IF YOU GO . . .

WHY GO THERE: For a bit of glorious ’70s retro — without Starsky & Hutch moustaches or brown corduroys. The Blue Waters is one of those hotels that feels like it should be much more expensive than it is.

WHAT IT HAS: Along with the usual single and double rooms, the hotel also has 80 3- and 4-bed family rooms and 14 executive suites. All rooms have balconies, DStv and wi-fi. The hotel’s restaurant — Versailles — has a commanding view of the beachfront, while a grand bar called the Blue Dolphin spills out onto a ground-floor terrace.

WHAT’S IT LIKE: A really big and tall boutique hotel, with great views.

THE FOOD: We didn’t manage to eat in the hotel restaurant, but it is reportedly very good. The pizzas from the bar are superb, the only downside being that you have to eat off your lap on account of the low bar tables. Having to catch a train at 7.25am, we missed breakfast, so the hotel packed one for us — a nice gesture, but I was hoping for something a little more imaginative than a cheese and tomato sandwich, a cup of muesli and an apple.

RATES: From R447 per person in a double (R547 single) in the low season to R597pps (R797) in the high season, including breakfast. Rates in the executive family suites start at R994 pp in the low season.

WHERE IT IS: At the northern end of the Golden Mile, on the corner of Sandile Thusi Road (formerly Argyle Road) and Marine Parade.

CONTACT: Phone 031 327 7000, e-mail reservations@bluewatershotel.co.za or visit

bluewatershotel.co.za.