Hout Bay Hideaway
37 Skaife St., Hout Bay, Western Cape, 7806, South Africa, South Africa
Why We Like It
The clue's in the name - this lush little guesthouse in Hout Bay, surrounded by vegetation, does feel like a proper hideaway. Every room has its own outside space and the fully functional outdoor Victorian bath among the greenery, as well as the saltwater pool, are gorgeous touches.
Fodor's Expert Review
Tranquil and intimate, with only four rooms, this owner-managed guesthouse tucked away in a lush neighborhood setting is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet within half an hour's drive of Cape Town. The B&B's "unique selling point" is a Victorian outdoor bath surrounded by indigenous trees, overlooking the small saltwater, solar-heated pool. But there's more to the Hideaway than that, including a friendly welcome from Sue and Martin, the owners, who have plenty of tips about the area.
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Room
All rooms are individually and beautifully decorated with original antiques and artwork, and enjoy views of either the garden or surrounding mountains. Kitchenette facilities in all rooms are a nice touch, as is the option of breakfast on your balcony - all rooms have their own outside space.
Tip The Bay View is the only room with a bit of a sea view; the garden apartment is very spacious and the only room that accommodates children (by prior arrangement with the owners). Another thing worth noting: all beds are king size or twin (guests can choose) and extra-long.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are luxurious, too, with eco-friendly toiletries and underfloor heating in winter.
Lobby
In small guesthouses like this, your arrival is much more about the greeting from the staff than the wow-factor of the lobby - here, you are let into the house and met with genuine warmth.
You Should Know The WiFi can occasionally be a little temperamental - but working or poring over your phone are not really what this guesthouse is about. Put the technology down and gaze at the yellow wood, palms, wild olives, lemon trees and proteas, or take a dip in the outdoor bath.
Pool
The small saltwater pool is surrounded by lush greenery, making it feel almost like wild swimming.
Dining
Room rates include breakfast served to your balcony. There's a barbecue area, but no restaurant.
Drinking
Guests are often welcomed with a bottle of local wine and can enjoy it wherever they choose, but there's no bar.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The guesthouse is less than ten minutes' walk down the hill into Hout Bay's bars and restaurants. It's around 30 minutes by car to Cape Town, but it's on the way to the attractions of the Cape Peninsula, like Boulders Beach, where you can famously see African penguins.
Restaurants
Posticino (4-minute drive) is a rustic restaurant with tasty Italian fare. Or Eat (14-minute walk, 3-minute drive), at the Hout Bay Manor, is a lovely restaurant with diverse and delicious options throughout the day, from tapas to full-blown dinners.
Bars
Dunes Beach Restaurant and Bar (5-minute walk) is the best spot to gaze out at the bay, while Hout Bay Coffee (16-minute walk, 6-minute drive) offers the best coffee in a cute, slightly tumbledown setting.
Quick Facts
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