Read 6 traveller reviews of Villa Verdi

In many ways the small guest house of Villa Verdi, off John Meinert Street, did set the standards for small hotels in Windhoek in the mid-1990s. Then it was owner-run, and its stylish use of ethnic décor and African art broke the mould of the standard, traditional (and very boring) German pensions, and simultaneously made this instantly into Windhoek's artiest and, arguably, best small pensions.

Now time has moved on for Villa Verdi. Windhoek has plenty of good, new guest houses and bed and breakfasts which have taken the idea of using design and art further – in some ways leaving it behind a little. It is now part of a chain of lodges, under the umbrella of 'Leading Lodges of Africa'.

Villa Verdi has 16 en-suite rooms, including two apartments – these vary quite a bit. Each room is tastefully and individually decorated – still in Villa Verdi's original style – and has double or twin beds, TV with Mnet and direct dial phones. All the rooms have their own tea/coffee making facilities, as well as a mini-bar/fridge. Some of the rooms have small private patio with table and chairs outside under an umbrella, where you can relax surrounded by palm trees.

All Villa Verdi's rooms have an en-suite bathroom with either a shower or a bath. Shower gel, hand soap and clean towels are provided.

The two apartments, and two of the standards rooms, have air-conditioning, whilst the rest of the rooms have free-standing electric fans. Some of the rooms have electric blankets available for the winter months.

The lounge has an inviting atmosphere, where you can relax, enjoy drink around the fireplace or read book in peace. Outside the swimming pool is surrounded by trees and a lovely garden.

It is a relatively short walk from Villa Verdi to Windhoek's centre.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Town

No. of bedrooms: 16 rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: Often used as an overnight stop, though longer would be fine.

Central facilities: The lounge/bar area has an inviting atmosphere where you can relax, enjoy a drink around the fireplace, or just read your book in peace. The bar is open throughout the day so you can order drinks or food while inside or outside. There is a swimming pool with a few loungers, surrounded by trees and a lovely garden in which is a thatched “lapa” (like a substantial, thatched gazebo) with flowing curtains and comfortable sofas.

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

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

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Breakfast at Villa Verdi is served buffet style outside in the garden, between 06:00 and 09:00 – although we're assured us that they're flexible over this and can arrange it a little later if asked. They'll also arrange dinner, which is usually is a set-menu (4-course), served between about 18:00 and 22:00. They do cater for vegetarians Snacks and drinks are available all day from the kitchen, and usually served by the swimming pool.

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: Yes

Drinks included: Drinks are not included.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children with their parents are welcome.

Age restrictions: There are no age limit

Activities: None

Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be organised.

Generally recommended for children: Villa Verdi is fine for children, but parents should supervise their children, especially near the un-fenced and un-covered swimming pool.

Notes: None

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: In room phones are in all of the rooms and there is usually a good mobile signal. A fax service is available, as is a wireless network connection.

TV & radio: There are TVs with satellite channels (MNet) in all of the rooms, but no radio's. The bar has an entertainment system.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The closest hospital is the Roman Catholic Hospital in town – it's about a 15-minute walk and about 5 minutes by car.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There are usually two security guards on duty at the guest house during the day and the evening.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers around all the buildings, but not inside the rooms.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available which normally takes about 48 hours to return your clothes. This is at an extra charge for this.

Money: No currency exchange

Accepted payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as well as Namibian dollars and South African Rand.

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