Hansa Hotel is the oldest hotel in Namibia. The building dates back to 1905. That makes it over 115 years old. The hotel sits in central Swakopmund and keeps its old world charm.
The hotel got restored and refurbished in 2014. This work brought it back to beautiful condition. TripAdvisor gave it a Certificate of Excellence in 2016. The restoration kept the historic character but added modern comforts.
Location Details
The hotel address is 3 Hendrik Witbooi Street in Central Swakopmund. Palm Beach is 15 minutes away on foot. The town center and most shops are very close. You can walk to restaurants, cafes, and bars easily.
Swakopmund Airport is 6 kilometers away. This is about a 10 minute drive. You can arrange a taxi, take the hotel shuttle, or drive yourself. Walvis Bay sits 35 kilometers from Swakopmund.
Your Room Options
The hotel offers different accommodation types:
- 49 Twin and Double Rooms
- 4 Suites
- 5 Family Units
All rooms are individually decorated. No two rooms look exactly the same. This gives the hotel character and makes each stay unique.
What Each Room Has
Every room includes these features:
- En suite bathroom with bath or shower
- Satellite TV with 15 channels
- Direct dial telephone
- Hair dryer
- Electronic safe
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Under floor or under carpet heating
All suites and some selected rooms have air conditioning. Standard rooms have heating but not cooling. The bathrooms include free toiletries.
Some rooms face the street. Others overlook the garden or inner courtyard. Guest reviews often mention rooms are spacious and beds are super comfortable.
The Suites
Suites are more spacious than standard rooms. They feature balconies with garden views. Each suite has a separate seating area. The bathroom contains both a bath and shower combination.
One review said they got a complimentary upgrade to a suite. The suite was large and spotlessly clean with everything functioning perfectly. There was a big sitting area, courtesy tray, bottles of water, and fully stocked bathroom.
Where to Eat
Equestrian Room
This elegant dining room serves breakfast and dinner daily. Breakfast gets consistent high praise in reviews. One guest called it the poshest and best quality breakfast they had in any African country.
The breakfast includes cold cuts, herring, yoghurts, good juices, and decent bread selection. Some days they serve scones. The variety is excellent. For dinner, the menu focuses on seafood and grills.
Bojos Cafe
This coffee shop and restaurant sits in the historic part of Hansa Hotel. It is beautifully situated with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu offers cakes, snacks, light dishes, and daily specials for lunch.
You can stop here any time during the day. It makes a nice spot for coffee between activities or a casual lunch.
The Private Bar
The bar features a warm fireplace. This is perfect for cold Swakopmund evenings. They stock an excellent selection of wines and other beverages. One review mentioned the bar as amazing with super competent staff.
The bar creates a cozy atmosphere. You can relax here with a book from the small library. Or meet other travelers and share experiences.
Additional Services
The hotel provides many helpful services:
- Same day laundry and dry cleaning
- Free private parking when pre booked
- Airport shuttle can be arranged
- Babysitting services available
- Foreign exchange
- Secretarial assistance
- Car wash
- Lunch packs for day trips
The conference rooms work well for business meetings. Staff can provide secretarial help if needed. You can order lunch packs if planning a grand day out exploring Swakopmund and surrounds.
Conference Facilities
Business travelers use Hansa for meetings and events. Conference rooms are available with proper equipment. The hotel can arrange everything from small meetings to larger corporate events.
The Terrace sometimes hosts cocktail parties or business client receptions. It overlooks the courtyard gardens and provides a less formal venue than the main dining room.
Special Touches
The hotel makes small efforts that guests notice. One review mentioned they found warm water bottles at night. This thoughtful touch helps during cold coastal weather.
The courtyard gardens provide peaceful views. You can sit on the Terrace and enjoy the green space. This creates a calm atmosphere in the middle of town.
Family Friendly Features
The 5 family units work well for traveling with children. Each family unit is individually decorated. Staff can provide highchairs and cots on request.
For families with children under 6 years old, ground floor rooms are recommended. Rooms without balconies are safer for small kids. You should request this when booking.
Children under 3 years old stay free. Children 3 and above get charged as adults. Well mannered children of all ages are welcome.
Activities Near the Hotel
The central location makes everything accessible. Staff at Hansa are happy to help plan your time. They can make bookings for activities and provide recommendations.
Popular activities in the area include:
- Boat cruises
- Sand-boarding
- Desert tours
- Quad biking
- Moon Valley tours
- Skydiving
- Fishing
All of these can be arranged through the hotel. Staff know the best tour operators and can book everything for you.
The Restaurant Menu
The Equestrian Room serves cuisine that mixes local specialties with international dishes. The chef uses quality ingredients. Menu highlights include Kalahari truffle, kudu carpaccio, and gourmet fish platters.
Guests can ask the kitchen to prepare special lunch packs. These work perfectly for taking to the beach or on day trips. The deli style options travel well.
Booking Details
You need to inform the hotel of your expected arrival time in advance. If arriving after a certain hour, contact them directly. The property requires photo ID and credit card at check in.
Children 3 and above are charged as adults. To see correct prices, add number and ages of children when searching. Cancellation policies vary by room type.
Free private parking is possible when you book it in advance. The hotel is located in the center so this parking is valuable. It keeps your rental car safe and accessible.
Final Recommendations
Hansa Hotel suits travelers who appreciate history and central location. The building’s age adds to the experience rather than detracting from it. Modern updates ensure comfortable stay.
Book early for peak season months. The hotel’s 58 total rooms mean it fills faster than large properties. Request a garden view room if available.
The lack of elevator means upper floor rooms require climbing stairs. Request ground floor if mobility is a concern. But all floors offer the same historic charm and quality.
Well trained staff, excellent breakfast, and walkable location make this a smart choice for Swakopmund. The European atmosphere and Namibian hospitality create memorable combination.
