Part of the reason I enjoy Cape Town so much is because I’m staying in a delightful part of the city — it’s called Gardens, home to the bustling cafes of Kloof Street. There is one hostel here that is particularly stand-out, and I’m ready to dub it my favorite hostel ever. It’s called Amber Tree Lodge — and they have private rooms too if hostels aren’t your thing. Its location, ambiance, decor, and helpful staff are all reasons I am thrilled to call this place home for most of my stay in Cape Town (it’s the peach-colored dwelling in the photo below).

A key selling point is this view… the hostel is located right in the shadow of Table Mountain.

The balcony has a hammock and table with benches, perfect for chilling out and reading a book or getting work done. I do plenty of both.

I come up here a few times a day to admire the views. On this particular evening, the clouds that often loom over Cape Town’s skyline have disappeared and Table Mountain basks in the full glory of dusk’s soft light.

I pick up dessert to go at my favorite nearby cafe (more on that place in a moment) and devour it while responding to emails and soaking up this view.

The dorms rooms are spacious and decorated with far more attention to detail than most places I stay. The bunks are staggered so that the lower beds have a little private area with a bookcase and rack with hangers. Each bed has its own light. There’s even a non-working fireplace to add ambiance. Dorm beds are $16 per night, about average for Cape Town but much cheaper than other major cities in the world.

I meet several kind people here, a few of whom I continue to bump into on my road trip beyond Cape Town. I love meeting like-minded travelers and sharing stories and tips. It’s worth it to weed through hostel reviews on-line to find places like this one because the returns are so fantastic — great location, people, decor… and a strong wifi signal. They don’t have a washer/dryer on site, but there is a very friendly laundromat within a 45-second walk of the front door. This place is a gem.

Here are a few more shots from Amber Tree Lodge — this bookcase lives on the upper landing (they have tons of bookshelves throughout with a “take a book, leave a book” policy).

Communal kitchen:

Cozy lounge area:

But we’re just getting warmed up as to why I love this area so much — in addition to my fantastic hostel, my favorite coffee shop in Cape Town is right around the corner. Like a 30 second walk. I come here practically every morning for two weeks and the manager gives me a hug when I tell her it’s my last day in town — it’s that kind of place where they know your name and compliment your outfit.

It’s hip without being too-cool-for-school, it’s popular but not overcrowded, and their coffee and food are both OUTSTANDING. And affordable — I think a soy vanilla latte as pictured below costs around $3. Their fresh, homemade muffins cost around $1.50. This is my standard breakfast while I edit photos in the morning before taking the afternoon off to do a tourist activity or check out a new part of the city. I fiercely love my routine in Cape Town.

Every day my latte is served in a colorful mug-and-saucer combo with a perfect foam heart.

I wasn’t kidding when I said their muffins were freshly homemade — these are practically straight out of the oven, and they have different flavor combos even within the same tray. Banana pecan is my favorite.

There is always free water infused with various fruits or herbs like these combos — mint strawberry cucumber or orange cinnamon. What a nice touch.

I still haven’t told you the name — this place is called The Power and the Glory, which triggers the finale of the musical Pippin to run through my head every time I walk inside. That’s not a complaint.

I sample their sandwiches and salads, and I’m consistently impressed at the quality and prices. This steak salad with roasted tomatoes cost like $7. In the States this would be $12 (or maybe I’ve just gotten used to Los Angeles and New York prices and it’d be cheaper inside the coasts?).

I’m almost done. Just a few more gratuitous coffee shots. Forgive me, this is my happy place.

On my last morning here I ask the manager if there’s an email address for the coffee shop where I can send along some of the photos I’ve taken, offering up use my photos however they like. But get this — she tells me that they don’t want a website or a Facebook page, and the only place they have any sort of social media account is Instagram. Isn’t that a fascinating marketing strategy? They have a solid base of loyal customers and aren’t clamoring for more by plastering their brand on social media. Word of mouth is enough. I so respect that.

One morning a bunch of boisterous men in matching snazzy outfits and hats walk by playing instruments and singing. Turns out it’s a group of Uber drivers celebrating Heritage Day. How fun!

I’ll mention a few other fun restaurants on this block — all of them within a 30-second walk from Amber Tree Lodge. Cape Town gets dodgy at night but this area is always populated and I feel safe walking 30 seconds by myself. Elsewhere I would not recommend it — go with a big group, don’t take a purse, and hop in a cab whenever possible after dark. That’s not meant to scare anyone, just take the crime rate in South African cities seriously and you’ll be fine.

I dig this place called Peter’s House — they have a great menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.

As I wrote about in my Cape Town arrival post, Rafiki’s is a happening place with drinks, pizza, burgers, and Mexican food. It’s a little too loud for my solo dining preferences but the food is decent and it’s located directly above The Power and the Glory.

I try an incredible breakfast of muesli with yogurt and an iced coffee from this cute spot — Vovo Telo on Kloof Street.

A short distance away from Amber Tree Lodge is a steak house that I love called Nelson’s Eye. Again, be careful when walking at night. I order a grilled calamari appetizer and steak dinner with sides… for about $16 total. Delicious.

There’s one other seafood place right next to Amber Tree Lodge that I would recommend called Miller’s Thumb. It’s a little pricier but worth it for a splurge, and the ambiance is fun.

For the record, I paid full price for everything and never mentioned my travel blog. No perks. I’m only writing about these places because I fell in love with this block in Cape Town and want to spread the word for other travelers headed that direction.