Desert Sands Boutique B&B | Self-Catering

This was our second stay at this property with our family, but unfortunately the quality has declined significantly and it can no longer be considered a boutique experience. A more appropriate rating would be around 3.5, not 8+. The following issues seriously affected our stay: • The wooden roofing has become mouldy and smells unpleasant. • The carpets are dirty and dusty. • Several sitting-room cushions are torn or have broken zips but are still being used • We were originally booked into Apartment 14, but the receptionist placed us in a different unit without explanation or discussion. • The apartment was not properly cleaned before check-in — there was hair and dust inside the wardrobes, and despite notifying reception, this was never addressed. • Bottled water is never refilled • The property does not follow its own towel-change policy (every second day). • We experienced dishonesty from the cleaning staff: food was taken from our room without permission. The explanations given were inconsistent — one cleaner said the food was thrown away because it was “watery,” while another said they were told to eat it by another room. • After we raised this issue, our room was not cleaned the following day, which felt punitive and unprofessional. • Off course the parking is like entering a maze, Overall, the experience was disappointing and far below the standard expected for the price and rating. We hope management takes these concerns seriously and improves service and maintenance for future guests.

I’ll start off with the positives: beds and bathroom was clean and they gave us complimentary breakfast for all the hassles caused during our stay. I can’t say whether the breakfast is worth it as I’m not sure how much it costs. Nice view from apartment. Now for the bad, and there’s a lot…Entrance gate was broken and had to be manually pushed. We were pestered by some beggars outside the property while parked inside the parking. The exit is so narrow and difficult with a bakkie. On check in at 15:20 we were met with confusion, as our rooms (2 bedroom and studio) had been given to someone else on a tour group who they couldn’t contact supposedly. After a lot of back and forth, they decided to give us a 3 bedroom apartment and another room. By this point we already feel uncomfortable with this place. The 3 bedroom apartment was run down. The apartment itself is quite nice layout and has a lot of potential. We noticed missing light fittings, broken shower door, loose taps, musty/damp bathroom, fridge smelled terrible, TV not working, the toilet upstairs continually leaked water. I mentioned these issues to the lady that checked us in and all she could say is that they don’t have another room to put us in. To be honest, we didn’t feel comfortable/safe in this apartment but couldn’t put a finger on it. To add the cherry to the top, our vehicle was smash and grabbed in the parking lot! Despite there being a security guard and cameras. Absolutely unsafe. After looking at security footage, looks like the guy walked around freely in the parking area (parking area isn’t that large). According to the police, the same thing happened at this establishment a few weeks ago. Worst possible end to our first trip to Namibia. We left Swakop with a bad taste.

What a wonderful stay. Super staff, really nice facilities. We booked last minute and after so long on the road camping, to have such a comfortable welcoming place to stay was a godsend. Room is very clean, very well equipped and the staff is ready to help with absolutely anything. I can't thank them enough.

We really enjoyed the friendly staff and great easy, stylish and clean accommodation. It was a slick operation and it was a really comfy bed and lovely shower after a long day driving! Will say again. - the staff were friendly and lovely to us. Highly recommended place to stay.

We stayed here for three nights and loved it. It’s great location, walkable to everything Swakopmund has to offer. Staff was fantastic and so helpful is booking activities for us as well giving recommendations. The soundproofing in the rooms is not good, we could hear other guest etc. besides that, it was a great stay.

Fairly pleasant stay Staff super friendly and helpful. Place conveniently situated and safe. Well equipped. Aircon did not work though. Couldn’t get it fixed in our 2 days of stay, which was a bit of an inconvenience. Housekeeping not quite up to standard. Alternative solutions could’ve been offered as a nice hospitality gesture.

It was very modern and accessible. Also so spacious and beautiful decorated!!! Loved staying there!!!

Close to city center and restaurants. Beach is in walking distance.

Perfectly acceptable accommodations in Swakop. I would especially recommend it for families as they have a 3 bedroom option. We had breakfast only 1 of the days and it was pretty good, very friendly service. Only downsides are that the soundproofing is non-existent and the breakfast did not open on time one morning making for a hungry bunch before our tour. For couples, I'd probably recommend elsewhere, for families I'd certainly consider it.