One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel & Spa by the Living Journey Collection

Coming to South Africa for the first time and deciding to book independently, we did a lot of research before booking One Marine Drive in Hermanus. The research was worthwhile because we could not have been happier with absolutely everything about the hotel and stay. LOCATION: PERFECT! Far enough away from the centre of Hermanus not to be disturbed (wonderfully quiet Location). View was spectacular due to the slightly higher position above the cliffs, but no issues for walking, and walk we did! (15km one day - just back and forth along the cliff paths.) Cliff path was entered right across the road, either West to new harbour (walked to the boat trip) or East into Hermanus and further. Fick's Pool Bar was also right across the road and was the first place we visited on arrival - lovely wine, lovely tapas and the most amazing view, welcome and ambience. We walked back from Hermanus Centre each night and never felt unsafe - about 15-20 mins. Perfect location for whale spotting if you have a room with a view and a balcony - first morning, there was a whale right below the cliff where we were and I watched it whilst still lying in bed! ROOM: We knew exactly which room we wanted and ensured it was available before booking - Superior Sea View room (top floor, has the wraparound balcony). Absolutely perfect. Bathroom wonderful and with an eco friendly approach (bucket for saving all the cold water when you first run the shower, that was then used by housekeeping!) - all lined, including robes and slippers were great. Layout was great, with plenty of room - certainly enough for a short stay (we did 5 nights). The best part was the balcony - only downside was dragging yourself away from the views and the whale sightings! FOOD: Perfectly adequate choices for a small boutique hotel, but quality couldn't be faulted. Breakfast only available, with full range of fruit, individual yoghurts, pastries, meats and cheeses, as well as an 'egg' menu. The Eggs Benedict were to die for, but do were the omelettes and the smoked salmon and scrambled egg crostini. Selection of teas and coffees were topped up whenever required. Tea and coffee are always available, either from a small station outside our room overlooking the pools, or from the room where we had breakfast. Every day at 4:00 p.m. a 'suprise' cake is available to have afternoon tea. This brings me onto... SERVICE: Service at breakfast was very special. So well staffed and attentive but not intrusive. Anything you wanted was quickly provided and staff were very subtly observant, knowing when to clear/top up. Housekeeping was great - we tipped every day - and the room was always immaculate when we returned, with a very nice turndown service each evening. Service overall throughout our stay was amazing. From a wonderful welcome on arrival, through arranging dinner reservations from their recommendations to arranging our transfer to Cape Town, were impeccable. Particular mention to CeCe (not sure of spelling)

A superb experience, comfortable room and very good breakfast. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the old harbour. The highlight for us was the amazing staff, always someone on hand, very efficient, friendly and helpful. Top Class all round.

We had a fabulous few days at this gorgeous hotel. The staff looked after everything we needed , coffee&cake in the afternoon. A fresh delicious breakfast. Restaurant recommendations. Our laundry was back in just a few hours. Over and above.