Right on the edge of Swakopmund, The Stiltz overlooks the mouth of the Swakop River and has spectacular views over the dunes or the Atlantic Ocean. The combination of these views and a quirky design make it a unique place to stay in Swakopmund.
The Stiltz has nine high-quality wooden chalets and two villas, all standing high on stilts above the riverbed, and linked to a breakfast room with wooden walkways. All are clean and comfortable, with thatched roofs and small balconies overlooking the riverbed. Inside, fresh flowers and brightly coloured curtains, bedspreads and cushions brighten up the wooden walls, and slightly quirky fittings add an unconventional touch. (The hand behind The Stiltz was the same as that behind Swakopmund's renowned restaurant, The Tug – which displays similar quirks of design.)
Some rooms have small lounge areas with a sofa positioned in front of a large window, and a tea and coffee station. There is a fan and heating in the rooms, and a heated blanket on the bed for those cold winter nights, but no air conditioning (this is not generally needed in Swakopmund). The en-suite bathroom has a large shower and fluffy towels, and soap is provided.
The Stiltz doesn't feel like a town lodge, especially if you stay in one of the far rooms, from which you can hear only the waves and the wind. Although you can see the main Swakopmund–Walvis Bay road in the distance, it cannot be heard over the waves – and the birds are a far greater attraction.
As you'd expect from somewhere on the edge of town, the surrounding area isn't lit at night. We've never viewed this as a problem – in fact it's quite nice! – but it does mean that most people would probably drive the relatively short distance to a restaurant in town, rather than walk.
The bright and cheery breakfast room is also up on stilts, so guests can watch the scenery, and the birds, while they eat, but there is no central lounge area for guests to socialise.
In the reception area – at ground level rather than on stilts – helpful and friendly staff can book activities and local restaurants in Swakopmund.
In conclusion…The Stiltz is very different to other lodges in Swakopmund, with a quiet, slightly out-of-town location that makes it an attraction in its own right – although it is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Town
No. of bedrooms: Nine double rooms and two villas.
Directions: At the end of The Strand in Swakopmund, by the sea.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Danie Holloway
Food & drink
Usual board basis: B&B
Food quality: A substantial buffet breakfast, served from 7.00am to 9.30am, consists of cereal, yoghurt, meats, cheeses, tea, coffee, and toast as well as bacon and eggs cooked to order. The food tastes great! You can see straight into the kitchen and even watch the chefs prepare their eggs and bacon in front of them.
The Stiltz doesn't serve food in the evening, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in town.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor Dining
Room service: No
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.
Age restrictions: None, but as chalets at The Stiltz are reached by walkways that are high above the ground, children must be supervised at all times.
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Children should be careful on the high walkways, although there are barriers at the side.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: Mobile reception is available. Free wireless internet is available to all guests.
TV & radio: None
Health & safety
Malarial area: No
Medical care: There are doctors and a hospital in town.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: There is one security guard at night.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are present in all rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is availlable for an extra charge.
Money: None – there are many banks not far from here.
Accepted payment: Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but Amex and travellers' cheques are not.
The Stiltz review
We were welcomed by Maraget who was extremely helpful throughout our stay, The rooms are large with everything you need, even an electric blanket, which we did use as it was quite cool during the nigh...
The Stiltz review
Great accommodation - thanks for recommending. The owner [or manager] was wonderful particularly post our Mountain Homestead experience.
The only thing that let this villa down was two bedrooms sh...
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The Stiltz homepage To see more information and pictures on The Stiltz -click on the above link to go directly to their homepage.
