The Marine Hotel - South Africa
The Marine Hotel was built in 1902 by Walter McFarlane, who had moved to Hermanus from nearby Elgin in the 1880's. The hotel started off quite modestly with a mere 21 rooms and over the years the hotel has seen numerous extensions and changes of ownership. Following the purchase of the Marine by David Rawdon in the early 1980's and four years of painstaking renovation, thirteen years of successful management ensued. However a new custodian was required to take this grand old lady into the new millennium. Liz McGrath became the new owner of the Marine Hotel in March 1998 and so began the complete makeover of this historic hotel. As with the sister properties of The Collection, namely the Cellars-Hohenort and the Plettenberg, the world class quality that has become the hallmark of Liz McGrath was injected into the Marine. This was achieved by using exceptionally talented designers to ensure the highest standards of style, elegance and comfort in both the bedrooms and the public areas of the hotel. After a concerted nine-month restoration period, the Marine reopened in October 1998 as a five star hotel. In January 2000 the hotel was accepted as a member of the Relaish and Chateaux Association and secured its position among the finest hotels in the world. This grand old lady has never looked so glamorous - a fitting tribute to those who built the Marine a century ago - but now possesses all the amenities a modern sojourner could wish for. The Marine has 45 individually decorated bedrooms and suites, each with its own private facilities. Commanding views extend across Walker Bay or over the beautiful internal courtyard, finely manicured gardens and the Overberg Mountains.
ACCOMMODATION
Peel back the silk drapes in one of our sea facing rooms to reveal the type of view dreams are made of, each a riot of the freshest, newest colours and fabrics with a real sense of escape. The bathrooms, a study in marble, chrome and luxurious deep pile toweling, the perfect recipe for relaxation amongst the bubbles. Three exceptionally talented interior designers have worked tirelessly to ensure the highest standard of style and comfort in the bedrooms. The hotel has 45 individually decorated bedrooms and suites - each with private facilities. Many have commanding views across Walker Bay or into the beautiful internal courtyards with swimming pool and garden.
FACILITIES
Stroll along the cliff hugging path to the golf club and view the miles of white sandy beach beyond. The sparkling, heated courtyard pool might beckon, perfect for catching some African sun. Wile away the remainder of your day in the Reading Room, perfect for quiet contemplation after a busy day's whale watching ... a glass of champagne ... or planning your onward journey. The Orangery is the place to enjoy a cocktail or even afternoon tea with nothing between you and the South Pole - other than 3,000 miles of ocean. Or relax in the Reading Room for warm, cozy fireside evenings during winter. Carefully tended gardens add colour and restfulness to your seaside experience.
