Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel offers a tranquil oceanfront escape. With a white sand beach, library, and garden at your doorstep, unwind with an international cuisine meal or take in the ocean views from Fork and Train restaurant. The warm fireplace in the lobby adds to this hostel's inviting atmosphere.
Mossel Bay, In the heart of The Garden Route, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, 6500
What's nearby
Santos Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Mossel Bay Harbour - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
Mossel Bay Golf Club - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - 2 min drive - 2.1 km
Cape St. Blaize Cave - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Getting around
George (GRJ) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery - 3 min drive
Santos Beach, Mossel Bay - 3 min drive
The Merchant - 17 min walk
Checkers - 15 min walk
Kaai 4 - 3 min drive
About this property
Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel
Situated on the bay, Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel is a great choice for a stay in Mossel Bay. For a bite to eat, guests can visit Fork and Train, which serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A bar/lounge, a terrace and a garden are other highlights.
Languages
Afrikaans, English
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
34 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
DONE
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
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
One child (2 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking area (fines apply)
Property amenities
Food and drink
English breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–10 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
Travelling with children
Children stay for free (see details)
Children's menu
What to do
On the beach
Private beach nearby
Cave exploring nearby
Parasailing nearby
Scuba-diving nearby
Skydiving nearby
Whale watching nearby
Working away
Meeting room
Computer station
Conference centre
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Wedding services
Facilities
1 building/tower
ATM/banking
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Library
Fireplace in reception
Television in common areas
Room amenities
Freshen up
Towels
Toilet paper
More
In-room safe
Special features
Dining
Fork and Train – This beachfront restaurant specialises in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available.
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: ZAR 100.00 per stay
Optional extras
English breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately ZAR 62.00 for adults and ZAR 62.00 for children
Policies
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have lifts.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Also known as
Santos Express Train Lodge Hostel Mossel Bay
Santos Express Train Lodge Hostel
Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel Mossel Bay
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Is there an on-site casino at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Garden Route Casino (8-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities such as boat tours, scuba-diving and skydiving. Additional recreation nearby includes cave exploring. Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel also has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?
Yes, Fork and Train offers beachfront dining, international cuisine and ocean views.
What's the area around Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel like?
Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel is located on the waterfront, a short 19-minute walk from Mossel Bay Harbour and 16 minutes' walk from Dias Museum.
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Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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
8.2/10
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Staff & service
7.4/10
Amenities
7.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
View
Beach
Restaurant
Service staff
What guests liked
Breakfast was excellent with freshly made bread and a lovely continental spread. (5 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
1 Mar 2025
Loved it, especially falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Great breakfast too.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
8/10 Very good
25 Nov 2024
A special experience.
Very nice staff
Good breakfast
Kirstin Silke Imme-Mariel
Kirstin Silke Imme-Mariel, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
1 Mar 2025
Fond Memories on a train
Beautiful and nostalgic for overnight stay. Food service and staff is great
Amanda
Amanda, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 Dec 2024
Fantastic train accommodation and service
Excellent accommodation and service
H M
H M, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
19 Nov 2024
It was amazing as always to stay at Santos Express. The staff is great. Good food, great views and a great location
MEV WJ
MEV WJ, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 Feb 2025
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!
Luke
Luke, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 Nov 2024
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.
P.M.
P.M., 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
28 Jan 2025
I enjoyed it
Hubert
Hubert, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
2 Feb 2025
The uniqueness
Japie
Japie, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
8 Sept 2024
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
Catherina, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
1 Sept 2024
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.
Katharine
Katharine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 Aug 2024
What a pearl !
What a pearl , fun and very cheap
Position on the beach, just a place to remember fondly
Roland
Roland, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
9 Feb 2025
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.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
21 Nov 2023
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.
MNR SW
MNR SW, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 Mar 2024
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
Michel, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
12 Feb 2023
The rooms have a nice view. The staff is very busy.
Gina
Gina, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
20 Oct 2024
A train
Hanns
Hanns, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 Mar 2024
What a great idea! We absolutely loved this extraordinary accommodation. It was like a little throw-back in time!
Sibylle
Sibylle, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
30 Jun 2023
water in shower could be more warm, but anything else was very good.
Robin
Robin, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
6 Feb 2024
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