Background
When it opened three years ago, the Hilton Windhoek became the first 5-star hotel property to open in the Namibian capital.
Where Is It?
You’ll find the hotel in the city centre, on the corner of Reverend Michael Scott Street and Sam Nujoma Drive. The hotel is three kilometres from the Nampower Convention Center, five kilometres from Eros Airport for domestic flights, and 42 kilometres from Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Room Facilities
The hotel operates 150 rooms over eight floors. The rooms are split between Double and King guestrooms, King Deluxe rooms, King Diplomatic and Presidential suites, and King Executive suites, a few of which offer a private garden. My King guestroom on the second floor was just what I expected from a 5-star hotel – large, comfy bed, fully-stocked minibar, tea-and-coffee station, air-conditioning, oversized bath, large shower, luxury toiletries, flat-screen TV with a selection of satellite channels, and a comfortable work station with an office chair. I really liked the recess lighting, which offered sufficient illumination, while making the room and bathroom look really sophisticated. The toilet cubicle was fitted with a night light, which could be operated from the comfort of the bed, so the room could be safely navigated without switching on the harsh bedside or overhead lights. I was also impressed by the addition of a bedside alarm clock. As someone who uses a radio alarm at home, I am often irritated at having to wake up to the buzzing of a cell phone when at a hotel. Room service is offered 24 hours a day. I chose to eat in my room on my first night and was impressed with the rump steak. It was cooked just the way I like steak – medium well – and served with a generous side salad and mushroom sauce. Internet is available, although it’s a little pricy starting at $7.50 for one hour or $185 or 24 hours; there is a connection at each room’s work station. Free Wi-Fi is offered in reception.
Restuarants & Bars
You’re spoilt for choice on this front. On the ground floor is Centrum, a coffee shop which serves light meals. On the mezzanine is Ekipa, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets; Kalabar, with more of a sports bar feel; and D’vine, a wine and sushi bar. On the rooftop is Skybar, with excellent view of the city, serving a range of beverages and meals. At Ekipa I breakfasted on scrambled eggs, grilled mushrooms and bacon, with a pot of rooibos tea – all very tasty. There was also a range of pastries, breads and cereals, as well as an omelette station. I really liked the take-away table at the restaurant’s entrance, where you could help yourself to a cup of coffee and a muffin on the way out. I grabbed an empty cup which I filled the following morning with coffee from my room for a pre-dawn departure.
Business & Meeting Facilities
There are five meeting and conference rooms on the ground floor, ranging in size from a 26-seater boardroom to a 350-person ballroom. Guests booked into executive rooms on the seventh and eighth floors have access to an executive lounge on the rooftop. Open from 07h00 to 23h00, there are two computer stations available, as well as a variety of food and drinks on offer throughout the day.
Leisure Facilities
On the rooftop, level nine, you’ll find a fitness room with gym equipment, an outdoor pool and the Breeze Spa. I indulged in a full body massage, which worked some of the tightness from my shoulders and put some moisture back into my dry skin. A wonderful way to spend a spare hour, if you have one. During the summer months, the hotel hosts a braai (barbeque) on the rooftop, for guests and locals, every Friday starting at 17h00. The restaurants also often hold special theme evenings, if you’re looking for something to do without having to go out.
Verdict
I was impressed with the level of service and product on offer. For the business traveller, there really isn’t much more you could want from a hotel.
Kate Kennedy
Contact
Address: Reverend Michael Scott Street & Sam Nujumo Drive
Tel: +264 61 296 2929
Email: wdhhi.reservations@hilton.com
Website: www.hilton.com