Best View @ No 2

The staff were friendly, the room was clean and well equipped, and the location was excellent. We also had a brilliant balcony. Breakfast was tasty, with no complaints there. The quirky decor, though, isn't really my usual taste. It felt more castle-like than modern, with heart-shaped lampshades, a pink bath, and a really tall bed. I needed a footstool to climb onto it. I also felt a bit watched the whole time, which was kind of creepy. It was quite an experience. If quirky is your thing, you'll love it.

The design is striking when you walk in, but the best part is the terrace, with a breathtaking view across the coast. I was only there for breakfast, and the meal was a letdown. I ordered the 'Grand breakfast', which didn't look very grand: four tomato pieces, a small sausage, three bacon slices, a piece of mushroom, and some scrambled eggs. Everything was soaked in some kind of oil, and the taste came through in every bite. The waitress was super nice, but after taking my drink order she forgot to come back for the food order. I waited about 20 minutes, then went inside and asked someone else to take it. Stunning place, bad kitchen.

Our stay was full of problems, and a week later I'm still waiting for the promised call from management. On arrival, there was no linen on the bed. That got sorted later, but there was hair all over the basin and counter. I asked for it to be cleaned. When we came back, the counter had been done, but the basin and area around it hadn't. I asked to speak with management, and they apologized and said they'd follow up. The in-room coffee machine was broken. Reception's phones weren't working, so I went downstairs. Housekeeping came up to confirm the machine was broken, and I asked them to send coffees up. They never arrived. Both restaurant meals we ordered were missing what we'd asked for. When I asked why they'd left out the only protein ingredient, the kitchen said people often ask to leave it out, so they had. Room service took over an hour. It arrived cold and without cutlery. When I asked about the temperature, they suggested reheating it. There were no other food options at that time of night, so we ate it cold. The restaurant only had four tables occupied. We asked for management again, but front of house said they were too busy and offered a voucher for free nights in the future. I returned it and said I'd rather have the manager hear what had gone wrong than have them throw money at the problem. They promised management would call by 5pm that day. A week has gone by, and I'm still waiting.

The rooms have the usual necessities you'd expect from a boutique hotel, with clean, comfortable beds and linen and plenty of hot water. Breakfast was good, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We spent a weekend at Grand Africa and really enjoyed the eclectic decor and views that can't be topped. Its location close to the pool and restaurant might make the rooms a bit noisy in the busier season. Otherwise, it was a lovely change from the usual run-of-the-mill stay.