We are newly weds are have decided to have our vacation in cape town. Never been there before, don't have the slightest clue about were to start from (shopping, sightseeing..all that fun stuff). We'll be staying in Roeland street. Is this area safe?
Please help us enjoy our 14 day vacation.

Roeland Street is probably safe on business days when it is busy, but at night and on weekends it gets ghetto-ish (is there such a word?). It is a serious hangout for people living on the streets. Avoid if possible.

Okay, it took me a while to figure out who might be offering accommodation in Roeland Street, and it looks like the old Kimberley Hotel has supposedly been restored (again). Obviously you did some homework, and it is known that this place is a "budget" hotel (or even listed as backpacker's on some sites). So it seems you are looking for something very cheap. I wouldn't say this area is "dangerous", it is just not pleasant and you would feel you have to keep on watching your back. You wouldn't walk there at night. (a football team would probably love this place - but newlyweds?)

Alternatives? Avoid anything that pretends to be an hotel. Go for "lodges", where people have converted their homes. Basically Bed & Breakfasts, but on a bigger scale.

If you are not renting a car, then it is difficult to find nice cheap accommodation. My suggestion always is to rent a car and stay a bit further away - visitors are generally surprised at how easy the driving is here.

Actually, it is a self catering apartment. It seems the street is not safe. Thanks for the help, we'll try and find something else. We are actually not looking for something 'cheap'. We just want an apartment that is in a safe area.

We have also been looking at a self catering apartment in Roeland Street (Hip Hop Plaza). Did you decide not to stay in Roeland Street or have you been and can let us know what the area was like. Would appreciate the update.
Questions about the area usually prompt an unfavourable response about the area, we would be staying at the end of the street nearest the gardens.
Thanks very much.
Peppercat