Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino

Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino occupies the Gustav Voigts Centre at 129 Independence Avenue, right on the city's main street. It is one of the largest hotels in Windhoek, with 173 rooms and suites, and it is run by Minor Hotels under its Avani brand. For travellers who want to be able to walk out of the door to shops, banks and the main sights, the location is hard to beat.

Rooms come in Superior and Business categories, with city or mountain views, along with an Avani Suite and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom Presidential Suite. The standout facility is on the 15th floor, where a rooftop infinity pool sits alongside Stratos, the hotel's restaurant and bar, with views across the central business district. There is also a fully equipped gym, and the casino on site is open 24 hours.

Eating options cover most needs. Dunes serves an all-day international buffet with dishes cooked to order, The Pantry offers quick, healthy food to take away, and there is a poolside bar and café as well as room service. Stratos is the most popular choice for an evening out, with à la carte dishes, local flavours and cocktails by the pool, and it draws a local crowd as well as hotel guests, particularly later in the week.

The hotel suits business travellers, groups and anyone who values a central position and a pool with a view. With nine meeting venues, including a ballroom of 180 square metres, it hosts plenty of conferences, so weekdays can be busy. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 11:00. Guest parking is available. Room service runs alongside the restaurants, and the Presidential Suite can be booked for larger families or small groups travelling together.

Hosea Kutako International Airport is about a 35-minute drive away. Taxis and car hire are available at the airport, or the hotel can arrange a pickup if you send your travel details at least 24 hours in advance. From the hotel, the Christuskirche, the Independence Memorial Museum and Heroes' Acre are among the nearby sights the hotel itself recommends, the first two within walking distance and Heroes' Acre a short drive south.