Nest Hotel: Our full report

The Nest Hotel is situated on a prime seaside spot in Namibia's coastal town of Lüderitz, overlooking the beach and ocean beyond. It makes an ideal base from which to explore Lüderitz and the many and unusual attractions found in and around the area.

The facilities at the Nest are what you might expect from an international-style and fairly large hotel: a restaurant, a deck bar, a terrace with spectacular views of the sea, a swimming pool, children's play area, sauna, a conference room, internet facilities, 24-hour room service, and laundry services. The small Oyster Bar is open all day for coffee, tea, cake and light snacks. Snacks can also be enjoyed on the terrace with views over the ocean, whilst main meals are served in the Penguin Restaurant.

Although the hotel overlooks a small private beach area, the Atlantic Ocean is usually far too cold to swim in. On a hot day you can enjoy the swimming pool instead, set in a sheltered courtyard surrounded by palms tree, sunloungers and umbrellas.

Each of the 73 rooms has a view over Lüderitz Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The interiors are relatively spacious and simply decorated using subtle colour tones. The air-conditioned rooms are all furnished with twin or double beds, a desk, chairs and a TV with satellite channels. Extra amenities include direct-dial phones, tea/coffee facilities and a hairdryer. Most of the rooms have sliding patio doors that lead out onto a private balcony overlooking the sea. Smoking or non smoking rooms can be requested.

All of the bedrooms at the Nest Hotel are en suite. The bathrooms are clean and modern, each with a flush toilet, a shower over the bath and a selection of complementary toiletries.

When we last visited the Nest Hotel in June 2011, we were shown some of the newly renovated rooms. These are furnished in a darker wood with vividly coloured fabrics, but the layout and facilities remain the same, just updated. The hotel is gradually renovating each room a few at a time, so it will take up to a year before they are all complete.

The Nest Hotel has a cosy restaurant called The Penguin, which offers an a la carte menu including a variety fresh seafood dishes. It is advisable to pre book a table for dinner if you wish to eat at the hotel as many local Namibian residents like to dine here too. Sliding glass doors lead from the restaurant out onto a terrace that overlooks a manicured lawn and the beachfront. This is a nice spot to sit with a book or to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake whilst enjoying the view.

On the leeward side of the hotel, surrounded by green lawns, palms and sun loungers is the hotel swimming pool. This is split in two with a kidney shaped main pool and a smaller children's splash pool.

Our View

The rooms and communal areas at the Nest Hotel lack the atmosphere found at many of Namibia's smaller guest houses and the clientele is mostly made up of coach parties and business people. However, if you don't mind the corporate surroundings and anonynimity of a large hotel, it makes a great base from which to explore nearby attractions such as the Lüderitz coastline and Diaz Point; the fascinating ghost town of Kolmanskop; the town's museum; Bogenfels rock arch and the mining town of Pomona, both in the surrounding desert. A trip to Halifax Island on the traditional schooner, Sedina, is a highly recommended addition to your holiday here!

Geographics

Location: Luderitz, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: One or two nights

Directions: The Nest Hotel is situated on Lüderitz's "Blade Strand" along the beach. Arriving from the south, turn left at the end of Bay Road (or Baai Weg in Afrikaans) and follow the signs to the hotel. The hotel is situated at the end of Diaz Street.

Key personnel

Owner: Property Chain

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: A breakfast buffet is on offer at Nest Hotel between 7 and 10am each morning. There is usually a good selection to choose from and on our last visit we found it to be of a good standard.

Light meals are available for much of the day (10am to 6.30pm) and can be ordered as room service or enjoyed in the Penguin Restaurant or out on the Terrace.

Dinner is served between 6.30 and 10.30 pm and is usually an a la carte menu, although occasionally it takes the form of a buffet. On our last visit we enjoyed the catch of the day, Kingklip, served with chips and salad. It was simple and tasty.

A carvery is available every Sunday between 12:30 and pm. A kiddies menu is also available making the Nest Hotel an easy option for families.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are not included at the Nest Hotel.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at the Nest Hotel.

Equipment: Highchairs are available and can be provided on request.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Notes: None

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There are phones in each of the rooms at the Nest Hotel. WiFi internet is also available, and since we visited this has become free.

TV & radio: The hotel has satellite TV's in all the rooms and in the bar.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: There is a hospital in Lüderitz.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: The Nest Hotel has a secure parking area and 24 hour security.

Fire safety: Each room is equipped with a fire extinguisher

Extras

Disabled access: In Place

Laundry facilities: Extra Charge The hotel has laundry facilities and it is normally a same day return.

Money: Foreign currency is accepted at the Nest Hotel. Traveller's cheques cannot be used or exchanged.