Quarters Hermanus. First published in 48 Hours.
MUCH of the accommodation available in central Hermanus is either English Country or French Provencal in style, so the contemporary roominess of The Quarters is very appealing. Because it is newly built, albeit in the historic centre of Hermanus, there is off-street parking available for hotel guests, which is about as rare as finding parking in Paris or Clifton.
There was some controversy during the building on the site of the old library and the structure was originally intended as an apartment block. Not only does this mean that all rooms have fully functional kitchens, but also that the quality of workmanship is excellent, built to last.
The Marine Hotel has long occupied the premier position and reputation in Hermanus, right at the cliff face overlooking the sea. The Quarters’ position however, also delivers views (there is a large picture window in the bedroom that looks right out to whales frolicking in the sea) but is at the centre of village life with craft and market stalls in the immediate surroundings. Unless you’re after a quiet, rarefied stay, I can’t think of a better position in Hermanus.
We were in one of the nine suites with a large sitting room and big-screen TV and dining area, but there are also nine standard rooms that can be easily converted into family suites by closing a corridor door. This makes sense if you’re travelling as a family or need somewhere for your security detail, driver or pilot to stay nearby.
Durban’s Quarters Hotels are smart refurbishments of historic buildings whereas this one is brand new. They do however all share Quarters’ high level of personal service by an all-female management team. I liked their energetic approach that appeared out-of-the-box, like arranging a kayak excursion for conference delegates.
Food is promising at the Kitchen Bar restaurant in Harbour Square, under the hotel. The scallops are served on the shell, poached in chardonnay and Roquefort sauce with fresh herbs. (R59). The tasty sauce goes especially well with their home-baked brown bread. Salmon Carpaccio with lemon, capers and avocado cream cheese is another good option as a starter. (R50)
Ox tail is slow braised in red wine with butter beans, carrots and mash (R95). Absolutely delicious tasting but three of the four tail bones needed a lot more cooking. On seeing me struggle to wrestle the meat free, they brought another juicy, meaty bone to the table.
When chatting to the manager afterwards, I shared my doubts that other diners would receive the same good treatment, but he assured me otherwise.
The grilled calamari with sundried tomato, feta and chili on fettuccini (R69) is another good choice. The man-sized portion of calamari was deliciously tender and the pasta was lightly sauced, the way Italians like it. Lighter fare includes sandwiches such as chicken and mayo (R35) or BLT (R35) served with side salad and chips.
The restaurant menu is also available for in-room dining.
There is a deli in the building along with a snazzy jewelry store, ideal to select something sparkly for your loved one while you’re there over the Valentine’s Day weekend. If you book soon, you should still be able to find a R3200 suite for that weekend.
www.quarters.co.za 028 313 77 00
[15-Jan-10]
Brian Berkman
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