Sandfields Guesthouse: Our full report

Just a few minutes' drive north of the centre of Swakopmund, Sandfields Guesthouse has only five rooms, giving it an intimate and cosy feel. The guesthouse is located in a quiet residential area just a short walk from the beach. Sandfields is particularly child friendly, as the owners have a child of their own.

On arrival at Sandfields Guesthouse, expect a warm and friendly welcome from Bingo the dog, as well as owners Jean, Paul and Richard. The five bedrooms all have log fireplaces made of sandstone, giving them a lovely warm glow. The rooms are light and bright, decorated in bright whites and blues. Fresh flowers in each room add a personal touch. There is also a safe, satellite TV, a hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities. Two of the rooms are slightly larger than the others and can be made into triples, and there are two inter-connecting rooms that can be used for a family.

Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, all of which have a shower, and two of which have a bath and a shower.

The main areas of the guesthouse include a cosy lounge full of books and magazines which guest can enjoy on the comfortable sofa in front of the fire. The lodge offers homemade biscuits and there's also an honesty bar. The lounge opens out on to the secluded garden where there's a small playground for children and sun loungers for the adults.

There's a book exchange in the light and bright breakfast room, which also opens on to the garden, where guests can sit in good weather. The lodge is flexible and willing to cater to guests' needs, dietary requirements or special food requests such as birthday cakes. The owners are willing to book any local activities and restaurants for guests. Sandfields offers off-street parking.

Sandfields Guesthouse is conscious of its impact on the environment, and tries to reduce its effects through a variety of environmentally friendly methods, such as recycling plastic, glass, cans and paper, reusing washing machine water to water the garden, putting food waster on a compost heap, and reusing their shopping bags. The guesthouse also supports local businesses.

Our View

Sandfields Guesthouse is a cosy and friendly place to stay at for a few days while you explore Swakopmund and its surrounding area. Being particularly child-friendly, it's a good place for families and those who want to feel at home.

Geographics

Location: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: A stay of two to three nights is usually recommended

Directions: Just north of Swakopmund town centre, Sandfields is located in Sphinx.

Key personnel

Owner: Jean and Richard Downing and Paul Liechti

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: Breakfasts here are a selection of cold meats and cheeses, jam, muffins, fruit, nuts, seeds and yoghurt. Cooked breakfasts are made to order. Drinks include fruit juices, teas, freshly made coffee and rich hot chocolate.

Sandfields Guesthouse does not usually offer dinner, but can do so on request for those staying for longer periods. Light lunches and snacks can sometimes be made on request.

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are very welcome at Sandfields Guesthouse.

Equipment: High chairs are available, as well as a cot.

Generally recommended for children: Yes – we really recommend this lodge for children. The owners have a small child of their own and so are sympathetic to the needs of parents with children.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There are phones in the rooms, as well as wireless internet. Guests are welcome to use the computer in reception. There is also mobile phone reception here.

TV & radio: All rooms have a TV with CNN and children's channels.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: There are doctors and hospitals in Swakopmund.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: There is a remote controlled gate and a large dog (friendly to guests).

Fire safety: All rooms have fire extinguishers.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: 0