Galton House: Our full report

Galton House, named after the early explorer Sir Francis Galton, opened in Windhoek’s residential suburb of Eros in December 2011. Only ten minutes drive from the city centre, it’s a modern yet homely eight room guesthouse with a backdrop of rolling hills. There’s a mix of comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces in which to relax and the convenience of an in-house restaurant which caters for all meals.

From the outside Galton House blends in with its suburban neighbours. Entered through a remote controlled gate is a cobbled parking area in front of a relatively plain façade. Wide steps lead into the main building where the smart cream interior and cool slate floors are brightened by feature walls, colourful accents and striking photographic artwork of Namibia. There’s a foyer with curio shop and reception, opening out to a spacious lounge area. The décor is fresh and uncluttered with contemporary furnishings and a selection of coffee table books. Off the lounge is an open-plan indoor dining room and marble topped kitchen space with tea/coffee station.

Large glass doors provide plenty of natural light and lead out to a sheltered alfresco dining space to one side and a small courtyard with water feature on the other. Ceiling fans help keep these common areas cool during summer.

Steps access the upper terrace where a sparkling pool, sunloungers and shade umbrellas provide a peaceful place to unwind. There’s also a changing room and shower facility for guests to freshen up if they’re arriving on an early morning, or departing on a late afternoon, flight.

The eight en suite guest rooms are located off the upper terrace, lower courtyard and parking area. They vary in size with four double (king-sized beds), two twin and two family rooms. All have en-suite bathroom with shower, satellite television, a desk, complimentary WiFi and internet connection, telephone, hairdryer, safe and air-conditioning. The décor matches the rest of the guesthouse with cream walls, splashes of colour and photographic artwork.

Our View

None of our team has stayed at Galton House thus far, but we were impressed by the simple yet stylish ambience on our brief visit in July 2012. Its location is within easy driving distance of the city centre, shops and restaurants, whilst also offering a secluded feel on the outskirts of suburbia. We’d recommend Galton House as a comfortable and well-run overnight stop in Windhoek pre- or post- your Namibia safari.

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: For pre- or post-safari accommodation in Windhoek, we’d recommend one night at Galton House.

Directions: Galton House is situated at 72 Amasoniet Street in the suburb of Eros, Windhoek – about 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre, 20 minutes from the domestic Eros Airport or 45 minutes from Windhoek International Airport.

Key personnel

Owner: Privately owned

Food & drink

Usual board basis: B&B

Food quality: The in-house restaurant at Galton House serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. There’s a choice of indoor and outdoor dining areas. None of our team has dined here as yet but here’s what we can tell you.

An à la carte lunch is offered on request and the set dinner menu is updated daily.

Breakfast is a continental buffet with a variety of cooked options made to order.

Breakfast is included in the accommodation rate. Lunch prices range from N$40 to around N$80. Dinner costs N$185. (2012 prices).

Dining style: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Drinks included: Drinks are available at extra cost, including a good selection of wines as well as bottled water, soft drinks, beer and spirits. These can be ordered throughout the day from the guesthouse waiting staff.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Galton House.

Equipment: A cot, highchair and baby bath is provided on request.

Generally recommended for children: Yes though children must be under their parents’ supervision at all times.

Notes: Galton House has two en suite family rooms. One sleeps a family of four with two twin, one single and one children’s bed; the other sleeps a family of three with two twin and one single bed.

Central communications

Power supply: Mains Electricity

Communications: There is a central telephone (landline) and excellent cellphone coverage. Complimentary WiFi is available in the main area and in the guest rooms – a voucher with an internet access number is available from reception.

TV & radio: There’s a satellite television in each room.

Health & safety

Malarial area: No

Medical care: The guesthouse manager is trained in first aid and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept on site. Good medical centres and hospitals are located very close by.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Security measures: Galton House is fenced with secure off-street parking and a remote-controlled entrance gate. A security guard is on site during the hours of darkness.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are kept in the common areas of the guesthouse.

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge

Money: There’s a safe provided in each room. Payments at the guesthouse can be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Diners and American Express) and cash (Namibian dollars and South African rand).