Brigadoon: Our full report

If you enjoy a bit of seclusion, then the tiny Brigadoon, is set in the well-established gardens of the owner's house in a quiet residential area of Swakopmund, not far from the beach and within a couple of minutes' walk of the town centre.

Brigadoon is a boutique bed and breakfast decorated in creams and browns with a modern style and a few pieces of African-influenced art on the walls. It offers seven rooms, which are well-kept and each with their own veranda. Guests are provided with a TV, hairdryer, shaving socket, toiletries and a safe. The rooms are open plan, meaning that there is no door on the bathroom, although there is a partition between the toilet and the rest of the room. The en-suite bathroom is painted off-white with pebbles used to create the shower floor. The 'rain' shower has a large head for a relaxing shower after a long day.

The rooms are joined together in rows, but dividing walls and strategically placed hedges mean that you cannot see any other guests when sitting on your veranda. The guest house was renovated in 2009, and has been updated with a fresh, clean style.

The main area consists of a reception room, a well-kept garden with a trimmed lawn, and an outside braai area that guests are welcome to use. Breakfast is served to you on your veranda, although in cold weather it can be served inside. On arrival you will be asked what time breakfast should be served and how you would like your eggs. On our last visit we found the staff to be quite persistent if we did not immediately come out for breakfast at the designated time, so it may be advisable to give a later time for breakfast than you think you need. We found eating breakfast on the veranda, with birds singing in the garden around us, to be a delightful experience.

The lodge can book all local restaurants and activities available in Swakopmund. The staff here are friendly and attentive to your needs, however, as there is no lounge, there is not that much opportunity to chat to the staff or fellow guests.

Our View

Brigadoon is a peaceful and quiet place to stay in Swakomund. It has a good location within walking distance of the centre of town, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with a pretty garden.

Geographics

Location: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights

Directions: Brigadoon is located on Ludwig Koch Street in the centre of Swakopmund.

Key personnel

Owner: Bruce and Bubble Burns

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Breakfast consists of a choice of eggs, cereals, ground coffee, fruit, toast, and yoghurt. This was all perfectly acceptable but on our last visit we found there to be less choice than the buffet breakfasts on offer at other Swakopmund Guesthouses.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Brigadoon.

Equipment: Cots and high chairs are available.

Generally recommended for children: Yes

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: Internet access is available in reception.

TV & radio: Local TV and DSTV are available in all rooms.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: There are many doctors and a hospital in Swakopmund.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: Each room is individually alarmed with a remote control on your room key. The gate is always locked.

Fire safety: There is a fire extinguisher in each room.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available for an extra charge.

Money: A currency exchange is available for major currencies.