We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
We are... ...an exclusively gay male guesthouse, the only one of its kind in central Cape Town. Since March 2000 Cactus House has a reputation for excellence and for going out of our way for every patron we host. Our aim is to make sure your stay with us is enjoyable, memorable and that every guest leaves our establishment happy. We are at the foot of Table Mountain otherwise proudly known as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. Cactus House is your home away from home. The Difference We believe that extra personal attention is important and is exactly what we provide. What better way to spend time in an establishment that has a unique personal ambiance meeting like-minded people whilst having great social interaction at our dinner parties and our South African style barbeques (braais) where you will enjoy good food, exquisite wine and just great company. At Cactus House we have developed many special relationships and continuously seek to improve our service and strive for excellence. We would be delighted to host you and have you experience just what it is that makes us different. The House This beautiful Victorian monument was built in the late 1800s and is designed and decorated with many original features. The House has five stylish en-suite bedrooms with large oversized showers, king sized beds in our Deluxe and Superior rooms and queen size in our standard room. We use only the best percale linen to ensure you get a comfortable good night's sleep. All rooms are equipped with tea & coffee stations, televisions, dvds, cooling fans, heaters and under sheet heating for winter. All rooms, except our Standard room have a balconies with daybeds or outdoor seating, breath-taking views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lions head and our Deluxe room has direct access to our pool.
We stayed in Cactus for 3 nights and felt very welcome by Julian and his 2 dogs. Nice clean room, lovely breakfast and good value. The guesthouse is a nice area and its easy to walk to most of the attractions in the center of Cape Town.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have recently visited Cape Town and the Western Cape region for the first time, while traveling on my own. From the coast to the mountains I was stunned by the beauty of the natural environment. I enjoyed amazing food and wine and met warm friendly people. But what made my vacation so perfect was my stay at Cactus House. Although traveling alone, I never felt lonely there. The host Julian knows how to bring people together, make them feel at ease and entertain them. He helped me organizing my days by providing itineraries and a fantastic guide/driver. Regardless of whether we stayed in, or went out, Julian made every evening fun. Never a bored moment. So whether you are traveling alone or not, my advice is to choose Cactus House. I can’t wait to go back!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2019
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great stay we had. Jules, the owner is a very welcoming and friendly guy. Will definitely stay again. The house is lovely, bedrooms are spacious and very comfy beds. Amazi g location just off Kloof road and minutes to the city center. Thanks Jules for a great weekend.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from molteno5, Owner at Cactus House
Responded Oct 30, 2019
Cornelius it was an absolute pleasure to host you and I would be delighted to welcome you back at Cactus House Guesthouse. Be well till next time Jules
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julian is a great host and his guest house is very clean and tidy. You can have everything there from private quietness, family like home atmosphere or fun gatherings with other guests. Julian takes much care of his guests all the time, making you feel welcome and comfortable. The location is gold and I felt safe all the time. Thanks a lot for your great hospitality! Will stay at Cactus House again when in Capetown.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed at the Cactus House during the last week of March and I am happy to give it 5 stars. Although I arrived a little later than I said I would, Julian, the host, and his two adorable dogs were waiting at the house to greet me. He took me to my room at the front of the house which has an amazing view of Table Mountain. That evening we had a delicious braai, and every morning Julian prepared an amazing breakfast. Julian was really helpful in booking tours or just with advice on what to see. His recommendation of the Boulders Penguin Colony was spot on. I am looking forward to my next visit to Cape Town and I will definitely be staying again at Cactus House.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Cactus House is a nice old buiding, very well decorated and furnished. The owner is just amazing. Kindness and hospitality, he makes you feel like home. The breakfast is simply made with your desires. We will go back for sure.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just got back from 10 days at the Cactus House, Absolutely wonderful. Beautiful rooms in a beautiful house. Location is great, a three minute walk to Kloof Street and all of its shopping and dining choices. Julien and Simon are amazing so convivial but never in your face, I really felt like I was home, only better. If you want to be alone you can be, but if you want some company there will always be someone in the gorgeous kitchen to share a glass of wine with, I really couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2019
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I arrived at Cactus House and was warmly welcomed by not only my gracious host Julian, but by all other guests which was just incredible and instantly created that “homely” feeling. I deliberately decided to celebrate my 40th birthday at Cactus House, which was very special, and I would not have chosen any other place to do this. The atmosphere and energy in this guesthouse is most certainly felt and everything is done with lots of passion yet so effortlessly. What makes Cactus House special is undoubtedly Julian the host with the most. It is really amazing how he tends to the needs of every guests yet still in control. The Braai that Julian arranges are well organised and incredibly tasty. Breakfast is always good with Julian keeping us entertained while he cooks a delicious breakfast. They just do and do it well. One thing that is evidently visible is that besides the exceptional cleanliness, every visit to the Cactus House I have noticed the major improvements and the pride taken in the establishment is just amazing. Thank you Julian and the team. It was amazing yet again . . . see you guys soon…
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved staying at this handsome, turn-of-the-20th century guesthouse, where hosts Julian and Simon ensure all feel comfortable and welcome. The house is conveniently located within a 10-minute walk of the beautiful Company's Garden, with it's excellent museums; and interesting, funky Kloof Street. Ours was a graciously-proportioned "superior" room with a terrace-view of Table Mountain and De Waal Park. The terrace was a wonderful spot to relax, read, and enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine. The dining room, where Julian prepares a fine breakfast, was a good place to meet and hang with other guests. There, we had so much fun it was easy to be diverted from sight-seeing. On our anniversary-night, Simon arranged an amazing, memorable jazz-evening out. If Julian organizes a braai, don't miss it! We can't imagine a better place to stay, when visiting Cape Town, than the Cactus Guesthouse.…
Read more
Date of stay: November 2018
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had the pleasure of staying at Cactus house for three nights in October 2018. It was an absolute pleasure from start till end. Beautiful room with King sized bed, walk in en suite, huge balcony overlooking De Waal Park and also iconic Table Mountain. Im a sucker for crisp white bedding, as found at Cactus House, making bed time all the more appealing. The location is superb, very Central in the City Bowl (Gardens) and within walking distance to Kloof Street and all its restaurants, as well as Shopping at Gardens Centre. The House has six rooms, a communal kitchen, dining room and lounge, and a front porch for guests to chill out and mingle. Theres also a small pool at the back, perfect for the hot CT summer days and nights. Julian, the Host, was fantastic. He is super attentive and takes absolutely great care of his guests. My arrival was met with a dinner cooked by him, and joined by the other house guests, which made for an evening of absolute bliss, new friendships and a comfortable and special relaxed vibe which can only be experienced there. The two little Jack Russel dogs were also a highlight for me, they are a part of the atmosphere and are so unbelievably sweet and cute which makes staying there all the more special! Highly recommended! Good prices! Great location! Comfortable and up scale accommodation! Should be on your accommodation list! Thanks Julian for a most memorable stay, to be regularly repeated.…
Read more
Date of stay: October 2018Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.