Hammerstein Lodge — Hotel in Hardap

If you are looking for a quiet little lodge where you can relax, then this accommodation is not for you! We had hoped for accommodation that wasn't too big with just a few rooms, as we were used to from previous lodges during our two-week stay in Namibia. We were then shocked to discover that this was not a "disconnect from the daily grind" in a "tranquil environment" as the website promises, but apparently a cooperation partner hotel for travel companies that is designed for large group tours. During our stay there were 4 large tour groups (15+ participants) and we counted at least 3 coaches in the parking lot. Most of them were German, French and Chinese tour groups. The disadvantage of large tour groups is that they take over all the shared public spaces such as the pool area and talk (or shout) loudly across the pool and you have absolutely no peace and quiet. Unfortunately, the tour group from the Far East also regularly snotted on the paths and in the garden. There were only a few other individual travelers besides us - but mainly large groups. The dining room was designed for groups with large dining tables. This lodge has 75 (!) rooms, most of them double rooms and additionally several campsites, which means that the lodge probably has capacity for around 200 people and is therefore more like a hotel bunker than a quiet, secluded lodge. One tour group had pitched their tents right next to the pool, which we found annoying.

Another minus point is that there is no WiFi reception except in the lobby! There is no internet connection in the rooms.

This is a great pity, as Hammerstein Lodge actually has a lot of potential. It is in a somewhat remote but very beautiful and idyllic location surrounded by a mountain panorama. The rooms are very spacious and practically furnished. There is everything you need. Sockets with Euro plugs for which you don't need an adapter, a shelf by the bed, reading lamps, a hairdryer, air conditioning, soap, shower gel, shampoo and body lotion. There is also a practical kitchen and a private terrace with its own braai/BBQ station. There are plenty of chairs, a comfortable couch, a writing/dressing table, a large mirror and a high quality bathroom with a large shower. The hot water was reliable if a little low on water pressure. The pool area is nice but was constantly crowded (20+ people). The lobby is spacious with plenty of comfortable seating and complimentary coffee and tea. The dining room is huge and also has a very nice ambience. The food tastes very good for mass catering! We found the dancing and singing by the local staff at the end to collect tips a little strange. Here, too, we felt strongly reminded of organized bus group tours.

We would not stay here again, but those traveling in large groups may feel...

Review of Hammerstein Lodge

We recently stayed at Hammerstein Lodge as part of a longer trip through Namibia and unfortunately, this was the low point of an otherwise exceptional journey.

At check-in, the information provided was vague, slow, and unhelpful. We were made to feel that asking for basic guidance was an inconvenience. When we enquired about activities, we were disappointed to find that what is advertised as a “signed hiking trail” was in fact not available unless booked as a paid guided walk. Likewise, when we asked about driving the track behind the lodge, we were told it’s restricted to the paid Sundowner Tour only. It felt unnecessarily restrictive, especially compared to the welcoming access offered at other lodges we stayed in.

The most unpleasant moment, however, came on the morning of our second day. At 8:45 a.m. we were chased to settle our bill and even told we had “missed the 8 a.m. deadline” to pay on the day of departure. The problem was, it wasn’t our departure day—we still had another night booked. Rather than acknowledge this, the receptionist (Cristina) later claimed the booking paperwork was poorly written. This was not the case—we had seen the email confirmation at check-in, and the details were perfectly clear. The way this was handled felt unprofessional and needlessly confrontational.

On a positive note, the accommodation itself was spacious and comfortable. Unfortunately this contrast made the food offering feel even poorer—limited choice, uninspiring meals, and the weakest of all the lodges we experienced in Namibia.

Overall, Hammerstein Lodge had potential, but the service—particularly at reception—fell far short of the warm, professional hospitality we encountered everywhere else in the country. With some basic improvements in communication, flexibility, and guest care, this lodge could offer much more, but as it stands, we left with disappointment rather than...

No one who has visited the Hammerstein Lodge would accuse it of being a luxury property with the latest décor, it's very dated in terms of it's looks and facilities, but what it lacks in facilities and interior design it makes up for in friendliness and a keenness to make guests feel welcome. Check in was smooth and efficient. Our room was basic, with no TV, safe, fridge or Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi is supposed to be available in reception, but I couldn’t connect there either during my two-night stay. The room did have a small wardrobe, mosquito net, small bathroom with a shower. Lighting and power sockets in the room were good, and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was small and basic, but fine for a couple of nights with a shower, sink and toilet. Breakfast and dinner are buffets, the food was tasty, wholesome, and plentiful. Service was excellent. We found the same level of service in the well stocked bar. We were especially grateful to Oliver at Reception, after he booked us a game drive at short notice where in a neighbouring game reserve we saw white rhinos, jackals, zebra, wildebeests, and elands, before enjoying a sundowner beer. The game drives although extra are very much recommended, I also went on another one. The location of the Hammerstein Lodge is good for exploring the dunes and other attractions in the Sossusvlei area, but the Hammerstein Lodge is in a remote location, there is nothing nearby bar a few other places to stay. If you want luxury and all mod cons then this place doesn’t fit that description, but if want a warm welcome and just a place to lay your head while you explore the region or just pass through, this lodge will...