(14 rooms, including honeymoon suite, 3 flats) 4 Verdi St, PO Box 6784, Windhoek; tel: 061 221994; fax: 061 222574; email: villav@mweb.com.na; web: www.villa-verdi.com
In many ways this place off John Meinert St set the standards for small hotels in Windhoek in 1994. The stylish use of ethnic décor and African art broke the mould of the standard, traditional German pensions, and made this instantly into Windhoek's artiest and, arguably, best small pension. Although still owned by André Louw, it is now managed by Yvonne and Craig.

All the rooms have a different theme, mostly following Namibia's different tribes. All are non-smoking. Each has double or twin beds, bath or shower, TV with Mnet, direct-dial phones, minibar/fridge, and electric blankets for the winter. AC is planned in the near future for half the rooms. Snacks are available all day by the small splash-pool, and dinner – at N$95 for a 3-course meal – is available in the evening if you request it in advance. As Villa Verdi is often booked up, advance reservations are essential.