Like to try a Sea Castle?

The view OK for you? It should be.

Although you access it through a back road, Primi Sea Castle is right on the beach and there is a pedestrian gate and fewer than 10 paces to the sand. A design flaw is that as the property is in a converted house rather than purpose built so there are rooms, especially those on the lower level, that only have natural light coming through the balcony sliding door.

I missed having a window in the bathroom but it is a small point as the Classic room was cavernous in size and extremely comfortable. Rooms are also divided into Classic and Standard Sea View and Non-Sea View rooms and range in price from R1000 for no sea view to R1600 for a sea front Classic suite.

A fridge just like the one Mum had

There was even one of those hot design must-have SMEG fridges in a pastel pink. Particularly suitable if you want to braai (all balconies have a BBQ and loungers but there is also a big-mains gas braai at the communal pool).

After a hard day bronzing on the beach you may feel like a little lie-down.

I liked that there were TVs in the suite's sitting area and the bedroom and a freestanding sound system. The aircon was also effective. You can buy Wi-Fi vouchers at reception or use the computer in the bar/breakfast area which is also a very social space.

Guests (mostly 30-somethings) are introduced to each other, which makes for a convivial atmosphere.

Oh look! Cool... Just like mum had.

Drawbacks are stairs and more stairs, parking is very limited and a little more focus on maintenance wouldn't go amiss. These are, thankfully, far outweighed by the location, comfortable rooms and personable service from hands-on manager Michael.

For more information go to www.primi-seacastle.com.