Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel offers an oceanfront retreat with a white sand beach, library, and garden. The Fork and Train restaurant serves international cuisine with ocean views, and the lobby's fireplace creates a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
Reviews
8.48.4 out of 10
Very good
Popular amenities
Parking included
Restaurant
Business services
Bar
Laundry
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Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 2 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Property payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Deposit: ZAR 100.00 per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Fee for English breakfast: approximately ZAR 62.00 for adults and ZAR 62.00 for children
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Frequently asked questions
Is Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel located?
Located in Mossel Bay, this beachfront hostel is in the historical district and within a 15-minute walk of Santos Beach and Cape Saint Blaize Artisanal Distillery. Mossel Bay Harbour and Dias Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).
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Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.4
Cleanliness
8.8
Location
8.4
Staff & service
7.8
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 87 out of 193 reviews
10 - Excellent
87
Rating 8 - Good. 66 out of 193 reviews
8 - Good
66
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 193 reviews
6 - Okay
25
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 193 reviews
4 - Poor
8
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 193 reviews
2 - Terrible
7
Reviews
Verified
8/10 Good
Kirstin Silke Imme-Mariel
Nov 25, 2024
A special experience.
Very nice staff
Good breakfast
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!
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.
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!
Catherina
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Katharine
Sep 1, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
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.
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!
Michel
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Arnd
May 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Booking was flexible. Price was cheap. Breakfast was good and included.
Accomodation was very very simple. Shared shower and Toilette in separate cabins.
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
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.