11 Best Hotels in Namibia

At this family-friendly hotel within the 1901 Old Station Building, the huge, bustling lobby is a reminder of the building's previous incarnation as a railway station. Rooms, some of which look out onto the central courtyard, are comfortable, large, and kitted out with all the modern necessities. The hotel—owned by Legacy Hotels and Resorts—boasts numerous facilities and services, which make it ideal for traveling families; these include an adjacent cinema, casino, gym, child minding services; and the Victorian-style Platform One restaurant, which serves an a la carte menu and a buffet. The Whistle Stop Lounge and Bar is a popular stop, and the large pool, necklaced by a luscious garden, makes for an ideal place to relax on the loungers with a book or a bite and sundowner from the terrace menu.

Tucked away behind a clump of enormous granite boulders, this lodge is synonymous with the Erongo region of Namibia: quietly comfortable. Located inside the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, on the edge of a 130-million-year-old volcano ruin, this area is worth a visit if you're traveling from Windhoek to Swakopmund, even if it's just to sit by the pool and watch the glowing African sun set over a grassy plain with Brandberg Mountain in the distance. While you're there, visit the many extraordinary rock painting sites with one of the lodge's knowledgeable guides, do a guided walking trail or nature drive, or go birding.

This comfortable and elegant hotel has all the conveniences of a large, smooth-running operation, with staff on hand at every corner to assist and pleasant rooms that characterize the property. Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed here in 1990, the year of Namibia's independence. Ultimately it's the hotel's central location that makes it an attractive option, though the new rooftop ballroom restaurant, bar, and pool are a worthy spot for a sundowner.

Walking into Cornerstone one is struck by the lovely manicured garden and the pleasantly homey ambience. Rooms are not huge but are comfortable and have free Wi-Fi and small personal patios. The breakfast here is famously tasty, and the owners are incredibly helpful and friendly. Within walking distance from most of Swakop's main attractions, this place is very popular and often full. However, if you find this to be the case, inquire about the three self-catering apartments, also owned by the management.

With its vibrant sprawling gardens, this sophisticated, family-owned establishment will make you do a double take when you realize it’s on the outskirts of the capital city. Large trees wrapped in fairy lights add to the property's charm, while a private wine-cellar dining experience, a trendy restaurant, and a spa set Droombos apart from other properties in Windhoek. Rooms are on the small side but are elegantly decorated with all the modern conveniences you'd expect for a comfortable night's rest.

This hotel has one of the most spectacular views of the Walvis Bay Lagoon with its peaceful flamingos and idyllic sunsets. The hotel's fine dining restaurant and bar, which specializes in inventive cocktails, is also very popular with locals. They have thought of everything when it comes to standard hotel amenities. Touches of leather and marble with fluffy white bathrobes and crisp linen add a certain level of opulence to the suites. 

This old-world grand dame, which was established in 1905 a few years after the town was founded, gives guests a Belle Epoque–era feeling with its hushed solicitude, gleaming brass, and manicured garden. Standard rooms are comfortable and though some of their furnishings remain somewhat dated, the much larger suites are done up in historical decor which give them the kind of charm you'd expect of this very popular hotel. There are now also self-catering units available. Book a room that overlooks the central garden courtyard if possible. A warm atmosphere, central location, one of the town's best German-style restaurants (Hansa Hotel Main Restaurant), adjoining coffee shop (Bojos Café) and cozy bar complete the picture. Breakfast is great and it's well worth eating dinner here too.

Resembling children's building blocks set down by a giant hand in the middle of nowhere, this earth-toned lodge sits in the midst of a wide plain of desert, backed by gorgeous granite hills. Awesome views go with the territory. You can choose to sit on your private veranda and watch the fiery desert sunset, sip a sundowner by the pool, or enjoy a meal in the open-air or indoor restaurant. The lodge will arrange outings and activities for you—don't miss out on an easy walk in the world's oldest desert.

Located about a 10-minute drive north of the city center, this elegant guesthouse is incredibly popular for its stylish simplicity and great service. The aesthetic is minimalist chic, with polished concrete floors and a color scheme of sage and olive with well-placed details like beautiful handmade tiles and Moroccan-style lanterns. Attention to detail and thoughtful treats for guests are a specialty here (e.g., honeymooners can expect bubbly and flower petals). Families are also welcome; the humongous and super luxurious executive suite is an absolute stunner.

This centrally located establishment is right on the water's edge and along the palm-lined promenade, which means you can look out onto the Walvis Bay Lagoon from all of the rooms (but the junior suite) and the restaurant. There is a short pier just in front of the hotel, which makes for a great spot to watch or photograph the resident flamingos and pelicans.

This pleasant and affordable lodge about 25 km (15½ miles) south of Etosha's Anderson Gate makes a great base for exploring the park. Experienced guides take you on the lodge's all-day drive in an open game vehicle with a great picnic included (six people max per vehicle). Cheerful well-appointed double rooms are set among green lawns and old mopane and seringa trees. The restaurant serves excellent house-cooked food and specializes in fine South African wines. Kids under six stay free with their parents.