooms are clean and comfortable, and most have at least a partial sea view. With family pictures over the honor bar and a small dog on the premises, the vibe is homey all the way—extending to the friendly, no-nonsense service from Bernie and his team.
You Should Know Because it's the kind of place with a lot of repeat older visitors, younger guests looking for style and parties might want to head elsewhere.
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Room
Rooms have big beds, or twins, and tile floors, and are in relaxing pastel tones. Each room or suite is individual, and offers different bonuses - price, a great view of the ocean, a balcony, or direct access to the pool. It's best to check out the website to pick your favorite. Despite the down-to-earth B&B vibe, there are hotel-level amenities in the rooms, including WiFi, air-conditioning and tea and coffee facilities, and it's very quiet.
Tip The penthouse suite occupying the entire second floor is actually very good value for families (only children over 12 are accommodated) or small groups, and feels like an apartment with all the convenience of being situated in a hotel.
Bathroom
Bathrooms mainly have showers, with cream tiles. They are a little old-fashioned in places, but very clean and functional.
Lobby
There's no lobby as such. You walk up the hill on a calm residential street, buzz in at the gate, and go through the small car park to the next gate, where one of the extremely friendly staff will greet you and lead you through the homely property to your room.
Pool
The pool really has quite a lot of wow-factor. Perched on a corner, it trades on the hotel's hill-side location to offer up gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains as you swim. Beware though: like many hotel pools in Cape Town, it's not heated (although the jacuzzi is!).
Dining
Breakfast is plentiful, with a buffet and cooked breakfast (but no bacon or bangers). It's served on the balcony.
Drinking
There's a little honesty bar and a pleasant, home-like lounge with books, sofas and a lovely view, for guests to relax in.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is brilliantly located for Camps Bay's beach, bars and restaurants, and it's quick into town or out to the sights along the Cape peninsula as well, often via spectacular ocean roads.
Restaurants
The team at the guesthouse recommend The Hussar Grill (4-minute drive or Uber) at the other end of Camps Bay, or Codfather Seafood and Sushi (12-minute walk, 3-minute drive) for great local food.
Bars
Sundowners overlooking Camps Bay are a must for locals and visitors alike. Try Cafe Caprice (6-minute walk) or the chilled rooftop bar, Chinchilla (10-minute walk).
