Quarters in Hermanus is luxury without the opulence. It has all the trimmings of a boutique hotel, but never loses its warm, welcoming appeal.

The staff are professional without being aloof, and while the rooms have everything you would expect to find in a swanky hotel, they also come with a self-catering kitchen if you feel like sorting out your own meals instead of treating yourself to room service or one of the many restaurants right on the hotel?s doorstep.

And don?t feel intimidated by the chic, trendy look either (I admit I initially was!), because the staff are warm, considerate and willing to go the extra mile to make you feel at home.

Quarters is located on the old Hermanus Harbour, meaning whale watching is a cinch, and so is getting down to the market if you want to take in some local crafts. The area is, of course, famous for its land-based whale watching, but there is loads to do if you?re up for something a little more adventurous as well.

The casual air of Quarters fits in with the Hermanus vibe, but don?t think for a minute that this means they are inattentive to your every need. We were met in the secure parking ? every room is allocated an underground parking bay ? by the porter, who grabbed our bags and whisked us up to the room. After a brief tutorial of the amenities, he left us to it.

My wife was immediately drawn to the large bath in the en-suite bathroom, while I got to grips with the satellite TV. The rooms come with all the bells and whistles: open plan kitchen and lounge in suites, separate bath and showers, air conditioning, remote controlled LCD television with selected DSTV channels, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safes and microwaves in suites.

You even have the option of in-room Spa treatments, and the hotel offers a range of treatments, from Swedish to foot massages at varying prices.

When it comes to dining, you can choose from any number of restaurants in the area, but Quarters is also linked to the Harbour Square Kitchen Bar for sit-down meals and room service. We tried Harbour Square, which is a couple of steps away from the hotel, for dinner on the first night.

The restaurant is much like the hotel, with an urban-chic look and feel, friendly staff, and a reasonable menu, the restaurant also has live music on the weekend and is a great place for a relaxed meal or a couple of cocktails.

It was a lazy weekend stay for us at Quarters, and we didn?t take on anything too challenging (unless you consider a walk around the market challenging!), but whether you are visiting Hermanus for a couple of days of R&R, or a week of exploring the Western Cape, Quarters is a good place to set up your 2010 base camp.

For more information, visit www.quarters.co.za, or call 028 313 7700.

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