A Regrettable Stay

* Inadequate hot water: The showers provided only lukewarm water, regardless of the time of day. This made it uncomfortable and unsatisfying to take a shower, greatly impacting the overall bathing experience.

* Extremely small cups and glasses in room: The cups provided in the room were disappointingly small, and the glasses for drinking water were not much better. We had to constantly refill due to the minuscule portions provided. Given the high price of the accommodation, this was highly inconvenient and unacceptable.

* Disruptive noise from the departing EFF political party event: When the EFF political party event attendees left the hotel, they created a significant disturbance by singing loudly in the street late into the night. This noise was not only irritating but also highly disruptive, preventing guests from enjoying a peaceful environment during their stay.

* Poor housekeeping service: The housekeeping staff failed to deliver on their promises. After being asked to hand over dirty towels, clean ones were never provided. Upon contacting room service, the staff member was rude and unhelpful, repeatedly hanging up and stating that it wasn't their department. It took multiple phone calls and a 20-minute wait before clean towels were finally delivered. This unprofessionalism greatly affected the overall experience.

* Long wait times for elevators: The elevators in the hotel were inefficient, resulting in significant wait times for guests on every floor. This delay was frustrating and caused unnecessary inconvenience, affecting the overall efficiency and satisfaction of guests during their stay.

* Unwelcoming receptionist during check-in: The receptionist exhibited a lack of warmth and courtesy during the check-in process. Instead of making guests feel welcomed, they came across as unwelcoming and uninterested, leaving a negative impression right from the start of the stay. This lack of hospitality was highly disappointing and not in line with the expected standards of a high-end hotel.

* Demanding immediate payment for parking: On the second day of the stay, the receptionist phoned and demanded immediate payment for parking. Despite our request for a slight delay due to our group napping, we were insisted upon to come down right away. However, upon reaching the lobby, we were made to wait for approximately 15 minutes due to other guests, including the winner of the Comrades. This prioritization issue made us feel neglected and undervalued as guests, contributing to the overall dissatisfaction of the experience.

Overall, my stay at Blue Waters Hotel was a regrettable experience. The inadequate hot water, small amenities, disruptive noise, poor housekeeping, slow elevators, unwelcoming check-in, and payment demands all significantly detracted from the quality of my stay. Considering the reputation and pricing of the hotel, I expected a much higher level of service and comfort. Regrettably, I cannot recommend this hotel for a pleasant and hassle-free stay. The only sure thing was the ocean view.