The Namibia Experience

In Windhoek? Here’s a very much recommended home away from home.

Well, you can’t really visit Namibia without spending some time in the capital Windhoek. Ok, so you won’t have the astonishing landscapes, or the sound of silence or that wonderful, soul-searching sense of being alone whilst you’re staying in the big city; but Hotel Pension Moni will surely keep you satisfied. It’s almost central, lying in a blissfully quiet no through road between two of the main southern approaches into the city; and close, close, close to all of Windhoek’s amenities and attractions.
What do you get? Well Moni is spread over two floors, all the thirteen rooms are ensuite, and of course these days, non-smoking, each of good dimensions and fitted out in the manner that only a clever eye and pure good taste can provide. And that’s down to owner and proprietoress Marita for she is quite an artistic girl…

It was just four years ago that husband and wife team Andries (Le Grange) and Marita (Schneider) invested in Hotel Pension Moni, taking over from its original proprietors. The Moni was established in 1993 and the new owners quickly realised that major renovations were very necessary to bring things up-to-date and keep ahead of the opposition; a nice touch here is that the fresh title-holders kept tariff rates unchanged for their complete first year in order to reward guests, especially those loyal enough to return, since such refit was deemed a necessity by the new-found, enthusiastic Pension blood. The rest can also pass for history; everybody was delighted with the changes and upgrade. The return rate for guests rises year on year, with word of mouth constantly spinning its magic, ensuring a pretty constant stream of satisfied visitors. And a bonus too for all those who tarry awhile at Moni is that Andries, by profession a practising accountant, always manages to get his Euro exchange forecasts spot on and thus ensure all his guests a fair deal!

The beauty of Moni lies not just in its tasteful rooms and decor, not in its cool, cool pool or even in its pretty, winter gardens, but in its closeness to the capital itself, with its thronging people, its busy vibe, its many attraction and amenities - all just a stroll away. Evenings may well see you enjoying a sundowner at the Pension’s licensed bar before strolling into the city for dinner. Then back to rest awhile - noting Moni’s slogan, ‘Tranquillity in the heart of the city’ - and greet the new day in Marita’s bright, attractive breakfast room; there’s even an internet corner for the computer aficionados amongst you, whilst breakfast tastes pretty good too. The atmosphere at Moni is great, the staff are cheerful, the place has a nice vibe - and that’s all down to the hostess with the mostest, Marita Schneider, also a recently published poet. So we’ll let the lady herself best sum it up: “Stay with once and you’ll always return, stay with us a second time and you’ll be coming ‘home’ as part of our growing family of satisfied guests!”

INFO BOX

Directions: Hotel Pension Moni is situated in central Windhoek at 7 Rieks van der Walt Street. Approach from Feld Street via either Jan Jonker or Lazarett Street.
Rooms: There are 13 ensuite rooms mostly pool facing of which 3 are family rooms and one of the family rooms is wheelchair friendly. All rooms are equipped with the comforts of home and wireless Internet can be accessed at a minimal fee.
Rates: From N$332.50 per person sharing, valid from 01/11/08 until 31/10/09; discounted rates and business rates can be negotiated with management.
Activities: Bird watching in the tranquil garden, where up to 14 garden species can be spotted. Alternatively you can grab a book at the mini exchange library. Day trips and transfers can be arranged at reception and they gladly prepare breakfast or lunch packs for early starters. Then just a gentle stroll will find a wealth of activities in the city; restaurants, shops, parks, museums, art galleries, city tours and much more.
Contact details: PO Box: 2805, Windhoek Central, Namibia.
Tel: +264 (61) 228350 ◊ Fax: +264 (61) 227124
◊ E-Mail: reswhk@monihotel.com ◊ Website: www.monihotel.com

© Copyright Neil and Brenda Digby-Clarke. October 2008. All rights reserved.