Reviews of Rivendell Guesthouse
(90%) From 8 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Rivendell Guesthouse review
One of our rooms were spacious and nice, but the other was too small with no wardrobe. Excellent service and very quiet.
Very good restaurant (Fusion) 50 m from the guesthouse with real african food.
great guesthouse
great place- id been there 12 years before- only comment is hot breakfast were a little slow and not always easily ordered. otherwise great a little oasis.
Read more about the whole tripA basic guesthouse
Rivendell Guest House was a terrible disappointment. They had emailed us when in the Caprivi to say there was a double booking and was it all right for our day room to have shared facilities. We didn't think we could say anything but yes. However, we did not know what we were saying yes to. When we checked in our room (no 1) was fine if basic, but Ralph and Sandra's (no 3) was very small with barely anything between the bedroom and the toilet and bath area.
When we were shown the room we were supposed to have as a day room it was a three bedded dorm type room and the facilities were shared with at least eight people (in fact more I think). This place is really not much better than a back packer's hostel and we were staggered that you have it on the list. It seems totally out of keeping when there are so many options in Windhoek. Anyway we kicked up such a fuss about the day room that they let us keep No 1 until 4pm.
Expert Africa comments
We put these comments to Dave Cartwright, the owner and manager of Rivendell Guesthouse, who appreciated the feedback; he takes all comments very seriously. He wanted apologised that these travellers felt that their stay was a disappointment to them – as he aims for much better.
Dave apologised again for the mistake regarding the double-booked day-room. These travellers were informed, in advance, of the error and agreed to the room change. (The room offered wasn’t a dorm, and did have its own sink and towels. Its bathroom was across the corridor, and they would have had this to themselves for the time that they were there.)
When it became apparent, on their arrival, that the room was not acceptable to these travellers, Dave immediately informed them that they could stay in the day room of their choice (no.1), and again apologised for the inconvenience. He also offered to find them alternative accommodation at a more luxurious guest house nearby, and transport them there himself, which they declined.
Rivendell Guesthouse is a small, simple but clean, and well run accommodation. Expert Africa uses this place when – as in this case – our travellers specifically request one of Windhoek’s lower-cost guest houses. It is by no means a luxury establishment, but is a good budget guest house, with a fair price tag to match.
Rivendell Guesthouse review
As before, I think this accommodation was excellent.
Read more about the whole tripRivendell Guesthouse review
This was a 5 star guesthouse as far as I was concerned. Excellent facilities and kept very clean and tidy. This is the sort of level all hostels/guesthouses should aspire to.
Very efficient service, excellent breakfast and lovely clean shared kitchen area to prepare your own meals in. Room was lovely and pool area was very nice with safe parking for the car. Would highly recommend this guesthouse to others.
The Rivendell is a camper's hotel. It is slightly run-down but sufficient. Mattresses are troughed. The breakfasts were good and there were cooking facilities, if one wanted.
At the end of the trip it would have been nicer to stay right in town at a hotel, closer to shopping and with parking. I would rate the Rivendell between Avg. and Poor.
Expert Africa comments
Rivendell Guesthouse is situated in one of the city's quiet suburbs, whilst still being in easy reach of the centre. We often suggest it for travellers with a restricted budget; it's a clear step up from a backpackers hostel. In terms of value-for money, we think that it's one of the best guesthouses around - although obviously it's not quite as polished or smart as some of Windhoek's more costly places to stay.
We're sorry that these travelers didn't like it, but would urge those seeking higher standards of luxury to look towards Hilltop House, Olive Grove, the Heinitzburg Hotel or some of our other suggestions in Windhoek.
Having said all this, Rivendell's owners tell us that since they received this feedback, all the mattresses in their beds have been replaced. We hope that this will help to make guests more comfortable in future.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
