A smallish, inexpensive hotel, but ideally situated within 15-20 minutes walk of the Waterfront (although for security reasons, best to take a taxi at night - as is true of all Cape Town)

Italian style attached restaurant offers very good (and large) meals at very reasonable prices. Buffet breakfast also good - rather crowded one morning when everyone seemed to select the same time, but other two mornings OK.

Staff efficient, smiling and friendly. Only surreal moment was when an American guest, upon hearing our accents, said "I didn't know the English ever came to South Africa" When we pointed out that we used to own the country (in days of Empire) he looked totally non-plussed. Doesn't American teaching of history extend beyond it's own shores?

Anyway, the hotel is well recommended as an inexpensive base

My wife and I stayed at the Tulbagh for 4 nights - as an “add-on” to a cruising holiday. We booked our accommodation on a B&B basis through octopustravel. Our choice of hotel was influenced by the description, cost, and location.

This hotel is situated in a quiet square - not far from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and within easy walking distance of Cape Town Railway Station and the city centre. For security reasons, it is not recommended to walk around the city after dark. However, there are plenty of taxis.

The accommodation showed a few signs of wear and tear and the hotel lifts (elevators) were rather antiquated. However, major refurbishment was in progress. Hotel amenities included the bar, a restaurant and an Internet terminal.

Our accommodation was clean and comfortable, with a top quality bed. The hotel changed the towels daily. It was springtime in Cape Town, so we did not need to use the air conditioning unit, which doubled as a room heater. This was fortunate, because the unit was rather noisy.

We received an extremely warm welcome and although we arrived shortly after 9 am, the receptionist arranged immediate access to our room. She offered the choice of an ordinary double or a suite - we chose the suite, which included a lounge and TV area on the ground floor and a spacious bedroom and bathroom above

The staff were exceptionally friendly and very helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and the reception staff were happy to offer advice, call taxis and book excursions.

The hot buffet breakfast was very good. On the first evening, we enjoyed dinner in the hotel restaurant. Meal costs and the wine list were reasonably priced. For the remainder of our stay, we travelled by taxi to the V & A Waterfront, which contains a vast range of shops and restaurants.

The Tulbagh does not pretend to be a 5-star establishment. However, it is extremely friendly and provides excellent value within its category

Small long-established hotel with friendly and helpful staff. Refurbishment was ongoing during my visit to upgrade rooms which are large if somewhat old-fashioned but clean and comfortable. Very good access to Waterfront. Table Mountain, City but parking is limited