Simon's Town GEM: Quayside Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Simon's Town GEM: Quayside Hotel's Secret Revealed! - A Messy, Honest Review (with SEO!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just emerged, slightly seaweed-scented and utterly charmed, from the Quayside Hotel in Simon's Town. Let's be real: this isn't your sterile, corporate hotel experience. This is a vibe. And frankly, I'm still processing it. I went in expecting…well, something decent. I came out wanting to adopt a penguin (which, side note, totally almost happened – more on that later!).
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First Impressions… and a Moment of Panic (Accessibility & Safety)
Right, let's be transparent. The thought of navigating cobblestone streets and steep hills in Simon's Town had me a little stressed, even before I got there. But from the outset, the Quayside gets serious brownie points for Accessibility. They've clearly made an effort. YES, there's an elevator, which is pure gold. And the lobby? Wide open, easy to maneuver. The facilities for disabled guests seem genuinely thoughtfully planned. I didn’t personally try out everything, but I saw accessible rooms and I’ll give them a thumbs up for that. The exterior corridor is easy to navigate.
Safety first, right? (Cleanliness & Safety, CCTV, Security)
Honestly, post-pandemic, that’s all I’m concerned about. And thankfully, the Quayside seemed switched on. Constantly. Like, I saw staff whipping down surfaces like it was their job (which, you know, it kinda is). Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly being used. They have hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE (bless!), and the staff are trained in safety protocol. My room was obviously well-sanitized. You could practically taste the cleanliness. Also, a big plus: They had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property – which, let's face it, makes you feel a whole lot safer. There were fire extinguishers, of course.
The Rooms: My Little Sanctuary (Available in all Rooms, Amenities)
Okay, the rooms. I booked mine online, slightly terrified of getting some dingy little shoebox. But BAM! I get into my room, and I'm like, "Whoa." My room had air conditioning, because, hello summer time. Plus, an alarm clock (useful!). Bathrobes! YES (don’t judge me). Blackout curtains (another win!). A proper desk to work from (I had to catch up on some work stuff). Free Wi-Fi (massive bonus). Free bottled water (saved me a trip to the shop). A refrigerator for…well, everything. A safe box, because I’m paranoid. And the best part? The window that opens! I love that.
Let me focus on the Wi-Fi [free] for a second - it was actually pretty decent. Surprisingly. My husband and I, we were able to stream a film on our laptops without any problems from the comfort of the bed; the kids were using their tablets too, no issues. I think this is a big deal because if you're connected, you're happy.
The "Secret" (Things to do, Ways to relax, Spa – almost!)
Here’s where things get a teeny bit…scattered. Okay, so the Quayside has a spa. Advertised as such. But here comes the messy honesty. I tried to book a massage. Actually two massages. And… it was booked solid for the entire weekend. Now, I'm not saying it's a totally bad thing – must be popular, right? – and they do have a range of spa treatments - Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath etc. (I saw the menu, I didn’t get them!)… but…I felt a little let down. So, if a spa experience is critical, book in advance like, way in advance.
They do have a Fitness center, although I didn't venture in there. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yup, and with a pool with a view. If you're a pool person, that's a big win. Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom? I’m assuming yes, as per the marketing.
Rambling Aside: Listen, I really REALLY wanted that massage. After a long day exploring the penguin colony (more on that below), my back was screaming. That’s the perfectionist in me complaining. The truth is, I went for a stroll along the waterfront, had a glass of wine (see below!), and watched the sunset. And you know what? That was pretty damn perfect too.
Food, Glorious Food! (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking)
Okay, the food. This is a biggie. The Quayside does NOT disappoint. The restaurants are what make this place, I'd say. Here’s what I experienced:.
- Breakfast [buffet]: An absolute feast. Western breakfast, with everything you could possibly want. Seriously, the spreads were great. Full of all the standard stuff. I went for the omelette station and I wasn't disappointed. Then I tried a bit of everything else. Delicious.
- Lunch/Dinner: There's an A la carte in restaurant. I had dinner there one night (the seafood, oh my god!). International cuisine in restaurant, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The service was excellent.
- Poolside bar: Not quite got there - but I could see it from my room!
- Snack bar, Coffee shop - I'm assuming yes, from the brochure.
Did I mention the views from the dining area? Absolutely stunning.
Drinks & Booze
- Bar - I'm in love with their bar. Happy hour was fantastic, and the sunset cocktail list was a dream - with bottle of water included in all your deals (as any good hotel should do!).
Service and Conveniences (Services and conveniences)
The service at Quayside is spot-on. Everyone was friendly and helpful, which makes a huge difference. Here’s a low-down of the services I used:
- Concierge: Super helpful, got us hooked up with a car to the airport in the end.
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate. My room was spotless every day.
- Laundry service: Didn't use it, but it's an option!
- Luggage storage: Handy.
The Penguin Imperative (Things to Do - Simon's Town Gold!)
Right. The penguins. Boulders Beach is practically next door. And it's incredible. Like, seriously life-affirming. I spent an hour just watching the little guys waddle around. It was a highlight to see. This is, in my opinion, the single biggest selling point of Simon's Town.
A Few Quirks and Imperfections (Honest Truths)
Okay, so, a few minor quibbles. The internet was a bit sketchy in the restaurant near the water sometimes (but that might just have been my phone). Also, the décor is maybe a little “classic” – definitely not minimalist, but it's clean and well-maintained. The other thing to mention – I'm a loud-talker, and I could sometimes hear voices in the rooms next door - that was my fault. If you're a light sleeper, maybe request a room away from the elevators.
Okay, here's a confession: I packed too many shoes. And I left my favorite scarf in the room (hoping they'll mail it back!). It's not perfect, but it's human.
Family or Romantic Hideaway? (For the Kids / Couple's room / Proposal spot)
The Quayside strikes a great balance. It's definitely family/child friendly (I saw plenty of kids around, and the staff were fantastic with them). They do Babysitting service too. But it also has that touch of romance…it felt like an excellent place for a Couple's room. Or even… (and I saw this) – a Proposal spot. Who knows?
The Verdict: Book It! (My Opinion)
Look, the Quayside Hotel isn't flawless. But it’s brimming with charm and soul. It's a perfect base for exploring Simon's Town, seeing the penguins, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The staff are wonderful. The food is excellent. And the accessibility? A massive plus.
If you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, this
Hotel Monaco Mexico: Uncover the Hidden Paradise Awaiting You!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and utterly unpredictable adventure that is my (unofficial, totally-not-guaranteed-to-be-followed) trip to Simon's Town and the Quayside Hotel in South Africa. Prepare for the inevitable: me rambling, me getting lost, and me probably breaking something. This is gonna be good. Or at least, entertainingly bad.
The (Mostly) Unplanned Schedule of Events (May Contain Mild Chaos):
Day 1: Arrival and Pre-emptive Panic
- Morning (Like: Whenever I manage to haul my jet-lagged carcass out of bed): Land in Cape Town. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage actually arrived. (Spoiler alert: I'm betting on some serious lost-luggage drama. I'm already mentally preparing for a mad dash to a budget clothing store.)
- Midday (After getting hopelessly lost at the airport): Finally find the rental car. I have a love/hate relationship with driving on the "wrong" side of the road. It's exhilarating and terrifying simultaneously. Prepare for near-death experiences involving roundabouts.
- Afternoon (Assuming I haven't crashed the rental car): The drive to Simon's Town. Google Maps says it's scenic. My brain says, "Hold on tight, idiot!" The goal: arrive at the Quayside Hotel. My real goal: not immediately burst into tears from exhaustion.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Quayside Hotel Check-In & Initial Judging: I’m picturing a charming, slightly worn, but utterly welcoming hotel. Or possibly a dilapidated fishing shack with a leaky roof. Either way, I'm ready. First impressions: Make or break. Does it have character? Is the Wi-Fi reliable enough to upload frantic selfies? Do they serve a proper South African breakfast of boerewors and pap?! These are the important questions.
- Evening: The Longest Dinner Ever (But in a Good Way, I Hope): Explore Simon's Town. Find a restaurant. Preferably one with a view of the harbour. Eat ALL the seafood. Seriously. I’m talking prawns, calamari, the works. Order a bottle of local wine. Chat. Laugh. Maybe shed a tear or two of pure, unadulterated joy. This is what it's all about, right? This is the vibe I'm chasing.
- Night: Post-Dinner Reflection (Probably on the Balcony): Sit on the balcony of my room (assuming I have a balcony!) and watch the stars. Maybe spot the Southern Cross if I'm lucky. Breathe in the salty air. Feel overwhelmingly grateful to be here. This is when the travel feels real, when the world shrinks, and the only sound is the gentle slosh of the waves. If I am lucky.
Day 2: Penguins, Panic, and Possibly, Paradise
- Morning: Penguin Pilgrimage (Boulders Beach): The main event! Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. Prepare for cuteness overload. Prepare to get slightly too close and get told off by some stern-faced park rangers.
- Anecdote alert: I've seen pictures of these penguins. They look like tiny, tuxedoed comedians waddling around. I'm already picturing myself squealing with delight (and probably annoying everyone around me).
- Midday: Penguin Panic Strikes (Unexpectedly): After the penguins, find a cafe. Order a coffee. Realize I left my camera on the beach, right next to a gaggle of sunbathing seals. Rush back, heart hammering, to find it's actually okay because a surprisingly nice dude with a surfboard had seen it and kept it safe. Pure, unadulterated relief!
- Afternoon: Exploration and More Seafood: Depending on my energy levels (and how badly the sun has fried my brain), explore more of Simon's Town. Maybe visit the Naval Museum or take a boat trip to see more wildlife. Or, let's be honest, probably just park myself at a cafe and people-watch. And, you know, eat more seafood.
- Evening: Dinner & Possibly Another Meal (Because Why Not?): Another restaurant, another magnificent meal. The only question is: which cuisine is going to take our fancy. There are going to be choices. Choices means decisions, and decisions means…I'm overwhelmed already.
- Night: The "Quiet" Life: I'm aiming for an "unplugged" existence. A late-night walk. Reading on the balcony. Falling asleep with a smile. Maybe. Or I'll watch Netflix until 3 am. Who knows?
Day 3: Farewell and the Faint Hope of Returning
- Morning: The Sad Goodbye (But Also, Breakfast!): Wake up. Eat a delicious breakfast at the Quayside. Try not to weep when I have to pack my bags. (I'm not good with goodbyes).
- Late Morning: Final stroll through Simon's Town. Soak it all in. Take a deep breath and smell the sea. Buy a stupid souvenir I don't need.
- Midday: The Long and Winding Road (Back to Reality): Drive back to Cape Town. Return the rental car (hopefully in one piece). Reflect on the journey.
- Afternoon: The Final Farewell: Head to the airport. Board the plane. Spend the next 14 hours reliving every moment.
- Evening: Arrive home, smelling of sea air, ready to begin planning the return trip!
Quirky Observations, Ramblings, and Emotional Rollercoasters:
- The South African accent: I love the South African accent. It's like a hug for your ears. I'll probably try (and utterly fail) to imitate it.
- The food: I'm determined to try everything. I am a serious foodie. From biltong to bobotie. Bring on the adventure!
- The sun: The South African sun. I'm a redhead. Need I say more? Sunscreen is my new best friend (along with wine).
- The people: I love them. They are generous, welcoming, and always have a story.
- The inevitable screw-ups: I'm pretty sure I'll mess up the driving. I'll probably order the wrong thing at a restaurant. I'll mispronounce something. I'll stumble over my words. It's all part of the journey. I'm embracing the mess.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is less a plan and more an aspiration. It's a starting point. It's a declaration of intent. And most importantly, it's a promise to myself: to be open, to be present, and to embrace the glorious, chaotic, and utterly unpredictable adventure that is travel. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. And maybe pack a spare pair of pants. Just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Freeport Inn & Marina Awaits!
Simon's Town GEM: Quayside Hotel's Secret Revealed! - Your Messy Truth-Telling Guide
Okay, spill it. What's *actually* the "secret" about Quayside Hotel? Is it a hidden speakeasy? A portal to another dimension? Don't be coy.
Alright, alright, settle down. The "secret" *isn't* as glamorous as you're hoping. No secret society rituals, sadly. Although, the *real* secret is... it's just wonderfully, wonderfully *chill*. You know? Like, the kind of place where you can actually, truly relax. And maybe, *maybe* order one too many G&Ts while watching the seals frolic in the harbor.
Look, I went in expecting some overly polished tourist trap, the kind where everything looks perfect but feels about as inviting as a tax audit. Wrong. It's the kind of place that doesn't *quite* have it all figured out. Which, honestly? Is perfect.
Let's talk location, location, location. Is Quayside *really* that close to everything? Or is it just marketing hype?
Oh, the location is the *best* part! Honest to goodness, it's practically *in* the harbor. You wake up to the sound of seagulls squawking (which, let's be honest, is a bit annoying at 6 am, but hey, you're by the *sea*). The penguins? Yep, a quick walk away. The shops? Right there! I could practically *smell* the fish and chips from my window. And that's a good thing, trust me.
Ok, a confession: I tried to grab a coffee one morning, thinking, "Oh, a quick stroll, no biggie." I got distracted by a seal getting up close and personal with a boat, ended up watching it for a solid half hour, and was late for breakfast. But, you know what? Worth it. Because *seals*.
The food! The drinks! Tell me, is the Quayside restaurant worth the hype? Is it just standard hotel fare?
Okay, buckle up, because I have *opinions* about the food. The restaurant? Yeah, it's good. Not Michelin-star, mind-blowing, life-altering good. But *good*. Think fresh seafood, obviously. Think hearty breakfasts. Think a decent wine list.
Look, one morning, I ordered the eggs benedict. Perfectly poached eggs, hollandaise that was *almost* too rich (but you know, not really), and the view...Oh my gosh. Literally watching the boats float by as I ate. Pure bliss!
However, the service... well, let's just say it's got that relaxed, South African charm. Not always lightning-fast, but always friendly. And, sometimes, that's exactly what you need. I spent a good chunk of one afternoon waiting for a drink, and, honestly, I didn't mind. I was watching the waves, chatting with the waitress, and just existing.
Okay, and the bar? Is it a good place to hang out? Or is it just for hotel guests?
The bar! I *loved* the bar. It's not just for hotel guests, thankfully. It's got that casual, come-as-you-are vibe. They have an impressive selection of local beers and the cocktails? Don't get me started. They can make a great cocktail. I will not name names, but one of them suggested a gin and tonic with some homemade lavender syrup. It was heaven. It was *dangerous* heaven.
I met the best people at that bar actually. A retired couple from Yorkshire who swore I sounded just like their granddaughter. Some locals eager to share their stories and views. Some days they have live music, which is a total bonus.
Warning: Do not attempt to leave that bar with your balance intact. It's nearly impossible.
The rooms! Are they actually nice? Or are they the usual, bland, hotel rooms?
The rooms are a mixed bag, I'll be completely honest. They aren't sleek, modern, minimalist affairs. They're more...characterful. Think comfy beds – *very* comfy beds. Good water pressure in the shower - a MUST. And, depending on which room you get, a *stunning* view of the harbor. Try to get one of those. It might take some begging, but it's worth it.
My first room had an annoying creaky floor, and the aircon wasn't the strongest. But, okay, the view from my window was a constant invitation to just, you know, stare out at the water. It was that good. And, the second room? Perfectly fine, and quiet as a church mouse (or as quiet as a room can be when next to a harbor full of seagulls).
Basically, just manage your expectations. It's not the Ritz. It's better - it's human.
What about amenities? Do they even have a pool? Gym? I'm assuming not?
Okay, let's get this out of the way: No pool. No gym. You know, the usual luxury add-ons you might expect. But honestly? Who needs a pool when you're right by the ocean? You can swim, run around on the beach and get your fill of the outside world.
They do have free Wi-Fi (essential), and the staff are generally helpful if you need something. But the *real* amenity? Peace. Tranquility. The ability to just *switch off*. That's priceless isn't it?
How's the service? Are the staff friendly? Or are they just going through the motions?
The staff are a mixed bag, in the best possible way. You'll get the feeling like you're visiting friends. They aren't flawless, but they're genuinely friendly and helpful. You might have to wait a few minutes for your coffee, but they'll greet you with a smile and genuine warmth.
I had an issue with my room once - I was in a rush to get somewhere, and the door lock had a hiccup. I was getting increasingly frustrated. I started ranting, and someone offered to help. It was fixed in minutes. Afterward? They apologized so genuinely, I felt bad for having complained so much. They cared.
Is it worth the price? Is it a good value for money?
