Willets Hotel

The food was okay and the playlist was nice, though it was a bit too loud. The Barista was great and seemed more on the ball, but the rest of the staff came across as distracted. Service was very slow despite there hardly being any guests. I ordered sparkling water when we sat down, asked again when it didn’t arrive, then gave up and cancelled it after we’d finished eating. I don’t think I’d return. If you do go, allow plenty of time.

Linelle deserves a special thank you for going above and beyond to keep everything running smoothly. She was professional, warm, understanding and genuinely caring every time we interacted. From the moment we booked, the care, attention and communication at Willets Boutique Hotel were outstanding.

The food is still enjoyable, and the staff were kind and doing their best, but the constant presence of the new owner, focused on his own vision, made it feel as though customer experience and inclusivity barely mattered. It’s a shame because the place has so much potential, and I hope its soul hasn’t disappeared completely. I knew this restaurant as a warm, charming and inclusive part of Simonstown under its previous ownership. Since ownership changed in May 2025, that feeling seems to have gone. The furniture now makes the dining area feel like a waiting room, and the overall look is cold and dated, without the character you’d expect in such a scenic, historic location. I work in luxury hospitality and have travelled a lot, so I was genuinely taken aback by how unwelcome the experience felt.

These clean, comfortable rooms had what we needed for a quick beach break, including a TV, hairdryer and air conditioning. Bring your own toiletries. It was good value, especially with breakfast. My son joined us, and the staff kindly put him in the room next door, which was bigger than the one we’d booked for him.