We stayed 3 nights at Albergo in Plettenberg Bay.

The backpackers is really friendly and clean. We booked a double with ensuite and had a lovely room in an annex. It was very tastefully furnished, had a small sitting room and we shared a kitchen with 2 other rooms. There was a Brai each night, free tea and coffee an honesty bar, excellent fast internet connections (4 in all), a travel / excursions desk and an efficient laundry service. It has a buzzy atmosphere but is not so noisy that that you cant sleep (as in some backpackers). So great value for money.

We used the travel desk to book a whale watching trip - saw a pair of humpback whales - good fun. Plett bay has lots of activities - sea kayaking, hiking, nice beaches and is a good base for much of the garden route. There are plenty of good bars and restaurants as well. I would recommend the hike around the Robberg Peninsula - not too hard and with good views, lots of seals and bird life. more