Windhoek has a range of places to suit different budgets, from four-star hotels to backpackers' dorms. Hardly any are run down or seedy, so you are unlikely to find yourself in a dive. Prices range upwards from about N$150 per person, sharing a double room with its own toilet and bathroom. Single travellers will usually pay about 30–50% more. Dormitory beds at backpackers' lodges cost around N$40–50.

The dividing line between hotels and pensions/guesthouses used here is somewhat artificial: one of atmosphere rather than title or price. Hotels tend to be larger and more expensive, but often have more amenities: you can be more anonymous and blend into the scenery. Windhoek's pensions and guesthouses are smaller, often family-run, and usually more friendly and personal. See also the general comments in Chapter 4, pages 60–1. The larger hotels invariably put on extensive spreads for their meals. Eat-as-much-as-you-can buffet meals, especially breakfasts, are the norm.

Since there are so many choices of accommodation in Windhoek they have been broken down and listed underinto their various categories and areas in the left hand navigation bar.