Read 13 traveller reviews of Rostock Ritz

Surrounded by the Namib Desert and with distant views interrupted only by dune fields and mountains, Rostock Ritz stands just off the main C14 road, about two hours' drive north of Sesriem. It's location makes it a convenient stopping point between Swakopmund and Sesriem, hence it's restaurant is popular amongst those who don't opt for a picnic on this route, and it makes a good place to over-night.

Rostock Ritz offers a total of 20 rooms housed in igloo-style chalets. Of these, 18 are standard rooms. Each room sleeps two (either twin or double) and all are furnished with mosquito nets, a fan, lock up safe, a table and two chairs. The en-suite bathrooms are spacious as bathrooms go, with showers rather than bathtubs. Lighting is provided by both lanterns and electrical lights, and although there is generally 24hr electricity, hot water is generated by more eco-friendly solar power. The two luxury rooms offer all of the same facilities, but are larger and also have a sofa.

The unique design of the rooms is to help keep them cooler in hot weather. However, when we last visited in June 2010, we felt that one of the best features of the rooms was the panoramic views of the desert, seen from from every terrace.

The main communal area at Rostock Ritz consists of reception, a lounge, the bar and restaurant as well as an outdoor terrace. There is also internet access.

A short walk from the main building is the large swimming pool, a popular spot to cool off in the heat of the day and to spend time admiring the view from some rather quirky hanging chairs.

Rostock Ritz has a good restaurant, catering to both in-house guests and passing visitors stopping in for lunch. There is usually a breakfast buffet, but the lodge offers an a la carte menu for both lunch and dinner. Rostock Ritz was built by, and is still owned by, one of Swakopmund's most successful restaurateurs, and hence the food here is generally very good.

Although most guests will stop only for lunch or perhaps one night, this 'Ritz' really is good enough to deserve to be treated more seriously! For travellers who do stay longer, there are ten different self-guided hiking trails, plus the option of a guided sundowner drive and a 4WD trip to see the bushman cave paintings. This would fit in very well to a relatively slow trip around Namibia, which has an accent on walking.

Rostock Ritz has also a reasonably well-equipped campsite with four camping pitches, separate ladies and gents ablution facilities (each with two wash basins, two showers and two flush toilets), electrical light and a kitchen area with dishwashing facilities.

In conclusion… whether you decide to stop for lunch or stay the night, Rostock Ritz is a convenient place to break the journey between Swakopmund and Sesriem, offering the opportunity to relax in superb scenery, unique accommodation and enjoy friendly service.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Town

No. of bedrooms: 20 chalets

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: Usually one night as an overnight stop, or two nights if you have a bit longer and want to properly take advantage of the self-guided walks and scenery.

Geographics

Location: Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

Directions: Most frequently accessed by road on a self-drive itinerary, Rostock Ritz is around 240km from Windhoek or Swakopmund, and 120km from Sesriem. Alternatively, there is a 1.6km long airstrip and the lodge can be reached by private light aircraft charter.

Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Breakfast is usually a buffet. Lunch and dinner are served off of an a la carte menu, generally with a good selection of starters and meat or fish dishes. There is a much smaller selection of dishes suitable for vegetarians, so it is best to advise the lodge in advance if you have specific dietary requirements. If you are planning to just drop into Rostock Ritz for lunch, note that it is served between 12h00 and 15h00 daily; dinner is usally from 18h00 onwards.

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Room service is not available

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.

Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.

Activities: No specific child meals but they can usually be ordered a la carte to cater for children.

Equipment: There lodge does not provide any special equipment such as highchairs or cots.

Generally recommended for children: Although children of all ages are welcome at the lodge, they don't specifically cater for children's needs.

Central communications

Communications: There is a central telephone and internet access in reception. However, the lodge does generally have mobile phone reception.

TV & radio: There are no televisions or radios at the lodge.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The nearest doctor is in Walvis Bay, approx 210km from Rostock. However, some of the staff are trained in basic first aid.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There is a night guard

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are placed at stations outside the rooms

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry can be done on request. Prices vary according to what needs to be washed and/or ironed.

Money: There is a safe in the rooms.

Accepted payment: Cash, visa and mastercards are accepted as payment.

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