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15 on Penguin Guest House
15 Penguin Drive Glen Marine, Simonstown, Simon's Town 7975 South Africa
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About
#17 of 23 guest houses in Simon's Town
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
15 on Penguin Guest House is set at the foot of the Glen Marine Mountain in Simon's Town. It features picturesque views of Simon's Town Bay and False Bay. Each uniquely decorated room comes equipped with a TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The en suite bathrooms includes a shower (the honeymoon suite and family room have jacuzzi baths as well) and free toiletries are available for guests to use. Breakfast is included. Guests can make use of the barbecue facilities at 15 on Penguin. A number of restaurants serving a range of cuisines can be found within 5 km from the Guest House. Free Wi-Fi and private parking is available on site. The Cape Town International Airport is a 50-minute drive from the property and Cape Point is a 20-minute drive away. There are various swimming beaches (Glencairn, Boulder's Beach, Fish Hoek, St. James., etc) within walking or a short driving distance from the guest house. The new Harbour Bay mall is within walking distance from the guest house. Food/liquor stores, Clicks, a restaurant, coffee shops, a beauty boutique, etc. are accessible. Activities and sightseeing attractions are within 5 minutes to 1 hours drive from the guest house. Assistance with information/bookings is available during office hours at the guest house.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot bath
Free breakfast
Beach
Diving
Babysitting
Children's television networks
Parking
Wifi
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Special diet menus
Snorkelling
Fishing
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Conference facilities
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
First aid kit
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Washing machine
Ironing service
Room features
Housekeeping
Seating area
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Microwave
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
15 Penguin Drive Glen Marine, Simonstown, Simon's Town 7975 South Africa
Getting there
Cape Town Intl Airport
27.9 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
192 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
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Super nice little accommodation with great friendly hosts!
Great breakfast that you can choose from, lots of lovely details in the room, tea & coffee, daily water, fresh milk, hot water bottle, blankets!
Great location, everything within walking distance!
Great breakfast that you can choose from, lots of lovely details in the room, tea & coffee, daily water, fresh milk, hot water bottle, blankets!
Great location, everything within walking distance!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Having visited 15 on Penguin Drive for the fourth time, it is my home away from home.
I would highly recommend staying there if the chance arises!
I would highly recommend staying there if the chance arises!
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Date of stay: December 2010Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Cleanliness
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.
Well, Arnold and Elizabeth Smith are a wonderful couple who made my stay an excellent one.They are a thoughtful couple who run a comfy clean Guest House with good breakfast . I very much appreciated the advice on places to go , what to do , and what not to . Everyone wants to get the best out of a holiday, and to be honest you can't go wrong staying here.
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Date of stay: January 2016Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
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.
Response from OnPenguin G, Owner at 15 on Penguin Guest House
Responded 29 Nov 2017
Hi Anthony We appreciate your positive feedback about your stay at our guest house. If you’re traveling to our area again soon, don’t hesitate to call us. Kind Regards Elizabeth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Unfortunately the place has gone down since the new owners have taken over. They are still riding high on what others have worked hard for and now the place is going to ruin. The place is like a morgue. No one staying there. All rooms are empty. The woman that's in charge is sour and unfriendly. Dirty and they have bed bugs. We lasted a day and we ran away. I'll never go back there.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
Response from OnPenguin Guesthouse, Owner at 15 on Penguin Guest House
Responded 4 Feb 2022
We sincerely apologise for your experience, and we have taken your feedback very seriously. We officially re-opened on 1 Feb, and the whole guest house (after being semi closed for most of lock down) has been deep cleaned, fumigated and currently undergoing a revamp to get it back to it's original standard. We do hope to see you back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We pre-booked this accomodation through Safarinow.com. Sadly when we arrived we realised that the staff had been very clever with their photos and information on the website. We booked the Honeymoon Suite (Which has now been changed to the Honey suite). We wanted to have a relaxing week in a luxury accomodation with our own spa pool, nice views, close to the beach and town centre. We got none of these.
The Guesthouse doubles as a function suite and we were told on Arrival that there was a party night on in the main concourse area, where we would have to go through to get to our room. They also cater for weddings, corporate events, 21st's etc.
This Guesthouse is stuck on a hill, a good 10-20min walk to Simon's Town centre, just next to a big industrial centre. Beaches are also a good walk away too. Our Honeymoon suite view was of the building site directly outside our window (we were told to close the curtains if we didn't like it).
The room itself had wires hanging from the ceiling, where a TV had been ripped from the wall. Cracked tiles in the bathroom, panel missing from the spa bath.
We complained and asked for our 3000 Rand deposit back, we were refused and told that we were due to pay the full amount 6000 Rand. We refused and made a complaint to South African Tourist board, and Safarinow. The hotel owner responded saying that we were racists who did could not deal with non-whites. We were disgusted with his comments. Please do not book here, this is not a luxury accomodation. It is overpriced and very basic in a poor location.
We had a superb holiday in South Africa and found all the other accomodation we stayed in was excellent with lovely people who could not do enough to ensure our stay was memorable for the right reasons. There are loads of fantastic places to stay in Simons Town (not here!).
The Guesthouse doubles as a function suite and we were told on Arrival that there was a party night on in the main concourse area, where we would have to go through to get to our room. They also cater for weddings, corporate events, 21st's etc.
This Guesthouse is stuck on a hill, a good 10-20min walk to Simon's Town centre, just next to a big industrial centre. Beaches are also a good walk away too. Our Honeymoon suite view was of the building site directly outside our window (we were told to close the curtains if we didn't like it).
The room itself had wires hanging from the ceiling, where a TV had been ripped from the wall. Cracked tiles in the bathroom, panel missing from the spa bath.
We complained and asked for our 3000 Rand deposit back, we were refused and told that we were due to pay the full amount 6000 Rand. We refused and made a complaint to South African Tourist board, and Safarinow. The hotel owner responded saying that we were racists who did could not deal with non-whites. We were disgusted with his comments. Please do not book here, this is not a luxury accomodation. It is overpriced and very basic in a poor location.
We had a superb holiday in South Africa and found all the other accomodation we stayed in was excellent with lovely people who could not do enough to ensure our stay was memorable for the right reasons. There are loads of fantastic places to stay in Simons Town (not here!).
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Date of stay: December 2010Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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.
Response from onpenguinguesthouse, Owner at 15 on Penguin Guest House
Responded 15 Aug 2011
We at 15 Penguin Guest house were very disturbed by the comment of this guest - who infact did not stay with us, Yes they did contact the Cape Tourism who duley came to inspect our premises and could find no truth to the complaints. It is unfortunate that the guest went online to try and rectify the problem if there was one as we aim to please and assit as much as we can. We are a 3star graded establishment , and are very proud of that fact we are also Highly recommended by the AA. We contacted the Department of tourism to do and investigation as we very disturbed by this untrue statements by the client. It has cost us loosing potential client and we view this in a very serious light. We are glad that the guest enjoy theer stay in South Africa the best country in the world - hope that they would be back.... Arnold and Elizabeth Smith 15 on penguin guest house
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This should be a last ditch effort option. Shower is in the middle of the room and the toilet is in the shower. Staff try but clearly have no idea what they are doing. I would avoid and will not be returning.
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Date of stay: January 2014
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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.
15 On Penguin,
Firstly I don't normally write reviews however on this occasion...
After spending a lot of money on a 4 day Safari at the Kruger Park we needed to find accommodation that was reasonably priced, clean, in a great location with helpful staff and 15 on Penguin was everything we needed and more.
Elizabeth and Arnold (the Gardener) who own the guest house were absolutely brilliant and helpful. Nothing was to much trouble. We even had a home cooked meal with them (highly recommended) which really added to the home from home feel that 15 on Penguin gives.
Elizabeth was so kind and accommodating. We had some special requirements which she sorted out for us no problem.
Be sure to have drink on the balcony watching the light fade over Simons Town and if he is free get a foot and leg massage from Robin (owners son) What a great relaxing end to a day spent on the beach at Muizenberg where we had a Surf Lesson.
15 on Penguin is a perfect place for the people who want to relax as well as the more adventurous. The train station that takes you along a very beautiful journey either way (Simons Town one way and Fish Hoek, Muizenberg etc and as far as Cape Town the other) is only a 15mins walk, and very inexpensive, or you can take a lovely walk to Simons Town which took us about 40mins at a leisurely pace.
Elizabeth and Arnold were always happy to drop us somewhere and pick us up if needed.
Rooms,
We stayed in the ground floor front room which had a great view of the Ocean and Simons Town bay. This view can be achieved from most places in and around the guest house.
The bedroom was kept clean and fresh and it had all the facilities that you need a bedroom to have. The power of shower was great and probably the best that we had throughout our trip.
There are a few little things that need attention but nothing that stopped us from being comfortable.
Breakfast,
Breakfast was great! You could choose from a selection of cereal, fruit and jams or Elizabeth would make you a cooked one of your choice.
And you can enjoy it whilst overlooking the magnificent ocean and Simons Town.
And they even ask you what time you would like it during you stay.
Downside for us was we didn't have a enough time to go out for the day with Elisabeth who wanted to take us to Cape Point and Boulders Rock.
So we will just have to return to South Africa one day and make this one of our stops.
Neil H
UK
Firstly I don't normally write reviews however on this occasion...
After spending a lot of money on a 4 day Safari at the Kruger Park we needed to find accommodation that was reasonably priced, clean, in a great location with helpful staff and 15 on Penguin was everything we needed and more.
Elizabeth and Arnold (the Gardener) who own the guest house were absolutely brilliant and helpful. Nothing was to much trouble. We even had a home cooked meal with them (highly recommended) which really added to the home from home feel that 15 on Penguin gives.
Elizabeth was so kind and accommodating. We had some special requirements which she sorted out for us no problem.
Be sure to have drink on the balcony watching the light fade over Simons Town and if he is free get a foot and leg massage from Robin (owners son) What a great relaxing end to a day spent on the beach at Muizenberg where we had a Surf Lesson.
15 on Penguin is a perfect place for the people who want to relax as well as the more adventurous. The train station that takes you along a very beautiful journey either way (Simons Town one way and Fish Hoek, Muizenberg etc and as far as Cape Town the other) is only a 15mins walk, and very inexpensive, or you can take a lovely walk to Simons Town which took us about 40mins at a leisurely pace.
Elizabeth and Arnold were always happy to drop us somewhere and pick us up if needed.
Rooms,
We stayed in the ground floor front room which had a great view of the Ocean and Simons Town bay. This view can be achieved from most places in and around the guest house.
The bedroom was kept clean and fresh and it had all the facilities that you need a bedroom to have. The power of shower was great and probably the best that we had throughout our trip.
There are a few little things that need attention but nothing that stopped us from being comfortable.
Breakfast,
Breakfast was great! You could choose from a selection of cereal, fruit and jams or Elizabeth would make you a cooked one of your choice.
And you can enjoy it whilst overlooking the magnificent ocean and Simons Town.
And they even ask you what time you would like it during you stay.
Downside for us was we didn't have a enough time to go out for the day with Elisabeth who wanted to take us to Cape Point and Boulders Rock.
So we will just have to return to South Africa one day and make this one of our stops.
Neil H
UK
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Date of stay: February 2015
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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.
We had a function in Noordhoek and decided to book accommodation near Simon's town. When we arrived at the guest house, there was no one to greet us. When they finally did arrive, everything was disorganised. The housekeeper is very friendly, but she did not know where to put us. She then said we can stay in the family room. How nice, would you think, but the room was not near clean. The carpet was very dirty, the cupboards was filled with clutter and personal items and the doors are not very stable. When we wanted to head out for lunch, 4 elder people entered the guest house and the same happened to them, no one greeted them, they did not know where to go. They walked into a room that was clearly not meant for them as they booked the family suite. My fiancé and I decided to swap rooms as we were only 2. In our standard room, the shower is built in the cupboards, not very big at all, the toilet is also in a very cramped space. See the problem is not because it is small, but because the finishing touches are not yet completed. The ceiling in the shower and toilet has large gaps. The next morning we wanted to head out early, explore Simon's town a bit. When we headed up for breakfast, cereal, fruit and yoghurt was available for us to enjoy while we waited for the hot breakfast. They served haddock and 2 poached egg. I do not eat fish in the morning and requested only poached egg and some toast. When they served it, the bottom part of my egg was still raw, the white was still see through, they were kind enough to bring some rolled cold meat, because the bacon was still frozen. I am not a fussy person and I do not like to complain, but feel that maybe the owners should pay more attention to detail. One bonus was, that our car was washed and dried. We think that is a great idea. We hope that by reading this, they will improve their guest house.
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Date of stay: February 2013Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
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 spent a relaxing weekend in this guesthouse. The people are very friendly, and the lady of the house cooked a wonderful dinner. Room and bathroom were clean. There is no through traffic on Penguin Drive, and the neighborhood is very quiet. Driving distance to Simon's Town is 5 minutes.
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Date of stay: November 2012Trip type: Travelled on business
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.
On vacation in Cape Town with my girlfriend and we decided to stay in Simon's Town at 15 on Penguin at the recommendation of her parents. Arnold and Elizabeth were absoulutely wonderful hosts and Simon's Town is a truly beautiful city. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the Guest House is in a great location with easy access to downtown and the beach. If you are going to be in this area make a point to stop and stay here, you will certainly not be disappointed!
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Date of stay: September 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
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.
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PRICE RANGE
$130 - $148 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeCape TownSimon's Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about 15 on Penguin Guest House
Which popular attractions are close to 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Green Mountain Trail (5.3 km), Boulders Beach Penguin Colony (3.8 km), and Fish Hoek Beach (3.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, and a view of a nearby landmark.
What food & drink options are available at 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Whole Earth Cafe, The Lighthouse Cafe, and Saveur Restaurant.
Does 15 on Penguin Guest House have airport transportation?
Yes, 15 on Penguin Guest House offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Yes, laundry service and a washing machine are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at 15 on Penguin Guest House?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Are there any historical sites close to 15 on Penguin Guest House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Rhodes Cottage Museum (6.9 km), Noorul Islam Heritage Museum (2.9 km), and Scala Battery (1.2 km).
Does 15 on Penguin Guest House have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.