Cornerstone Apartments: Our full report
In the heart of Swakopmund, the owners of Cornerstone Guesthouse run three individual private apartments.
All are self-catering, with three double bedrooms, a balcony and sea views, but each has its own unique feel.For many travellers, Swakopmund offers a chance to relax and unwind in the middle of a long road trip around Namibia. In establishing their three self-catering apartments, the welcoming owners of Cornerstone Guesthouse have recognised the need for a greater sense of privacy and freedom for families and groups holidaying together.
Although the Expert Africa team has not stayed in the apartments, we have worked for many years with the owners of Cornerstone, which is where apartment guests check in on arrival.
Each of the apartments is finished to a high specification, with three double bedrooms – one en suite, and the other two sharing a second bathroom. You’ll also find a lounge with satellite TV, a fully equipped kitchen and – to the appreciation of many travellers – your own laundry facilities. A garage is also standard (albeit a tight squeeze at Moringa Gardens), so your vehicle can be securely locked away.
- Barely a stone’s throw from the main swimming beach, and just five minutes’ walk from the town centre, An Der Mole is fronted by the town’s promenade and public gardens. Set in a block that is constructed in tiers to maximise the sea views, it features a huge balcony complete with sunloungers and barbecue.
Inside, a palette of soft greys and shades of blue conveys a sense of calm and tranquillity, enhanced by light wooden floors topped with neutral rugs. Guests come together in a spacious, open-plan kitchen/living area. - Further south, the beachfront Atlantik Sicht is near to the aquarium and the popular Tug Restaurant, and just a short walk from the town. Polished wooden floors and chairs and bar stools of chrome and plastic convey a strong Scandinavian feel. The balcony here may be smaller but guests benefit from a small, sea-facing garden, also with a barbecue and sunloungers – a great spot to watch the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
- The rather traditional air of the deep-ochre building belies the interior of Moringa Gardens, a lofty penthouse apartment with cool tiled floors and high, wood-clad ceilings. Contemporary black and chrome furniture is offset by a sand-coloured décor, enlivened by pops of vibrant colour in cushions and floor rugs. The location is quiet yet close to the town centre, and about a ten-minute walk to the sea.
Our view
Our in-depth knowledge of Swakopmund and familiarity with Cornerstone Guesthouse makes us confident that these three apartments are well placed for families and groups of friends.
Namibia expert
Geographics
- Location
- Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
- Ideal length of stay
- 2–3 nights
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Room Only
- Food quality
- Breakfast may be taken at Cornerstone Guesthouse by arrangement.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome in all three apartments
- Generally recommended for children
- These self-catering apartments are generally suitable for families.
- Notes
- Each apartment has a balcony, where younger children would need to be supervised.
Communications
- Communications
- Free Wi-Fi is available in each of the apartments.
- TV & radio
- All three apartments have satellite TV.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- Swakopmund's private Cottage Hospital is only a short walk or drive from Cornerstone’s three apartments.
Quadbike warning: Quadbiking is sometimes available as an activity from Cornerstone Guesthouse. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quadbike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Quad-biking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Each apartment has a washing machine and tumble drier
- Money
- The Cornerstone team do not offer currency exchange. As you will have exclusive use f the apartments during your stay there are no safes.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cornerstone Guesthouse accepts Visa and MasterCard, but not Amex or travellers' cheques. Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars or South African rand.
Other lodges in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Cornerstone Guesthouse
Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small friendly B&B in a peaceful residential area. It's just a short walk from Swkopmund's waterfront & amenities.
Sam's Giardino
Welcoming, professionally run, and mildly eccentric, Sam’s Giardino lifts the level of hospitality in Swakopmund to unusual heights.
Strand Hotel
One of the larger hotels in Swakopmund, the Strand is well-placed on the seafront with good access to restaurants and the centre of town.
The Stiltz
Not your typical guesthouse, The Stiltz occupies a glorious location over the Swakop River on the edge of Swakopmund.
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita is a beautifully renovated B&B in the heart of Swakopmund, with comfortable, well-appointed rooms, and friendly and attentive staff.
Beach Lodge
Right on the sea front, Beach Lodge offers good standard accommodation and its own restaurant, 15 minutes’ drive from Swakopmund.
Lagoon Lodge
Lagoon Lodge is a quirky little guesthouse located right on the edge of Walvis Bay Lagoon, a good spot for watching the flamingoes that frequent the area.
The Delight
Colourful and contemporary in style, The Delight is a relatively large hotel within a short walk of Swakopmund's waterfront, restaurants and main attractions.
Swakopmund Guesthouse
Swakopmund Guesthouse is a family-run B&B, boasting comfortable and high-quality rooms with a maritime touch.
Brigadoon
In a quiet residential location, Brigadoon is conveniently located for the Swakopmund waterfront and amenities.
Hansa Hotel
With a very central location in Swakopmund, the traditional Hansa Hotel is reliably good, though it is quite formal.
Secret Garden
Secret Garden Guesthouse is well located in the centre of Swakopmund not far from the sea. With a seaside feel, it has its own small restaurant and bar.
Sea Breeze
Just north of Swakopmund, the delightful Sea Breeze Guesthouse is bright and well-looked after with welcoming and helpful owners.
Organic Square
Organic Square is a modern guesthouse across two properties in the centre of Swakopmund.
Desert Breeze
Not your typical Swakopmund guesthouse, Desert Breeze occupies a glorious location overlooking the Swakop River and the desert beyond.
Pelican Point Lodge
Pelican Point Lodge sits on a remote peninsula offering panoramic views of the ocean and is only accessible by 4WD or boat.
Namib Guesthouse
The Namib Guesthouse is a small, modern B&B, set in Swakopmund's peaceful Kramersdorf area. It's just a short walk from the coast and many amenities.
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.
Pearls Beach Pods
With a beachfront location, superb sea views and easy access to the amenities of Swakopmund, The Pearls Beach Pods combine privacy with a high standard of luxury.
