Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel

2.0 star property
Beach hostel with a nearby private beach and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

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

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Standard Twin Room | In-room safe

Standard Twin Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Free rollaway/extra beds
Rainfall showerhead
In-room safe
  • 10 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | In-room safe

Standard Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Free rollaway/extra beds
Rainfall showerhead
In-room safe
  • 5 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Double Room Single Use

In-room safe

Double Room Single Use

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Rainfall showerhead
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
In-room safe
  • 18 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | In-room safe

Family Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Free rollaway/extra beds
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
In-room safe
  • 20 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room

In-room safe

Superior Double Room

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Free rollaway/extra beds
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
In-room safe
  • 20 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Executive Room

In-room safe

Executive Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Free rollaway/extra beds
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
In-room safe
  • 20 sq m
  • Beach view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Executive Suite

In-room safe

Executive Suite

Highlights

Free rollaway/extra beds
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Rainfall showerhead
Coffee/tea maker
In-room safe
  • 20 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Single Room

Single Room | Exterior

Single Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Free rollaway/extra beds
Rainfall showerhead
In-room safe
  • 7 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
Mossel Bay, In the heart of The Garden Route, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, 6500

What's nearby

  • Santos Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Mossel Bay Harbour - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Botlierskop Private Game Reserve - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Mossel Bay Golf Club - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Cape St. Blaize Cave - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • George (GRJ) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Peron - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Blue Shed Coffee Roastery - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪The Sea Gypsy Cafe - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Tastebudds Restaurant - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Coffee @ Work - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel

Hostel by the ocean
Take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and a library at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel. With amenities like a beachfront location and beachfront dining, this hostel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Fork and Train, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare, and ocean views. Free WiFi in public areas is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in the lobby.
Other perks at this hostel include:
  • Free self parking
  • English breakfast (surcharge), a computer station, and barbecue grills
  • 1 meeting room, a TV in the lobby, and tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel offer amenities such as safes.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio

The Point Hotel & Spa

  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
7.4 out of 10, Good, 148 reviews
The Point Hotel & Spa

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily English breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: ZAR 62 for adults and ZAR 62 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Fork and Train

Things to do

  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • No housekeeping service
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Computer station
  • Conference center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On the bay
  • On the beach
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
  • Fireplace in lobby

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

More

  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

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

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

Property is also known as

Santos Express Train Lodge Hostel Mossel Bay
Santos Express Train Lodge Hostel
Santos Express Train
Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel Mossel Bay

Frequently asked questions

Is Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel?

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).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Santos Express Train Lodge - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 191 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 66 out of 191 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 191 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 191 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 191 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.4/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

MEV WJ

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was amazing as always to stay at Santos Express. The staff is great. Good food, great views and a great location
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
water in shower could be more warm, but anything else was very good.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Japie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The uniqueness
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ralph

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tolle Lage
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dormir dans un sleeper car de train vintage 1919, sur le bord de l'océan Indien a de quoi faire l'envie même de Sheldon Cooper 😁 La chambre était spacieuse et très propre. Le service au resto efficace. Nous recommandons Santos Express Train Lodge vivement!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Arnd

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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loraine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Having a sea view all the time was an highlight for me The cabin windows was difficult to open and close
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was unique bc you sleep in a train. And the view to the beach is spectacular.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olaf

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved it, especially falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Great breakfast too.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Liked: Staff & service

Fond Memories on a train

Beautiful and nostalgic for overnight stay. Food service and staff is great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Janya

Liked: Staff & service
No wifi in the rooms. Faulty plug in room 42. Continental breakfast was lovely. Overall stay was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Hubert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I enjoyed it
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
War ein Erlebnis, echt cool. Direkt am Strand
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

H M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic train accommodation and service

Excellent accommodation and service
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

P.M.

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Kirstin Silke Imme-Mariel

A special experience. Very nice staff Good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Gina

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Gerhard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sehr schöne Zimmer - wohnten im Deluxe ROYAL A Wagon
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Hanns

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A train
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.