This must be the finest month for travel, not only because it is economical but also because tourist attractions are less crowded and most pleasurable during this season.
I learned about this as we traveled to the five-star beachfront Boardwalk Hotel, Casino, and Entertainment Centre in Gqeberha in Eastern Cape, a five-star luxury hotel along the eastern coast of the Indian Ocean known as “the red building with the red roof.”
The brochure for the hotel proclaims, “It captures the elegance and detail of Victorian architecture while embracing every modern amenity.
“The outcome is a refreshing blend of sophistication and urban style set against the background of the Indian Ocean. Featuring 140 sea-facing rooms with an average room size of 39m, the hotel’s distinct array of accommodation options meet every need and provide modern amenities such as plasma screen televisions, luxury bedding, mini bars, and petite balconies.
Locals describe the hotel as the most interesting leisure attraction in the Eastern Cape, as it provides entertainment 24 hours a day and great convention space.
As we arrived last week, I noticed that most hotels no longer offer refreshments upon check-in. This is either due to rising expenses or the annoyance of visitors having to wait too long in the lobby.
As I strolled through the lobby before collecting the key to my room, I was greeted with the warmest hospitality I have ever encountered, as nothing beats being made to feel welcome. Warm greetings accompanied by smiles are always appreciated.
Each room features five-star luxury accommodations with a view of the ocean.
I was fortunate to be on the fourth story to view the stunning beach, and I thought, “What a breathtakingly beautiful world!”
The wonderful moment occurred when I finally entered my room, which had a vintage-meets-modern concept and was decorated with natural and relaxing hues.
Could it be that the designers of the room matched the room’s gloominess to the mood of the beach?
Wow! In addition to leaving you a Bible to read, they also provide you with a hair dryer.
It was time to leave the bathroom, which featured a bathtub and a shower with ample space, and enjoy the sea wind.
There is a genuine sense of peace associated with the waves.
Disappointingly, the KFC on-site required somewhat more than an hour to make four dipped wings, even while there was no crowd.
Late in the evening, I explored the neighborhood, where I felt safe walking in even at night.
Most entertainment venues were closed by 11 p.m. This occurred shortly before I returned to the hotel to enjoy the first-floor swimming pool.
The water was extremely warm, but I did not want to disturb my fellow travelers, so I made a beeline for my cozy bed.
Bayworld, the main museum, the oceanarium, and the rich collection of marine life, as well as the daily sea and penguin demonstrations, are among the highlights.
The reptile park, which includes lizards, tortoises, snakes, and crocodiles, is also of interest.
The Boardwalk Hotel stay of Kgobotlo was sponsored by Mzansi Magic, M-Net, and MultiChoice.
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»Every aspect of the Boardwalk is remarkable«