This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita

Villa Margherita: Our full report

Villa Margherita – also know as 'The Charming House' – is an upmarket colonial-style boutique guest house, ...

... set in the heart of Swakopmund, on Namibia's Atlantic coast. It is located within walking distance of many shops and restaurants as well as the beachfront. Constructed between 1908 and 1913, it’s a lovely old house. It was, completely renovated and refurbished by owners Claudine and Amelio, and opened for guests in March 2008.

Central to Villa Margherita is a formal lounge, which features stone floors and a large marble fireplace, and the original wooden staircase that leads to the upstairs bedrooms. Deep red walls and dark furniture are lightened by white panelling and bright modern artwork on the walls, and guests are free to browse the magazines and books on Namibia that are set on the coffee table.

Off the lounge, the dining room is bright and inviting, with wooden floors and yellow walls. This is where guests are served breakfast, and lunch and dinner are also available on request.

Villa Margherita has 10 smart bedrooms and suites of varying configurations. All are individual in their décor and stylishly furnished with a mix of antique and modern pieces. The walls are hung with both black-and-white photos of Namibia and modern artwork.

Most of the rooms have comfortable king- or queen-size beds, although some are twins, and every room has an en-suite bathroom with a shower or a bath, a seating area, flat-screen TV, WiFi connection, hairdryer, heater and electric blankets, with complimentary tea and coffee provided. DVD players and films are available on request.

Five of the rooms are located in the manor house, with the others in individual buildings at the side of the property.

Upstairs in the manor house are:

  • The light and airy Queen Room, set in the attic space, which has a large double bed and a spacious bathroom. Double doors lead onto a Juliet balcony.
  • The slightly granderKing Room, which consists of two en-suite bedrooms linked by a comfortable lounge, making it suitable for families.
  • The romantic Romeo & Juliet Room, which has a double bed and bathroom, and is decorated in pale green and red. It has its own balcony with views over the rooftops of Swakopmund.
Downstairs are two cosy and inviting rooms:

  • The Adam & Eve Room, which has twin Art Deco-style beds and a matching wardrobe, as well as a spacious bathroom with separate bath. It also has its own small but separate lounge with a door leading into the garden.
  • The Eden Room, which has a modern four-poster double bed and is decorated in pale green. It has a small bathroom with a shower.
Accessed via the garden are the two-roomed Cottage, The Nest and The Villa, with the latter two also accessible from the street.

  • The Cottage, with two double bedrooms, is ideal for families as they can be interlinked. Both rooms have access to a paved patio area and the garden.
    • The Lady Hamilton Room has a separate lounge and small bathroom with shower.
    • The Lord Nelson Room also has a separate lounge, and the bathroom has a bath.
    • The Nest is a small cottage with a white picket fence and pretty garden. This, too, would work well for families as it has two bedrooms – one double and one twin – with a shared bathroom and a large lounge area.
    • The Villa is a spacious, renovated house with wooden floors throughout. Along with two en-suite rooms there is a large lounge, dining room and separate kitchen, so The Villa can also be used on a self-catering basis.
      • Tristano is a spacious twin bedroom decorated in pink, green and red, with an en-suite bathroom with shower.
      • Isotta has a four-poster double bed and a small lounge area and is decorated in more neutral tones. It also has a small en-suite bathroom with shower.
      The small flower-decked garden at Villa Margherita is bright, colourful and filled with birdlife. A lawn, with a water feature at its centre, leads to a covered seating area with comfy sofas and chairs, and a raised patio is a great spot to enjoy breakfast during the summer. On our most recent visit, in May 2018, the staff were very welcoming and offered us a drink, which we enjoyed in the garden.

      Villa Margherita's hosts will also help to arrange all kinds of activities for guests, although they prefer to focus on the less commercial tours, and those that support conservation of local habitats – such as the day trip to Sandwich Harbour, or the half day trip kayaking with seals. Other options include sky-diving, and dune-boarding or quadbiking through the Namib Desert dunes. (NB: It's essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the 'Health & Safety' section below for our comments on insurance issues regarding this activity.) If you need a break after an exciting day outdoors, Villa Margherita also offers massage treatments in their small spa room.

Our view

Villa Margherita is a good upmarket choice for two or three nights in Swakopmund during a Namibia self-drive safari. With its cosy fireplaces and elegant staircases, it displays the unique charm of an old house – but tastefully peppered with modern furniture and artwork. Staff are exceptionally attentive and helpful, and spacious family rooms make it a good option for families.

Karen Sharpe

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location
Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
A stay of 2–3 nights is ideal to explore Swakopmund and partake in some of the many activities available.
Directions
Villa Margherita is set on the corner of Daniel Tjongarero Avenue and Otavi Street, in Swakopmund.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Breakfast is served at individual tables in Villa Margherita's dining room or in the garden during summer. Expect fruit salad, fresh breads and rolls with butter and jams, juices and coffee, as well as smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and English breakfasts.

Villa Margherita also serves lunch and dinner solely for its guests, focusing on local ingredients. From smoked salmon to oryx carpaccio to homemade pasta dishes, as well as fillet steak – gourmets are spoilt for choice. The restaurant's small bar offers a selection of beers, as well as South African and Italian wines to go with your meal.

Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks are not included except for tea and coffee.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Villa Margherita.
Property’s age restrictions
Children of all ages are welcome as long as they are kept under parental supervision.
Special activities & services
Babysitting can be arranged but note that babysitters are members of staff and not professionally trained childminders.
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Yes
Notes
The Nest and The Cottage are ideal for families and extra beds can be added on request.

Communications

Communications
WiFi access is available throughout the property. Personal laptops are available on request. There is also good cellphone reception in Swakopmund.
TV & radio
Each suite is equipped with a flat-screen TV.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
The tap water is suitable for drinking

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are doctors and hospitals in Swakopmund.

Quadbike warning: Quadbiking is sometimes available as an activity in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to taking part. Be aware that some insurances cover quadbike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings; check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There's a safe for personal belongings in every room. Off-street and on-street parking for guests is available, and there is a security guard who keeps an eye on the parking area at night.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are available in all the main areas, as well as smoke detectors.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Dune-boarding

    Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Quad-biking

    Quad-biking

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full Laundry Service available at an additional charge
Money
There is a safe in each room. Currency exchange is available in emergencies only.
Accepted payment on location
Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars and South African rand. Most major credit cards are also accepted.

Other lodges in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Cornerstone Guesthouse

Cornerstone Guesthouse

Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small friendly B&B in a peaceful residential area. It's just a short walk from Swkopmund's waterfront & amenities.


94% (292 reviews)
Sam's Giardino

Sam's Giardino

Welcoming, professionally run, and mildly eccentric, Sam’s Giardino lifts the level of hospitality in Swakopmund to unusual heights.


88% (173 reviews)
Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel

One of the larger hotels in Swakopmund, the Strand is well-placed on the seafront with good access to restaurants and the centre of town.


89% (75 reviews)
The Stiltz

The Stiltz

Not your typical guesthouse, The Stiltz occupies a glorious location over the Swakop River on the edge of Swakopmund.


88% (68 reviews)
Beach Lodge

Beach Lodge

Right on the sea front, Beach Lodge offers good standard accommodation and its own restaurant, 15 minutes’ drive from Swakopmund.


90% (55 reviews)
Lagoon Lodge

Lagoon Lodge

Lagoon Lodge is a quirky little guesthouse located right on the edge of Walvis Bay Lagoon, a good spot for watching the flamingoes that frequent the area.


90% (48 reviews)
The Delight

The Delight

Colourful and contemporary in style, The Delight is a relatively large hotel within a short walk of Swakopmund's waterfront, restaurants and main attractions.


92% (37 reviews)
Swakopmund Guesthouse

Swakopmund G'house

Swakopmund Guesthouse is a family-run B&B, boasting comfortable and high-quality rooms with a maritime touch.


80% (25 reviews)
Brigadoon

Brigadoon

In a quiet residential location, Brigadoon is conveniently located for the Swakopmund waterfront and amenities.


80% (21 reviews)
Hansa Hotel

Hansa Hotel

With a very central location in Swakopmund, the traditional Hansa Hotel is reliably good, though it is quite formal.


89% (19 reviews)
Secret Garden Guesthouse

Secret Garden

Secret Garden Guesthouse is well located in the centre of Swakopmund not far from the sea. With a seaside feel, it has its own small restaurant and bar.


86% (14 reviews)
Sea Breeze Guesthouse

Sea Breeze

Just north of Swakopmund, the delightful Sea Breeze Guesthouse is bright and well-looked after with welcoming and helpful owners.


83% (12 reviews)
Organic Square

Organic Square

Organic Square is a modern guesthouse across two properties in the centre of Swakopmund.


82% (11 reviews)
Cornerstone Apartments

Cornerstone Apartments

Cornerstone Guesthouse’s three self-catering apartments, each in its own unique location, work well for families or groups of travellers seeking space & privacy within a comfortable, contemporary setting.


96% (9 reviews)
Desert Breeze Lodge

Desert Breeze

Not your typical Swakopmund guesthouse, Desert Breeze occupies a glorious location overlooking the Swakop River and the desert beyond.


91% (9 reviews)
Pelican Point Lodge

Pelican Point Lodge

Pelican Point Lodge sits on a remote peninsula offering panoramic views of the ocean and is only accessible by 4WD or boat.


94% (7 reviews)
Namib Guesthouse

Namib Guesthouse

The Namib Guesthouse is a small, modern B&B, set in Swakopmund's peaceful Kramersdorf area. It's just a short walk from the coast and many amenities.


67% (3 reviews)
Oyster Box Guesthouse

Oyster Box Guesthouse

Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.


73% (3 reviews)
Pearls Beach Pods

Pearls Beach Pods

With a beachfront location, superb sea views and easy access to the amenities of Swakopmund, The Pearls Beach Pods combine privacy with a high standard of luxury.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa