Martha's Airport Haven: Your Port Elizabeth Home Away From Home
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the quirky, chaotic, and hopefully helpful review of Martha's Airport Haven: Your Port Elizabeth Home Away From Home. And trust me, after spending a couple of nights there, I've got opinions. Lots of them.
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, this is where I felt, ahem, a little bit out of my depth. I’m generally able-bodied, so I didn't spend a ton of time scrutinizing every ramp and handrail. But I did notice: the elevator (thank god, I hate stairs after a long flight), and I'm pretty sure they've got facilities for disabled guests – although, honestly, I didn’t pry. I'm guessing they’re decently set up, but if you've got specific needs, PLEASE CALL THEM AND ASK. Don't trust my half-formed opinion!
Internet Chaos: Let's get this out of the way. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (cue the angels singing). And it's Wi-Fi [free]! And…wait for it… Internet access – wireless! AND, for all you tech dinosaurs out there, they have Internet access – LAN! The amount of times I yelled internally, after having to reconnect to the wifi… okay, it was a decent speed. Seriously, though, the Internet was a lifesaver. Needed to catch up on emails (ugh), check my flight status (double ugh), and binge-watch some terrible reality TV (bliss!).
Cleanliness and Safety - The Sanctity of Being Safe
This is where Martha's really shines. They aren't messing around with the whole "staying alive" thing. They boast about Anti-viral cleaning products and it felt like it. The daily disinfection in common areas was noticeable, in a good way. Honestly, it made me feel a little bit more secure after the whole travel experience. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, which is a comfort, as well as hand sanitizer everywhere. They had rooms sanitized between stays, and offered room sanitization opt-out available, in case you’re a germaphobe, I guess? They definitely do a great job of Safe dining setup, and there was a doctor/nurse on call, just in case I decided to be a daredevil with the spicy food. They also have CCTV in common areas which made me feel very safe. You have CCTV outside your property, and I have to admit, I felt that this was the safest place I have traveled to.
The Food Fiesta (or My Stomach’s Lament):
Okay, let's talk dining, drinking, and snacking. Where do I even begin? There are restaurants (plural!)! Like, real, honest-to-goodness places to eat. They had restaurants and restaurants, all of which, thankfully used sterilizing equipment. And for breakfast? Breakfast [buffet]! It sounds so promising, right? Visions of fluffy pancakes and endless bacon dancing in my head.
And honestly? It was…fine. It was a Western breakfast, but it definitely wasn't the best I've ever had. But it was there, and it kept me going. The buffet in the restaurant wasn't exactly a Michelin-star experience, but it offered a decent variety. They had Coffee/tea in restaurant, and thank goodness.
But the true highlight? THE poolside bar. My god, that was heaven, especially during happy hour. Sipping a cocktail by the pool, watching the sun dip below the horizon… pure bliss. The poolside bar felt especially important. The drinks were strong and the atmosphere vibrant. They even had a snack bar, which I, of course, abused.
Things to Do (Or, How I Mastered Relaxation):
Listen, I’m not a spa kind of person. Usually. But… they have a Spa. I may have, just MAY have, treated myself to a massage. Look, after a long flight, my shoulders were screaming for mercy. I went into the spa and for a while the world melted away. They have a sauna, a steamroom, and a spa/sauna, pool, AND a pool with view!!!
I didn’t manage to get my body scrub on, or my body wrap! But now that I know it’s there, I can plan my next trip! I think I'll try the foot bath!
Oh, and the Fitness center. I saw it. I briefly considered it. I then decided to order another cocktail. The gym/fitness looked pretty good, though.
The Room: My Temporary Sanctuary (Mostly):
Additional toilet? YES, PLEASE. Air conditioning? Vital! The blackout curtains were a gift from the gods, helping me combat jet lag. I needed to get my eight hours. They give you Complimentary tea, which I really liked. And the Daily housekeeping was excellent. They also provide hair dryer, (thank goodness!). They give you slippers, which I ended up wearing everywhere. The desk was useful for me as I was travelling on business, and the refrigerator was ideal. The seating area meant I could order room service without feeling like I was sat on my bed, eating.
But the biggest win? The wake-up service. Because, let’s be honest, I’m terrible at getting up.
The Services and Conveniences - The Bits and Pieces:
Okay, prepare for sensory overload. They offer air conditioning in public area, a concierge which was very helpful (especially when my luggage went AWOL), contactless check-in/out (smooth and easy), a convenience store for those sneaky snacks, and currency exchange (needed that!). Daily housekeeping. Doorman. **Elevator **. Facilities for disabled guests. Invoice provided. Ironing service. Luggage storage. Meeting/banquet facilities. Meetings. They also provide Safety deposit boxes! Smoking area. Terrace. And so much more!
The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. There's a noticeable effort to provide excellent service, and that made all the difference.
The Quirks (And the Imperfections):
Okay, the truth? It's not perfect. The decor is… well, let’s just say it’s functional. The elevator may creak a bit. Sometimes, the Wi-Fi could be a little dodgy. But honestly? Those little things are part of the charm. Because at the end of the day, Martha's Airport Haven is a safe, comfortable, and surprisingly relaxing place to land.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Hell, yes. Particularly the poolside bar. I'd go back for the friendly staff, the convenient airport location, the comfortable rooms, and the overall feeling of security. It might not be the fanciest hotel in the world, but it's a damn good home away from home.
My Anecdote:
Okay, confession? On the first day, I managed to lock myself out of my room while wearing only a towel. The staff, bless their hearts, handled the situation with such grace and a complete lack of judgment. They even brought me a free bottle of water while I waited. That’s the kind of service that makes you want to come back.
SEO Boost! Let's make this review Search Engine Friendly!
Keywords: Martha's Airport Haven, Port Elizabeth Hotel, Airport Hotel, South Africa, Accommodation, Hotel Review, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi Hotel, Restaurant, Spa, Swimming Pool, Safe Hotel, Family-Friendly, Business Hotel, Pet-Friendly (if applicable, check if they allow them), Conference Facilities, Airport Transfer.
Internal Linking: Include links to relevant pages on the Martha's Airport Haven website (if possible), like their dining options, spa services, and accessibility information.
Meta Description: Write a compelling meta description that summarizes your review and includes the keywords.
Crafting an Offer for Martha's Airport Haven
Tired of the airport hustle? Yearning for a haven of comfort where you can relax and recharge? Look no further than Martha's Airport Haven: Your Port Elizabeth Home Away From Home!
Here's why you should book NOW:
- Stress-Free Arrival: Enjoy a seamless experience with our convenient airport transfer and easy check-in/out.
- Unwind & Revive: Melt away your cares with our rejuvenating Spa and refreshing Swimming Pool [outdoor], offering stunning views. Get your sweat on in the Fitness center or simply kick back with your favorite drink at the Poolside Bar.
- Stay Safe & Secure: Rest easy knowing our hotel boasts top-notch Cleanliness and Safety protocols, including thorough sanitation, trained staff, and 24/7 security.
- Delicious Dining: Savor a delightful culinary experience with our diverse Restaurants offering everything from a hearty Western breakfast to international cuisine.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and the convenience
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel brochure. We're heading to A La Martha's Air-Port Guest House in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and let me tell you, things are about to get… real. Prepare for a glorious mess of a schedule – think less "precision Swiss watch" and more "enthusiastic puppy bounding through a field of daisies."
A LA MARTHA'S AIR-PORT GUEST HOUSE: My Unfiltered Adventure
Day 1: Arrival &… Uh… Orientation?
- Morning (ish - let's be honest, it was closer to midday): Landed at Port Elizabeth airport. The air was crisp – and I nearly choked on my own excitement trying to take it all in. Okay, maybe the excitement was also because I was escaping the soul-crushing grey of London. Grabbed my luggage, which included three pairs of "just in case" shoes that I’ll definitely regret lugging around.
- Pro Tip: If you're anything like me, pack light. Seriously. You won't need that sequined evening gown (let’s be real, you won't).
- Afternoon (A La Martha's Check-In): Found A La Martha's! It's a proper little oasis of calm after the airport chaos. And Martha? She's a force of nature in the best possible way. Think kind eyes, a booming laugh, and a welcome hug that nearly cracked my ribs. I'm already feeling like I've known her forever.
- The Room: My room? Oh, the room! It’s charming, simple, clean: a haven. The bed? Heavenly. The view of the garden? Serene. And the air conditioning? Bless its cotton socks.
- The "Orientation" (More like Martha's Gospel): Martha gave me the lowdown. “Don’t be shy, dear! This is your home now! Coffee’s always on, braai (BBQ) nights are mandatory, and don’t even think about skipping the sunset on the beach!” Basically, she's the queen of everything, and I'm her humble subject. I felt like I signed up for a cult or something. Not a bad one, mind you.
- Evening: Dinner at the Guest House & a bit of a Chat: Martha rustled up a simple, yet delicious meal. We had stew, and I think the best part was hearing about her granddaughter's performance at a local school. I'm already developing a soft spot for this place. It's just so… real.
Day 2: Beaches, Bites & a Braai (Oh. My. Goodness.)
- Morning: Humbling Ocean (with a side of seagull drama): Martha basically shooed me out of bed and told me to go to the beach. I chose Hobie Beach, because it sounded nice. The sand was so warm under my feet. The waves crashed in a rhythmic symphony. I took about three steps into the ocean and nearly took a bath when a wave took me by surprise. I'm not sure if I laughed harder than I did that moment. Oh, and the seagulls? Total drama queens, squawking and swooping as if they owned the place. I swear one stole my sandwich. It was epic!
- Afternoon: Lunch and Explorations: Found a lovely little cafe and grabbed lunch. The food? Delightful. The locals? Friendlier than you can imagine. I could talk to them for hours. Decided to walk around the area.
- Evening: The Braai - A Revelation: This is where things went from "pretty good" to "mind-blowingly amazing." Martha and the other guests were preparing the Braai. The smells were intoxicating. Everything was cooked to perfection! The only problem? I am so not used to this sort of food. But honestly, I ate some of the best meat in my life. We were talking about whatever came to our mind. I learned more about South African life in those few hours than I ever thought possible. Martha’s stories about her life? Priceless. The stars? Brilliant. The company? Unforgettable. I may or may not have had a few too many glasses of South African wine. Worth it.
Day 3: Wildlife and a Touch of Melancholy
- Morning: Addo Elephant National Park – The Majestic Giants (and a little bit of existential dread): Renting a car and driving to Addo was a highlight. The elephant! The elephants! They’re majestic, they’re huge, and seeing them in their natural habitat brought me to something akin to tears. I was speechless! It was breathtaking. The sheer scale of them, the quiet power, the way they moved… I had that sense of wonder I'm pretty sure I've lost at some point in my life. This experience was amazing.
- Side Note: Trying to take photos while simultaneously being overwhelmed is harder than it looks. My camera roll currently looks like a Picasso painting.
- Important Observation: I saw some baboons. They have the personality of teenagers. Loud, cheeky, and prone to mischief.
- Afternoon: A Moment of Stillness (and a failed shopping escapade): Back to A La Martha's to clear my head and contemplate the meaning of life (and maybe take a nap). Tried to venture into some local shops for some souvenirs. It was less than enjoyable. Crowded, a bit overwhelming, and I think I got lost! Give up on shopping for the day and spent time at the guest house, drinking coffee and talking to Martha.
- Evening: Dinner & Departure… Almost. It was a bittersweet farewell. This place has gotten under my skin. I swear I am going to cry leaving. The prospect of the next leg of my journey looms near, but my heart wants to stay here forever. Martha promised that I could come back anytime.
Day 4: Departure – Or Not?
- Morning: Said my goodbyes. This time, for real. Took a detour and bought a souvenir or two. Ate breakfast with Martha. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone.
- Afternoon: Made it to the airport. Boarding… And I’m already missing the view, the friends I made, Martha’s smile, the food!
- Evening: On a different flight. I could feel my heart breaking. No, this is it, I'm sure.
Final Thoughts (AKA rambling from the heart):
This trip wasn't perfect. I messed up the itinerary, ran into issues, got lost, and I might have eaten too much. But that’s the point, isn't it? It was real. It was messy. It was human. And A La Martha's? It was a gift.
I would recommend this place hands down.
P.S. Martha, if you are reading this: Thank you! You are a legend, and I'll be back!
Wooster's BEST-KEPT Secret: Super 8 Review You NEED to See!
Okay, so Martha's... sounds nice. But is it *actually* nice? Or is it just... Port Elizabeth nice? (And do I *actually* need to bring my own toilet paper?)
Alright, look, let's be real. Port Elizabeth is... well, it's got charm. Like, very, *very* slow-burning charm. And Martha's Airport Haven? It's a solid base. Think clean sheets, a shower that *mostly* works (occasional water pressure hiccups are a part of the PE experience, people!), and a reasonably comfy bed. Forget the Ritz, okay? But compare it to, say, the last dodgy B&B you ended up in after a canceled flight? Miles better.
Toilet paper situation? *Generally* covered, but listen, I'm speaking from personal experience. Last time, I'd planned perfectly, arriving at 3am, completely wrecked, and... a thin, single roll staring back at me. So, um, pack a travel-sized emergency roll. Just in case. Trust me. You’ll thank me later, especially if you’re a serial over-flusher, like my ex-husband.
How close *is* it to the airport, actually? Because "close" can be... relative.
"Close" at Martha's? Gloriously, wonderfully, ridiculously close. We're talking, like, a five-minute drive, max. I timed it once out of sheer boredom after a particularly delayed flight (South African Airways, don’t even get me *started*…). It was faster to get to Martha’s than to find my luggage carousel. Bless her, she offers an airport shuttle, and she's a good driver, knows the roads.
The best bit? You can practically *hear* the planes taking off. Which, for some, might be a downside. Not for me, though. Makes me feel like I'm actually *getting* somewhere. Plus, you won't waste hours crammed into a taxi after a long flight, wanting to crawl under the covers. This is a significant win in my book.
What's Martha *like*? Is she going to be hovering? Do I have to pretend to be charming?
Martha? Ah, Martha. She’s a *character*. In the best possible way. Think your favorite auntie who always has a tray of something tasty baking, a story up her sleeve, and a slightly mischievous glint in her eye. She's *present*, she's welcoming, but she's not going to smother you with forced cheerfulness.
She's a lifesaver, you know? When I arrived after a particularly awful trip, stuck in Johannesburg for a day, she gave me a cup of Rooibos, and listened to me moan for a solid hour. I was a mess, really. And she just... listened. That's rare, and that's gold. You’ll find out that she actually *cares* about the guests. She's more than a hostess; she's the heart of the place.
Breakfast. Tell me about the breakfast. Is it a proper fry-up? Or just a sad piece of toast?
Okay, breakfast. This is where Martha really shines. Forget your continental nonsense. She does a *proper* breakfast. Eggs (made to your request, even!), bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms... the works! Freshly baked bread. Juice. Coffee, strong enough to raise the dead, especially after a long flight.
I remember arriving once, utterly drained after a red-eye and a delayed connection. I could barely string a sentence together. Martha, bless her, just placed a plate of crispy bacon in front of me. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. It's enough to persuade you to get out of bed on a cold morning. And she knows the best routes for day trips from there, too. If I'm honest, I’d go back to just to have her breakfast again
Let's say I'm not exactly a seasoned traveler. Do I need to be worried about... safety?
Look, Port Elizabeth, like any city, has its areas and its issues. Martha's Airport Haven is in a safe enough area. The gates are locked, there's parking. Martha herself is incredibly safety conscious (probably because she's seen it all!). She'll give you the heads up on things to be aware of.
The area is well-lit, and walking late at night is not advised (and I don't recommend it anywhere, really!). Keep your wits about you, just like you would anywhere in the world. Use common sense, and you'll be fine. And Martha is always happy to advise, or offer advice on travel/taxis etc, too.
Wi-Fi! (Because, you know, the modern world.) Is it any good?
The Wi-Fi is... well, it's Port Elizabeth Wi-Fi. Let's put it that way. It works. Most of the time. Don't expect to stream HD movies. Think email, checking social media, and perhaps video calls that occasionally freeze mid-sentence.
I had a particularly frustrating situation trying to book flights out of there once, the Wi-Fi kept dropping out just as I was finalizing. It tested my patience, for sure. But it's usually enough for what you need, and Martha is always happy to help if you're having issues. It's never going to rival a five-star hotel's connection speed, but hey, you're not paying five-star hotel prices, are you?
Okay, what if I end up there for an extended time? Is it a good base for exploring the area?
Absolutely! Martha's is a fantastic base for exploring the Eastern Cape. It's a short drive to the beaches, the Addo Elephant National Park (a MUST-SEE!), and the surrounding coastal towns.
I took a day trip to the Shamwari Game Reserve once from Martha's place, and it was a good day out. If you're lucky, you might even get Martha to share some of her local knowledge. She knows all the best restaurants and hidden gems. Just remember, don’t expect five-star luxury—expect local charm, good food and hospitality. You’ll find it there, truly, I promise. And take a travel-sized toilet roll *just in case*!
Post a Comment for "Martha's Airport Haven: Your Port Elizabeth Home Away From Home"