Accommodation is in a train parked just 30m from the beach.We have an onsite restaurant and fully licensed bar. Function/Conference venue is available, perfect for a beach wedding. We can accommodate large groups comfortably.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Quirky Hotels
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
Munro Rd Santos Beach, Mossel Bay 6500 South Africa
Santos Express Train Lodge
652 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We stayed for one night as we thought it would be a nice unique experience. We checked in and drove the car down to the last suite, Royal suite D, and we were able to park the car inside the gate right next to the suite. The interior was pretty and they had tried to keep in the original shutters, windows and decor. Our en-suite bathroom was reasonably sized for a train and the bed was huge! It had an ocean view with direct beach access and a small deck area with chairs and an umbrella overlooking the beach, so the location was perfect but sadly the weather wasn’t playing along for our stay. They have a bar and restaurant at the end of the train where we enjoyed a couple of drinks in the afternoon and breakfast in the morning. When you book a suite you get the complimentary upgrade to the hot breakfast, which was satisfactory. The service in the morning took a while as we had to wait 45 mins to get our breakfast, but they kept us topped up with coffee as we waited. Overall we thought the price was very expensive for what you got, around $90 USD a night, but it was definitely a unique place to stay.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantosTrain, Manager at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 20 Jan 2020
Dear 92lauren, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. Such a pity about the weather, but we are very grateful for the much needed rain! We hope you will visit again, February has by far the best weather!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A fantastic & unique experience. We stayed in a double room which is basically a double bed which fills the space which was very comfortable with minimal storage space so kept the cases in the car. The shower & toilet is shared between the other 6 rooms but we never had to wait & they were both kept spotlessly clean. The continental breakfast is ok with a good pot of tea. There are a set of steps which take you directly onto the amazing beach & a live train track outside which adds to the experience. Staying here is all about unique experience so if your happy to go basic it is well worth it for story & location. We stayed for 2 nights & would say that's enough & would book the royal carriage if returning.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantosTrain, Manager at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 23 Jan 2020
Dear Willy M, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us so much and we hope that you will visit again soon! Be sure to book well in advance if you want to try our Royal suites, they are very popular!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had the most wonderful experience in the train. Things have been upgraded very nicely. There was proper 24 hour security, the bed bunks have all received proper mattresses, the linen was clean and generally the spaces were clean and serviced every day. The breakfast was great, which is included in the price. The staff were helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. An all round fantastic experience.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Don't expect luxury, because it's literally a train with compartments, but the sea view...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a novel concept to have a number of railway carriages almost on the beach at Mossel Bay. Our compartment was cramped as we had asked for a double bed. I would recommend a compartment with single beds as there is much more space for movement. Our linen was clean, as was the communal shower and toilet. A continental breakfast was included in the price and was adequate and delicious.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Debbie Vallentyn, General Manager at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 23 Mar 2020
Dear gailpension2015, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are super chuffed that you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again soon!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This sleeper train has been lovingly cared for, and has been placed in a prime location. Each room (or compartment) has a view of the sea, and listening to the waves at night is magical. There is 24 hour security. Each carriage consists of 7 compartments plus a shared toilet and shower.
The staff are very friendly and accomodating. If you find yourself in Mossel bay for a night, I would highly recommend a stay!
ALL ABOARD!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â The on site restaurant could be better, though wil do in a pinch.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Santos Express, Guest Services / Front Office at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 20 Mar 2023
Good evening Thank you for your review. The Train will always be a unique Train Lodge. We will always go that extra mile to make sure that our guest is in a safe environment. We hope to see you soon again. Train Greetings
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I stayed in the Suite and it has been an old fashion experience. The room is delicious, well equipped with ocean view private terrace and the whole train is just on the beach! It has been funny discover how to open the window or how to use the sink. Staff was welcoming and friendly. The breakfast is served in the restaurant/cafe in the main building: buffet plus english breakfast options. We really enjoyed staying at the Santos Express but not sure I would stay for more than 2/3 nights.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantosTrain, Manager at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 10 Feb 2020
Dear sabrinazava1983, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope that you will visit again soon!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband & I stayed in the Royal Carriage B which had an ocean view. It was very clean and the bed was comfortable. Bathroom had a small claw foot tub and a stand alone shower with great water pressure. The view of the beach and ocean were amazing and to hear the ocean while you sleep is extremely relaxing. There is a private deck with chairs and a braai. A full breakfast was included in our booking which was very tasty. This place is a cute little gem and an extremely good value. Location in Mossel Bay was excellent. Would definitely stay here again and highly recommend this place!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Santos Express, Guest Services / Front Office at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 28 Jan 2023
Good evening. Thank you for submitting a review on TripAdvisor for the world to see. We at Santos Express hope we will meet you in 2023 again. Thank you for the 5 stars. Have a great 2023. Train
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An absolutely awesome experience, a must do, ocean views with the sound of waves flowing all night..........................really safe with great staff & service with a smile. An experience of a lifetime with tons of activities within a one kilometre radius.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Double bed rooms for couples.......
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SantosTrain, Manager at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 26 Jan 2020
Dear Dondilano, Wow! Thank you so much for an awesome review! We are super chuffed that you enjoyed your stay so much with us and we hope to see you again very soon!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Staying in a beautiful old train is one thing, but also to be on this lovely beach is just too much. At night we lay in bed looking at the lights from boats and the harbour and it was just too wonderful. In addition, if you stay in one of the royal coaches you can park right next to it.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lenichia Willemse, Guest Services / Front Office at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 23 Aug 2021
We are delighted to have been your chosen accommodation during your recent stay in Mossel Bay. It was truly a pleasure to have you as our guests. We appreciate your business and value your honest feedback. Your comments have been shared with the Santos team as a critical way of understanding how we can continue to deliver exceptional service to our guests. See you soon again :)
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Train accommodation by the beach - it doesn't get better! If you have ever spent a night on a train, the compartment will be exactly what you expect. The shower room on the carriage was much bigger than expected. No fridge or kitchen facilities in the room, but the restaurant and bar were really affordable and food was great. Amazing location right on the beach - which was clean and a great place to swim.
Room can be hot as there is no fan, but there is a vented shutter which did allow a breeze.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tania Naude, General Manager at Santos Express Train Lodge
Responded 16 Mar 2020
Dear Star2406, Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. We are absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us so much. On your next visit, you may want to try our luxury Royal suites, which have en suite facilities, as well as small fridge and coffee station.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Mossel Bay area.
PRICE RANGE
RÂ 483 - RÂ 520 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaWestern CapeMossel Bay
NUMBER OF ROOMS
28
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
