Reviews of Strand Hotel
(90%) From 45 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Lovely modern Hotel. Very Enjoyable.
Granted this is a modern building but it is well positioned and we very much enjoyed our three night break here. It was a welcome rest during our drive around Namibia.
There is ample parking and we were greeted warmly on arrival by the concierge and the reception staff. Reception was busy at the time we arrived and we did wait awhile but that was fine as we sat and enjoyed the modern interior lobby, the ocean and complimentary ice tea. Our extended wait resulted in a lovely ocean view room which was appreciated since we were staying for three nights.
Room was beautifully decorated in a contemporary decor with subtle and pleasing colours and spotlessly clean. All the usual amenities were available and we were very comfortable. Wi-fi was also good in all areas including our room. We also availed of the laundry service at the hotel which was very efficient. We did not use the gym or spa facilities so cannot comment.
We ate in the attached Brewer & Butcher during our stay and enjoyed it. Nice atmosphere, food and beer and hospitable staff. In fact all the staff we interacted with during our stay had beautiful smiles and a warm personality which we encountered all over Namibia, and if they did not immediately know the answer to our question or query quickly found somebody who did.
Breakfast selection was excellent and enjoyed in a bright dining room overlooking the beachfront and waves - Perfect.
It was pleasant to be in a small town and have time to wander and explore on foot and we found Swakopmund quaint and delightful.
As a side note, Sabina from Expert Africa had recommended a day trip with Turnstone Tours to Sandwich Harbour, and we cannot thank her or recommend this trip enough. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip...of which there were admittedly many.
We shared the day with another English couple also booked via Expert Africa and all four of us had a thoroughly fantastic day. Berger, our guide was an engaging character and a perfect host. He truly gave us a special experience and an unparalleled lunch spot on top of a sand dune. Highly recommended!
Great stay at The Strand and in Swakopmund and happy with the choice of accommodation suggested.
Good location, bad service
The Strand Hotel is in a great location on the sea front at Swakopmund. It is only two years old, so although the exterior design is not very inspiring, the inside is beautiful. The rooms are the typical L shaped bedroom and ensuite, with views over the sea. Our bathroom was spacious, but had a rather dank smell, suggesting drain problems.
The problem with the Strand Hotel is the service. Apparently we are not the only people to notice this - a local guide told us that residents of Swakop do not go to the Strand because the service is known to be so bad.
Some papers were left for us at reception the evening before our 'kayaking with seals' trip explaining the arrangements. Reception rang our room and said they would bring the papers up to us - but they never arrived and I had to go and get them later that evening. The papers were in the office waiting for someone to deliver them. The next morning our pre-packed breakfast was not ready and we had to wait some time for it to be prepared. We then went to the restaurant for lunch and our order did not arrive. When questioned, the rather surly waitress said it wasn't her fault but her colleague's - but she had actually placed our order at the bar instead of in the kitchen. The meal eventually arrived nearly an hour after we ordered it. The next morning at breakfast, no-one came to offer us tea or coffee and we had to go and ask. Communication seems to be lacking and the staff do not seem at all motivated to provide a good service.
On walking round Swakop we noticed lots of other hotels in the town and we would suggest travellers stay at one of these rather than the Strand, despite its scenic location.
Excellent stay
Great location and well appointed rooms.
Excellent restaurants , memorable breakfasts.
Strand Hotel review
Great location, great staff and good reasonably priced food. We ate at the seafood restaurant at the hotel and also the deli - both are really good.
Read more about the whole tripBest massage ever at this hotel!
Great buffet breakfast and helpful staff at this well located modern hotel. We enjoyed our stay in Swakopmund and I can highly recommend the very reasonable spa - we both had a massage here, which was a nice treat. Comfy rooms.
Read more about the whole tripGreat location in Swakop
The Strand hotel was a larger more business-focused accommodation than many on our trip but it was clean with a large, clean and comfortable room. The on site steak restaurant was great (as was the tug boat restaurant a two minute drive away) and breakfast was extensive in a lovely conservatory overlooking the sea.
Our room was very cold and the air conditioning would only cool, not heat. We did report it to reception but unfortunately they didn't manage to fix it during our stay.
It was a little bit difficult to find as it's on a one way system (you have to approach from the coastal access road).
Strand Hotel review
A lovely break in our trip and a chance to take a breather in a european style hotel.
We got a "standard room" which was as far away from reception as possible with no view. It would have been nice to be upgraded as the hotel was not full.
The Ocean Cellar restaurant is excellent.
