Seaside Shenanigans at AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel
Seaside shenanigans beckon my inner mermaid. So when I was invited to stay at the newly refurbished AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel I didn’t hesitate.
Deep in contemplation at Seaforth Beach, Simonstown
“Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, oh I do like to be beside the sea”
I hardly ever venture out to the False Bay Coastline side of the Western Cape, so this was a welcome retreat.
A mere 60 minute scenic meander from Milnerton (on the West Coast) through colourful seaside suburbs of Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, and Fishhoek brings you to Simon’s Town.
History
The False Bay coast is aptly named 300 years ago by sailors who confused the bay with Table Bay to the north.
Simon’s Town is rich in maritime history and well known because of its famous SA Naval Base, which is still located there today.
Most affectionately well known is the town’s legendary mascot “Just Nuisance”. So named as this great Dane got up to his own seaside shenanigans during World War II. Always getting underfoot aboard the sea vessels and on the trains.
“Just Nuisance” at Jubilee Square
His bronze statue lovingly erected in his memory stands guard at Jubilee square just outside the Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel. This honorary seaman was inducted into the Royal Navy in 1939 by Commander-in-Chief of the Navy so that he was entitled to the FREE rail pass, that all war enlistees received, because of his love for trains.
Location
AHA Simon’s Town quayside Hotel is perfectly perched at water’s edge next to Simon’s Town Yacht basin, within the waterfront mall with the ever popular Bertha’s and Saveur restaurants located below.
This 29 bedroom, 4 star luxury seaside property has just gone under a major R8.4 million refurbishment, with 22 sea facing rooms and 7 mountain facing rooms.
our seaside facing king room at AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel (photo source: AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel)
Modern, contemporary & subtle nautical chic flair flow throughout the property. The trendy bright palette is such a refreshing change to the boring obligatory blue & white nautical theme one usually expects from a seaside hotel.
Serenity
So blessed to be staying in a sea facing room with a balcony. The breathtaking panoramic vistas which we awoke to invoked an instant sense of calm.
The rooms are ideal for the millennial traveller. Inclusive of all the modern amenities; complimentary WIFI, USB charging ports, satellite TV, and nespresso-like machine.
Seaside shenanigans: part 1
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by Chad. He was not only efficient but a wealth of information.Offering up everything from the WIFI password to where the best beaches were.
Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel Signboard
Mini Directional board below Jubilee Square
After settling in, we decided to explore the town and took a leisurely Saturday stroll down mainstreet.
We fell in love with the Dutch gabled architecture, quaint café’s, vintage stores and one of the oldest pubs in Cape Town. The 2 & 6 pence was built in 1902 and converted into an English pub in 1990. It is also where most of the locals hang out.
The 2 & 6 pence pub
There’s plenty of activities one can do in and around town. From visiting the Toy and Maritime Museums, one can also catch a boat trip or even kayak.
Instead we languidly wiled our time away enjoying the diverse hidden treasures along St Georges Street in town.
Bertha’s below and AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel above on the water’s edge
As the sun set we decided to sip on a sundowners from the ever popular Bertha’s right on the water’s edge.
Sundowners by the sea
Dinner with a side of sea
Hearty portions, fresh seafood and friendly service was the order of the day. Saveur serves up tasty, seaside fare that one can savour whilst admiring the view.
Gambas Pil-pil :Chilli & Garlic prawns in hot and tasty oil served with toasted artisanal bread at Saveur
Baked Brie melted & served with toasted artisan bread and secret recipe red onion jam and cranberry swirl at Saveur
Fresh linefish with pesto served with home made fries and garden side salad at Saveur
Beer Battered hake served with a garden side salad, Saveur seasoned chips and homemade tartar sauce
Decadent homemade chocolate brownie with toasted marshmallows drowning in chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream on a cookie
After my very sweet ending, I simply couldn’t eat another bite. Sweetly satiated and completely satisfied.
We retired to our room as the moon magically danced on the water. My weary body happily collapsed in heavy slumber in duvet heaven.
Seaside Shenanigans: Part 2
Waking up to the sun’s rays pouring on my face rather than my usual alarm clock is a great way to start the day! Even better is the hotel’s thoughtful weather forecast card that was placed in our room the night before. What great, personalized attention to detail and useful information for the guest.
Personalized weather forecast card from AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel
Breakfast is included for hotel guests, is also served daily at Saveur restaurant. Or one can dine at several of the other nearby restaurants and be billed back to your hotel room.
Eggs Florentine for Her & Full Traditional brekkie for Him
Nearby attractions include the Cape Point Nature Reserve, a boat trip to Seal Island or a visit to Boulders Beach. How about Great White Shark cage diving for the more adventurous at heart. We were spoilt for choice. In the end we decided to pay the African Jackass Penguin colony at Boulders a little visit. They get their name from the sound they make, which sounds very much a like braying jackass (for South Africans that is a donkey).
Morne’s first visit to Boulder’s Beach
African Jackass Penguin at Boulder’s Beach
Whilst there is a R75 entrance fee to enter Boulders Beach it doesn’t cost a cent to walk along the boardwalk. Catch a glimpse of these cuties for free!
After some sightseeing we decided on taking a slow, Sunday drive back to the city round the peninsula.
Water’s Edge Beach, Simon’s Town
Some of the best beaches can be found in the Western Cape. Sacrborough, Noordhoek, Fishhoek all the way through to Camps Bay and Clifton, set the town for a scenic Sunday.
False Bay Coastline
Chapman’s peak Drive
The Republic of Hout Bay
Get in Touch
A well deserved break before the madness that is festive season begins. My only gripe, is that this weekend was not long enough.
Map of Simon’s Town source: AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel
Book your own seaside shenanigans in Simon’s Town by contacting AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel:
Address:St Georges St, Jubilee Square, Simon’s Town
Telephone: +27 (21) 786 3838
Web: https://aha.co.za/quayside/
Email:
re**********@qu******.za
Thank you to AHA Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel and Redlip PR for the invitation and lovely stayover. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! We definitely will be back for more seaside shenanigans!
