For all of you on GAME who are heading to Birkenhead:
This is your roving ROAR reporter checking in.
I have it on good authority you are here at the prime time for visits. You'll still have good whale sightings (we've got three or four youngsters playing keep away out front as I'm writing) and better (ie, warmer) weather.
This place is simply great. The hotel and staff are superb.
Those of you in #11, 10 and 9 have the back building. #9 has lovely view of sea; #10 has a slice view of the sea; #11 has a wonderful bath & view of mountain. Advantage: closest to computer and gift shop. Larger rooms, too. Disadvantage: All rooms are on second floor accessed through stairs, plus longest walk from main area if raining or cold.
We do recommend the occupants of #10 offer tours of the artwork. It's memorable. #10 bed is built up on stairs - careful if you've got a middle of the night urgent call from Mother Nature. #9 has steps up to bedroom & steps down to toilet - same caution for mother nature missives in the nighttime.
#8, 7, 6 & 5 - middle building. Closest to gym, spa and loungers near inside swimming pool. This area has the wind breaks. You can get to your rooms under cover if it's windy or rainy. #5 is a stunner on the first floor (ie, no stairs) IMHO (but that's because I haven't toured #6, 7 or 8 - all of which are on the second floor).
Front building #1-4. #3 & 4 on main floor. Spare toilet if you need it down the hall. Close to central areas & bar. #3 larger than #4 and good views of the sea. #2 and #1 on the second floor accessed through stairs. #1 larger bed & bath than #2. These 2 rooms have the balconies fronting the sea and are simply lovely.
Drink of the day? Simple - hot chocolate (or decaf cappucino if you are so inclined) with a shot of amurula cream. Wine? Champers, of course. Pinotage if you fancy red wine. Cindy liked the cosmos with fresh orange juice.
Springbok carpaccio - yum. Chicken caesar with avocado for lunch - crack some pepper and it's great. Fish salad looked great. Filet of beef - as tender as can be (order medium rare). Good veggies on the side. Lemon tart - lovely and reasonable size. Cheese plate - enormous with oodles of grapes.
Radiant floor heat in bed & bath. Central heating? Maybe later. It will be cool in the evenings close to the sea.
Internet? Hey, I'm getting through so it's fine.
Spa? Great aromatherapy hour long massage for $70 equiv plus tip.
Dinner set-up is 2 or 4. They will move tables for larger groups on request. If weather's fine, lunch is outside near the sea. We will not have that unless one wants to dine in a warm fleece with gloves (although one couple did today - they seem to like blue lips)
Cheers, Anne
