Spitzkoppen Lodge

The Namibian staff were the ones who kept our stay going. Ana handled things from day one and even came out in the middle of the night to help. Naomi in the restaurant was attentive without hovering, Georges was warm and left the bar to help with a technical problem, and Abraham worked hard on the hot water and safe. Petrus was a wonderful guide, sharing the culture and history of Spitzkoppe with real generosity and sensitivity. The setting is extraordinary. The rock formations, changing light and wildlife, including zebras by the entrance, were unforgettable. It also felt as if staying at Spitzkoppen Lodge was the only way to really experience the site, since access seemed to be reserved for guests. The lodge itself fell well short of the setting and its very high price. Even though our reservation was confirmed, nobody seemed to be expecting us, and we were left waiting at the gate. Our room wasn't ready, and the first one we were given hadn't been cleaned: there was hair in the shower, missing amenities, no hot water and a broken safe. We had to switch rooms several times. One move happened in the middle of the night because something on the roof had broken, and the wind made it impossible to sleep. Those problems took a lot away from the stay. The owners offered no real apology, special attention or commercial gesture. When we explained what had happened, they didn't seem to listen or show empathy, and gave no sign they would reconsider the situation. One even said, “it’s perfect,” which told us plenty about how our concerns were being handled. The location is what you pay for here. The rooms, management and owners' attitude don't match the price or suggest a high-end hotel experience. That's a shame, because with management that matched the place and the team's dedication, Spitzkoppen Lodge could be exceptional.