Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel

Location: Mossel Bay, In the heart of The Garden Route, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, 6500, Mossel Bay, ZA

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.

Amenities & Facilities

• Boat tours nearby
• Parasailing nearby
• Fireplace in lobby
• Free WiFi
• Terrace
• Garden
• Designated smoking area
• Wheelchair accessible
• ATM/banking
• Conference space
• Snorkeling nearby
• Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
• Fireplace in lobby
• Sailing nearby
• Scuba diving nearby
• Breakfast available (surcharge)
• Television in common areas
• Library
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Parasailing nearby
• Skydiving nearby
• Wedding services
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Conference center
• Free self parking
• Computer station
• Boat tours nearby
• Private beach nearby
• Cave exploring/spelunking nearby

Rooms Available

• Executive Room

  1 King Bed

  215-sq-foot room with beach views

  
  

  Layout - Separate sitting area

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Separate sitting area
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Family Room

  1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

  215-sq-foot room with ocean and mountain views

  
  

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Executive Suite

  1 King Bed

  215-sq-foot room with beach and ocean views

  
  

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Double Room Single Use

  1 Double Bed

  194-sq-foot room with beach views

  
  

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Superior Double Room

  1 King Bed

  215-sq-foot room with beach and mountain views

  
  

  Layout - Separate sitting area

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, and rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Separate sitting area
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Single Room

  1 Twin Bed

  75-sq-foot room with ocean views

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Toilet paper
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Standard Double Room

  1 Double Bed

  54-sq-foot room with beach and ocean views

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shower with a rainfall showerhead

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Toilet paper
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

• Standard Twin Room

  1 Twin Bed

  108-sq-foot room with beach views

  
  

  Sleep - Bed sheets

  Bathroom - Shared bathroom, towels, and toilet paper

  Practical - Safe; rollaway beds (free) available on request

  Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Toilet paper
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • No cribs (infant beds)
  • Bedsheets provided
  • No housekeeping

Guest Reviews

• Arnd (8/5): - Booking was flexible. Price was cheap. Breakfast was good and included. Accomodation was very very simple. Shared shower and Toilette in separate cabins.
• Loraine (10/5): - Having a sea view all the time was an highlight for me The cabin windows was difficult to open and close
• Monika (10/5): - It was unique bc you sleep in a train. And the view to the beach is spectacular.
• Verified traveler (8/5): Akzeptabel für 1 Übernachtung - Unterkunft entspricht den Erwartungen; Bett war ok; Lage gut, gute Parkmöglichkeiten; für eine Übernachtung in den Royal-Abteilen akzeptabel, sonst tatsächlich Hostel-Standard. Hot Breakfast ok, der Rest ist mäßig.
• Olaf (10/5): - In einem Zugabteil zu übernachten, den Wellen beim Schwappen an den Strand aus dem Fenster zusehen, das Rauschen des Ozeans in den Ohren. Das alles gibt es für wirklich kleines Geld. Zwei ungewöhnliche und schöne Nächte haben wir hier verbracht. Nix für Luxustouristen - für uns perfekt.
• Amanda (8/5): Fond Memories on a train - Beautiful and nostalgic for overnight stay. Food service and staff is great
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Loved it, especially falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Great breakfast too.
• Luke (10/5): Amazing experience! - Amazing experience staying on the train, perfect location right next to the beach and beautiful decoration! Could have done with ceiling fans as windows let bugs in but otherwise the perfect stay!
• Janya (6/5): - No wifi in the rooms. Faulty plug in room 42. Continental breakfast was lovely. Overall stay was good.
• Verified traveler (8/5): For a novel night, it’s fun! Whooo woooo! - We enjoyed our stay and breakfast - at an excellent price - but unfortunately my food at dinner - tagliatelli - was glutinous and almost inedible, so I sent back twice as much as I ate. Be aware that not all compartments have a sea view.
• Japie (10/5): - The uniqueness
• Jan (8/5): - Wir hatten 2x Royal Suiten und 1x Günstigste Kategorie gebucht. Die Suiten waren super und der Aufenthalt war ein Erlebnis der extra klasse. Blick auf das Meer aus dem Bett aus ( aber nur bei einer Suite). Kleine nette Lokale fußläufig Richtung Hafen 5 Minuten entfernt. Ich würde hier noch mal übernachten aber auch mindestens in einer Suite außer man möchte einen Hostel Vibe erleben und teilt sich gerne die Bäder mit anderen.
• Hubert (8/5): - I enjoyed it
• Erika (10/5): - War ein Erlebnis, echt cool. Direkt am Strand
• H M (10/5): Fantastic train accommodation and service - Excellent accommodation and service
• P.M. (10/5): Nice stay almost on the beach - Even though we were not "moving", it brought back childhood memories of the days we could go on a cheap 'sleep" train. Beautiful view from compartment windows and lovely balcony too.
• Kirstin Silke Imme-Mariel (8/5): - A special experience. Very nice staff Good breakfast
• MEV WJ (10/5): - It was amazing as always to stay at Santos Express. The staff is great. Good food, great views and a great location
• Gina (4/5): - Leider war unser Zimmer beim Check-in nicht mehr verfügbar (wir wollten um 15.00 Uhr einchecken und hatten ein Zimmer mit eigenem Bad gebucht). Sie wollten uns dann in eine Kabine mit zwei Einzelbetten & ohne Bad verschieben, das kam für uns nicht in Frage. Das gute war, dass sie und danach ein Apartment in der nähe organisiert haben. Trotzdem MEGA schade, da wir uns riesig auf die Nacht im Zug gefreut hatten.
• Gerhard (8/5): - Sehr schöne Zimmer - wohnten im Deluxe ROYAL A Wagon
• Hanns (8/5): - A train
• Catherina (10/5): - It is a novelty idea and we really enjoyed it. Staff was very friendly and had a wonderful sense of humour. Will go back there any time!
• Katharine (8/5): - Quite basic accommodation, but I thought it was fun, and enjoyed looking out over the sea from my bed. Worth paying for the upper class cabin with en suite. A good place to stay if you need a bed in Mossel Bay.
• Herbert (10/5): - Ótima acomodação, situada na beira da praia, uma relíquia os itens do trem. Muito interessante e única. Deixou a desejar apenas o café da manhã, pois a parte inclusa na diária não oferece muita, então temos que pagar a mais.
• Roland (10/5): What a pearl ! - What a pearl , fun and very cheap Position on the beach, just a place to remember fondly
• Oscar (6/5): - La ventana no Cerraba bien y al ser invierno entraba frio.
• Jens (10/5): - Schlafen im alten Zug, 10 m zum Strand, Blick vom Bett aufs mehr im Hintergrund Berge, mehr gibt’s glaub ich nichts zu sagen. Eigene Terrasse mit Grill war auch vorhanden. Das Zug ist natürlich mehr für Abenteuer gedacht als für Leite die die perfekte Unterkunft suchen. Wir blieben in einem der Besseren Zimmer mit eigenem Bad, Abteil D.
• Sabine (6/5): Schlafen im Zug - Tolle, einfache, individuelle UL am beach, nur leider für den afrikanischen Winter viel zu kalt, zugig und ohne Heizung.
• Michel (10/5): - Beautiful view of the breach. The hotel receptionist is amazing! We felt like we had a loving mother taking care of us! The calmars at the hostel restaurant was great. At the breakfast, the bread (made on-site) was awesome! Would definitely stay there again anytime!
• Sibylle (10/5): - What a great idea! We absolutely loved this extraordinary accommodation. It was like a little throw-back in time!
• Christian (8/5): - Preis/Leistung super!
• Raymond (10/5): Great experience on The Santos Express - Really enjoyed my stay on The Santos Express train Royal coach. Very unique experience . Right next to the beach . Great outdoor space . Falling asleep to the sound of the sea and waking up to amazing view of the sea
• Tim (10/5): - Sehr coole und besondere Unterkunft, nettes Personal, gutes und günstiges Essen mit tollen Blick!
• MNR SW (10/5): - We loved staying at the Santos Express. The staff were all very friendly and everything was clean. During the Ironman Weekend the restaurant might look at offering a different pasta menu for the athletes staying at the train.
• Robin (8/5): - water in shower could be more warm, but anything else was very good.
• Billy (10/5): - Different and interesting
• Gina (8/5): - The rooms have a nice view. The staff is very busy.
• Bidvest (10/5): Happy train - We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in a unique compartment, right on the beach
• John (8/5): A room with a view. - We arrived early, about 1 o'clock. Instead of the reception lady just politely pointing it out, she made an issue about it. We went to town and upon our return, the new receptionist so the complete opposite. She was friendly, helpful and a real tonic. Hope she gets promotion over the sour person whom first attended to us. My friend who was travelling with me had never slept on a train before so this experience was for him. We each had a coupe and loved it. The view from the window was spectacular. Its cheap and was pleasant and an unusual experience and something I would only do once.
• Jarkko (10/5): Elämys, muisto ja siisti kokemus junassa. - Todella hienosti ylläpidetty ja selkein ohjein vanhassa kaukojunassa makuupaikoilla. Näkymät rannalle ja kesäinen tuuli auringolla. Onhan se matkamuistona huikea. Ystävällinen, kotoisa henkilökunta, joka antaa persoonallisuutensa asiakkaille iloksi. Hieno kokemus. Sopii hyvin pohjois-eurooppalaisille matkailijoille.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Es hat uns gut gefallen, dass Personal war sehr nett!
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Its next to the beach,its close to town,the staff is frendly and willing to asist with our need
• Verified traveler (6/5): Tiny room with a best view. - The train room is very small. However, that is nice to have a beach view next to you.
• Verified traveler (8/5): A Good night's sleeper - If you like sleeper trains you will surely enjoy a stay at Santos, a rake of sleeper carriages right on the beach.
• Wing Sze (8/5): Water pressure not too good. - The stay is fine. Walking distance to good restaurant. But the water pressure is not good enough. But it is satisfied with this price.
• Rosa (8/5): Nice unusual stay - Really nice unusual place to sleep for one night. The view of the beach and sea was beautiful. However we booked a double room and got single beds instead. Breakfast was included but had only sweet like strawberry jam, honey or marmalade for spreads. No cheese, ham or any savory. With the toast you could also choose for fruit, yoghurt and a small muffin. the room was really clean!
• Latif (4/5): Discusting stay - Very small room, noisy doors and you can hear if someone touch the devition between compartment or talks. at night nois of the door can break your sleep. Smeeeling bedding, no direct access to beach. Breakfast was terrible. I just head fruit but it was rotten.
• Verified traveler (8/5): My overnight stay - My experience was really good. I have to mention that the light just outside our window, had a lot of spider webs, making it not so nice to leave the window open to admire the beautiful sea view. The light also attracted aLot of insects causing the insects to enter the cabin. Otherwise vey happy.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Eu adorei o Hostel, a cabine com 1 cama, mesinha, tomada, janela bem funcionais. No local tem um restaurante com comidas saborosas. Localizada em uma das mais belas praias da região.
• Joseph (8/5): Santos train stay. - The stay was nice in general. The mattress was too hard and we ran out of hot water in the shower. The restuarant was good and staaf is friendly. There was also a smell which was not too nice. Not sure if I will stay there again.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Its very cheap and its close to the sea and the harbour. The only thing i didn't like was the time service takes in the restaurant. Food takes hours to get to the table.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - You get what you sign up for with this property! It's an old train so it is rustic and we chose the option of shared bathroom/toilet which were clean and had lots of hot water. We did visit in off-season so it was relatively quiet. This property is right on the beach so the view from the attached restaurant and bar are great.
• shaun (8/5): Stay - The place is a bit small and did not like the fact that we had no three point plug connection. The shower could be made smaller with a shower curtain as our clothes got wet
• Mary-Ann (4/5): 2.5 stars for me - 2.5 stars for me
• Koot (10/5): Lekker - Lekker
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Nice staff, but largely incapable (particularly in the restaurant). The train/ hostel is old and it shows, but it’s clean.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We were pleasantly surprised by the Santos Express. We will surely advise our friends to use it and we will definately return.
• Maria (10/5): - very good
• Freda (10/5): Fantastic Experience - Awesome lodge, food is great and reasonable. The sounds of the ocean and the night breeze was incredible.....
• Jackie (10/5): Wil be back soon - A great destination to relax. The view of the beach and cleanliness of the area is amazing. Santos staff friendly and very helpful. The deck of the restaurant needs a bit of TLC
• Laurika (10/5): get on the sea train - great experience - right next to the ocean
• Sandy P (10/5): Unique beach front stay - Booked a Royal Suite, lovely suprisingly spacious bedroom with a little claw bath and shower. The view from the deck of the beach was lovely and tranquil. It was peaceful and relaxing, there was a bar and restaurant attached. WiFi was available only in the bar and office area, not the train. Secure parking close by.
• Kornelia (10/5): Something very different than usuall - Superb
• Norbert (10/5): very different - was a very special accomodation, on a train, room is very small but clean, direct on the beach, small breakfast included, nice deck, small restaurant with cheap delicious food,
• Christian (8/5): Very bad security - We have been stolen during the night, somebody enter by the window. No security, don t go!
• Verified traveler (2/5): - Booked a "Royal Suite": Noisy, Uncomfortable, Unable to sleep.
• Frank (10/5): Great Find! - Loved this place! Found it by chance on the internet and was surprised at how low the price was. Because of the low price, I had decided to check it out and stay somewhere else if it appeared dingy or unsafe. I was very pleasantly surprised by how cute, convenient and affordable it turned out to be. Then I discovered that a continental breakfast was included in the price! This cannot be beat! You share a shower and restroom with other guests in the same carriage and the compartment only contains a bed and a small table. But that is all you need for a short stay. You look out on to the beach and step out of the train directly on to the beach. The area is simply beautiful. The train itself is very safe and secure. I have been raving about this place throughout my stay in South Africa. My daughter was with me and she thought it was really cool.
• Fredricka (6/5): - We did not enjoy our stay. Found other accommodation.
• Yitzchok (10/5): - We stayed in the Royal suites. Room was clean and comfortable. The beach and the crashing waves are so soothing. It comes with a porch you can braai on and watch the waves. Over all it was a great experience!
• CHARMAINE (6/5): CONVENIENT AND STAFF VERY FRIENDLY! - WE HAVE STAYED AT YOUR HOTEL FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS AND ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD EXPERIENCE EXCEPT WHERE THE BREAKFAST AND BOOKING OUT TIMES ARE CONCERNED.WHEN WE RUN 42KM RACE OR 21KM THERE IS NO TIME FOR BREAKFAST,BAGS MUST BE PUT INTO CAR BEFORE THE RACE,PRIZE GIVING FOR 10KM RACE I RUN IS AT 9:15AM WHICH MEANS I JUST ABOUT MAKE IT BEFORE 10AM AND MOST OF THE BREAKFAST IS PACKED AWAY! I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANAGEMENT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO SOLUTION FOR THE RUNNERS!THE SHOWER IN COACH 4 WAS ICE COLD!FIX BLINDS/SHUTTERS AND ENSURE BLANKET ON EACH BED.
• Irene (8/5): Cheap and Cheerful - Night stop halfway between PE and CPT. Absolutely tiny single cabin offers everything you need for a sleep-over. Memories of long train journeys in childhood came sweeping back, from the smell to the fixtures. Clean bedding, shared toilet/shower facilities and the wonderfully lulling sound of the ocean right outside window, lovely views of the open sea with shipping traffic and beach within meters. Friendly staff, breakfast and bar facilities with open deck seating.
• BENJAMIN AND CLARINE (10/5): Time of memories - We really enjoyed the stay will recommend to our friends and go back
• Verified traveler (2/5): - Avoid this place!
• Raymond (10/5): - Great over looking the beach and sea from our carrage
• Simon (2/5): Public train - Did not stay as Room very small, single bed not correct worldwide size am sure, sink basin placed milimetres between two beds, no toilet or shower for the room you have to use public facilities. disgusting, parking ok though. therefore the room caused us not to stya we left and looked somewhere else.
• Rebecca (8/5): Best train to nowhere ever! - One of the coolest places we've stayed at - the Royal Suite A was beautiful!

Photos