Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre stands as the most luxurious accommodation option in Swakopmund, Namibia. The hotel is built in and around the old German Station Building from 1901. This is not just any hotel. You stay inside a real train station that is over 120 years old.
The hotel opened its doors in 1994. In 1995, it hosted 85 Miss Universe contestants before the pageant in Namibia. The building shows Victorian style design with high ceilings and old world decor.
Where You Will Find It
The hotel sits on 2 Theo-Ben Gurirab Avenue in Swakopmund. Walvis Bay Airport is 29 miles away from the hotel. Swakopmund Railway Station is 1.2 miles from the property.
The beach and promenade are about 5 minutes away on foot. You can walk to the town center in 15 minutes. The location works well for exploring both the town and nearby attractions.
Room Types and Numbers
The hotel has 2 luxury suites, 14 luxury rooms, 30 family rooms, 43 twin rooms, and 1 paraplegic room. This makes 90 rooms total.
Rooms are bright and spacious and most have a pleasant view of the pool terrace. Some rooms have a private terrace overlooking the gardens. Ground floor rooms can open directly to the pool area.
Inside Each Room
All air conditioned rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a TV, minibar, and private bathroom. You will find tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial telephones, electronic safes, electric razor plugs, and hair dryers.
Rooms are decorated in Victorian style reminiscent of a bygone era. Recent guest reviews mention that bathrooms got refurbished and sleep quality improved.
Where to Eat
Platform One Restaurant
Platform One Restaurant is a relaxed, elegant Victorian style restaurant. You can order individual dishes from the menu or choose the buffet option. Breakfast is served daily here.
Guest reviews consistently praise the breakfast. One review said the croissants are delicious and the buffet is extensive. For dinner, there are a variety of Namibian and international dishes on the menu.
Chez Wou Restaurant
This restaurant is open from 19h00 daily and offers a variety of Oriental specialities. It gives you a different food option if you want Asian cuisine.
Room Service
Room service is conveniently available 24/7. The hotel also has the Whistle Stop Bar. You can order drinks and food to your room any time.
Entertainment at the Hotel
The Mermaid Casino
The Mermaid Casino offers nonstop excitement and a world of winning possibilities. Guests can try their luck at roulette, stud poker, or blackjack. Some guest reviews mention the casino machines are older models but the gambling option is convenient.
Cinema Complex
The hotel features 2 cinemas. This is actually the only cinema in Swakopmund. It is popular with both tourists and locals.
Pool & Fitness
The outdoor pool and health club offers guests a variety of leisure options during the day. Guests can work out in the gym.
Guest reviews mention the pool area looks nice but the water is very cold, especially in winter. A shuttle service can be arranged to the nearby desert golf course, which is a 10 minute drive away.
Services Provided
The hotel offers same day laundry, dry cleaning and valet services. The 24 hour reception staff provides a car rental service and free parking. Other facilities include a gift shop, babysitting services, a florist and event organisers.
Conference Facilities
The Spitzkoppe Conference Centre can accommodate up to 350 delegates with ease. The Banqueting Spitzkoppe facilities enable the hotel to cater for any specialty function, weddings, parties and banquets.
Two spacious courtyards are available for display or outdoor launches. The old station building makes a memorable setting for events.
Guest Reviews and Experiences
Multiple guests mention the staff member Evelyn at reception. Reviews say she went above and beyond to ensure guest comfort. The restaurant staff get praise for friendly service though some guests noted slower service during busy times.
One guest said the hotel “felt like we went back in time” and called it “so lovely” with “gorgeous gardens and stunning swimming pool.” Another guest mentioned dinner was awesome and staff commitment in advising on activities was excellent.
Some reviews point out the hotel needs refurbishment in certain areas. The hallways and some rooms show their age. Internet speed gets complaints from some guests.
Adventures Near Swakopmund
Quad Biking in the Dunes
Companies offer 2 or 3 hour quad bike excursions. An experienced guide will lead you through the Swakopmund River mouth into the dune belt. You ride through sand dunes and reach places with names like Big Billy, Devil’s Dip, and Table Top. Tours cost from $48.50 per adult for 2 hours. Most companies pick you up from your hotel.
Sandboarding
Companies offer both 1 hour lie down sandboarding and standing sandboarding options. You can book a combo deal with sandboarding and quad biking together. A 3 hour combo costs around $79.46 per adult. The activity takes place in the massive dunes near Swakopmund.
Sandwich Harbour Tours
Scenic Sandwich Harbour tours cost from $158.78 per adult. This is where huge sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean directly. Tours usually run either at 8am or 12pm. You need to book at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
Living Desert Tours
These tours show you the small creatures that live in the Namib Desert. A Living Dunes Experience tour lasts 3 hours 30 minutes and costs from $47.39 per adult. Guides teach you about desert adapted animals and plants.
Kayaking at Pelican Point
Companies like Pelican Point Kayaking take you out on Walvis Bay Lagoon. You paddle through calm waters, spotting dolphins, seals, and a variety of birds along the sea near Swakopmund.
Cape Cross Seal Colony
Cape Cross has one of the largest seal colonies in the world. Thousands of Cape fur seals gather here. The drive from Swakopmund takes about one hour.
Swakopmund Museum
The Swakopmund Museum is run by the Scientific Society Swakopmund. It is the largest privately run museum in Namibia. You see displays about German colonial history, local wildlife, and cultural artifacts.
Kristall Galerie
This gallery is very close to the hotel. It displays some of the world’s largest crystals including giant quartz specimens. You can walk there easily from the hotel.
Weather & Best Time
Guest reviews mention pool water is very cold, especially in winter months. July to October brings the best weather with temperatures around 20°C and little rain.
August and September are peak tourist months. Hotels fill up fast during this time. You should book early if traveling in these months. Prices increase during peak season.
Winter runs from May to September. Summer months from November to March are warmer but can get windy.
Booking Information
The average rate for a night’s stay is N$2,670.00 to N$3,110.00. This converts to around $150 to $170 per night depending on exchange rates.
Room prices change based on room type and travel dates. Off season travel costs less while maintaining good weather. Children under 12 years old stay free of charge for accommodation only. If children occupy their own room, full rate applies.
Check in time is 2pm. Check out time is 10am. Different booking websites sometimes offer deals so comparing prices helps.
Getting Around
Most attractions in the town center are within walking distance. For evening trips to waterfront restaurants, taxis are available and affordable. The walk is about 15 minutes but dark at night.
The hotel reception provides car rental services. Having a rental car helps for visiting Sandwich Harbour, Cape Cross, or taking day trips to Walvis Bay. Taxis are easy to find for short trips around town.
Should You Stay Here
The hotel offers the perfect balance between charming, old world tradition and the thrill of modern day entertainment. The train station setting is unique and different from standard hotels.
The location gets consistent praise in reviews. You can walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach. Staff receive regular praise for being helpful and friendly. The breakfast quality stands out in multiple reviews.
For families, the spacious family rooms work well. Business travelers use the large conference facilities. Couples appreciate the Victorian atmosphere.
Final Points
The hotel serves as a good base for exploring Swakopmund and nearby desert activities. You have close access to quad biking, sandboarding, Sandwich Harbour tours, and ocean activities.
Book early for peak season months of August and September. Request a recently refurbished room when making your reservation.
