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Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel – reviews, photos

4.0 of 5
9 Ryk Tulbagh Square, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa (Formerly Tulbagh Hotel)
Hotel amenities
Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
Ranked #90 of 120 hotels in Cape Town Central
3.5 of 5 stars 76 Reviews
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76 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    10
    34
    23
    5
    4
Date Rating
Johannesburg, South Africa
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Great rooms, terrible service”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 August 2011
3
people found this review helpful

The only nice thing I can say about this hotel is that the rooms in the new 'Green Annexe' section are very nice, and that it is very conveniently situated within Cape Town - but everything else about this hotel is terrible. Instead of harping on, here's a list:

- The aircon in my room did not work and it was freezing. Took the hotel 24 hours to repair it.
- The aircon repair guy showed up around dawn and woke me.
- No hot water in the shower (great when you're already freezing).
- They have the audacity to charge extra for parking (ZAR70 / day) but have no space in the tiny, outdoor courtyard where they make you park your car!
- Because the parking was full, a valet offered to park for me. When I returned later they could not locate my car. It was eventually found at a hotel next door and I was 30 minutes late for a meeting.
- Unapologetic staff who just nod when you voice complaint and then proceed to ignore you.
- The toaster in the breakfast restaurant was broken - which wouldn't be a problem except that it seems most things at this hotel don't work.

I could go on. It's pretty simple though: stay away.

Room Tip: Ask to be put in the new, 'Green Annexe' part of the hotel. Or, better yet, find another hot...
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  • Stayed August 2011, travelled on business
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask SimonDingle about Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Brisbane
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Not bad at all. Service was good and very reasonably priced”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 August 2011

We only stayed two nights and found it nice and clean and the service was nice and friendly.
There is a nice cosy bar down stairs and a resturant which we ate at, and the meals were nice. Bedrooms were fine. Nice and spacious. Breakfast was good. Not the easiest place to find as it is right in the city centre. Nice and handy being there as it is in walking distance to a lot of things to see. The hop on hop off bus is a great way to get around. Stops right at the Table mountain cable car. Nearest stop is very close to the hotel. All in all, were we quite satisfied with the hotel.

  • Stayed June 2011, travelled with friends
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask son_of_eric about Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Sydney
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 32 cities Reviews in 32 cities
121 helpful votes 121 helpful votes
“If you like hot showers, avoid!”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 July 2011 via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

At first glance this hotel appears to be a reasonable mid-level choice. Location near the International Convention Centre is fine. Breakfast is good. Beds are comfortable.

I understand there is a newer, renovated wing which is fine, but in the larger section it just failed as a hotel.

Things just didn't work - shower didn't drain, and worst most mornings there was no hot water. The staff just barged in twice while I was reading in my room, without knocking. There was no Do Not Disturb sign. Replenishment of towels was hit and miss. Other guests reported their door lock was broken, TV didn't work and so on.

I was there as a group and we were required to pay in advance. After the 3rd morning without hot water (mid winter!) I left. It is doubtful whether a refund will be forthcoming.

I couldn't recommend this hotel, unfortunately. I don't look for the most expensive options, and din't need minibars or heated floor tiles, but I do expect what there is to work, and this place just seems chaotic.

Oh, my room was also very noisy being directly opposite the lift with its banging manual door. A large number of guest workers were staying here & they left very early each day. They also packed out the hotel bar, smoking, which made it uncomfortable too.

  • Stayed July 2011
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“A busy hotel but very friendly”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2011

I stayed in the annexe of the hotel. A beautifull room. There was a lift to the floors.Restaurant was well stocked for meals and service good. Central to downtown and waterfront.

  • Stayed February 2011, travelled solo
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask adrianEngland about Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Cardiff
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“Ideal City centre”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2011
2
people found this review helpful

This hotel is ideal for the centre of Cape town, very easy to walk to the V & A Waterfront and easy road access. It is a standard city centre hotel, the staff however, where fabulous.

  • Stayed April 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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See 2 more reviews by DannyMagic for Cape Town Central
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Additional Information about Hollow On The Square Cape Town City Hotel

9 Ryk Tulbagh Square, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa (Formerly Tulbagh Hotel)
Price range (per night):* INR4,391 - 14,784

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