By ELEANOR DOUGLAS-MEYERS
You know what’s better than a fabulous night out? A fabulous night out that ends with you walking into a hotel room instead of driving home.
My husband and I recently stayed at Boardwalk Hotel while attending Braemore Lundall-Sauls’ Luce della Moda 2026: ECLIPSE fashion extravaganza, and I’ve decided this might just be one of my favourite ways to make a special occasion even more memorable.
Think about it. You’re already getting dressed up, organising your evening and possibly spending a little extra on the occasion. Why not turn the whole thing into a mini getaway?
And with Boardwalk Hotel & Casino regularly hosting concerts, comedy shows, fashion events and other entertainment, there are plenty of excuses to give it a try.
First, let’s talk about getting ready
Ladies, you know how it goes. You’ve got an event at seven, but somehow you’re still trying to finish your makeup, find your earrings and remember where you put your handbag at six.
Now imagine checking into a hotel instead.
You can unpack, put on some music, take your time doing your makeup and even squeeze in a little afternoon nap before getting dressed.
No rushing. No traffic stress. No sitting in the car worrying about whether your outfit is going to crease before you’ve even arrived.
And because the Boardwalk ICC is right there, you can simply make your way to the event.
Honestly, the convenience alone is enough to sell me on the idea.
Forgot something? Not a problem
One of the things I love about Boardwalk Hotel & Casino is that practically everything you need is within walking distance.
Forgot your lashes? Need stockings? Decided at the last minute that your outfit needs something extra?
The Boardwalk Mall is right there.
You can also grab a bite to eat, enjoy a coffee or do a little browsing before the evening begins.
It’s the kind of convenience that makes the whole experience feel like a proper holiday, without having to travel very far at all.
And then there’s the best part: no driving home
After a long evening of socialising, dancing, watching a show or simply enjoying yourself, the last thing you want to do is worry about the journey home.
Especially if you’ve dressed up, worn heels or had a particularly busy week.
Staying at Boardwalk Hotel means you can enjoy the evening knowing your room is only a short walk away.
No organising lifts or arranging transport back home. No rushing to beat the traffic.
And if the evening includes a celebratory drink, there’s no need to get behind the wheel.
You can simply head back to your room, kick off your shoes and call it a night.
Don’t underestimate the morning after
Here’s where I think the real magic happens.
Instead of waking up at home and immediately getting back into your usual weekend routine, you get to wake up in a beautiful hotel room.
Sleep in a little. Take your time getting ready. Head down for breakfast and enjoy the fact that someone else is taking care of the dishes.
And you don’t have to choose between relaxing and keeping up with your usual routine.
You can spend some time at Boardwalk Hotel’s gym, go for a swim or simply lounge by the pool with absolutely nowhere you need to be.
You could even extend the experience with a leisurely lunch or a little shopping before heading home.
Suddenly, what was supposed to be a few hours out has become a proper little break.
And yes, you can bring the kids
While the idea of a romantic overnight stay is lovely, Boardwalk Hotel & Casino is also a great option for a family getaway.
There’s plenty to keep the children entertained, and with so much to do within the complex, you don’t have to spend your weekend driving from one activity to another.
Our son is a particular fan of the Boardwalk’s game room, which is always a highlight for him.
I also love that Boardwalk Hotel & Casino feels like a secure, family-friendly environment where we can enjoy spending time together.
Between the games, swimming, shopping and entertainment, there’s something for everyone.
And let’s face it, a getaway where the kids are having just as much fun as the adults is always a win.
Of course, little ones still need the usual supervision, but having so many activities in one place certainly makes family time easier.
You don’t have to leave town to have a holiday
I think we sometimes forget that you don’t need to travel hundreds of kilometres to enjoy a getaway.
In fact, there’s something particularly lovely about being a tourist in your own city.
No packing for a week, no airport queues and no complicated travel arrangements.
Just an overnight bag, a good outfit and something fun on the calendar.
For couples, it’s an easy way to turn an ordinary date night into something a little more special. For friends, it could be the perfect excuse for a girls’ weekend. And for families, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a little quality time together without the stress of planning an elaborate holiday.
Your next Boardwalk Hotel & Casino event could be your next getaway
With Boardwalk Hotel & Casino continuing to host a variety of entertainment and special events, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a weekend of it.
In fact, we’ve previously rounded up some of the exciting entertainment on offer in our 041Online feature, What’s Happening at Boardwalk? Your Guide to Upcoming Shows in Nelson Mandela Bay.
While those particular events may have come and gone, they’re a lovely reminder of just how much entertainment happens right here in our city.
Whether you’re planning to attend a concert, fashion show, comedy evening or special celebration, consider checking Boardwalk Hotel’s room availability at the same time you’re making your event plans.
Of course, booking a hotel room is an extra expense, but when you consider the convenience, the opportunity to relax and the chance to make an occasion feel that much more special, it’s definitely worth considering.
My husband and I went to Boardwalk Hotel & Casino for a fashion show, but staying over turned the evening into something much more enjoyable.
And that’s really the point.
Why settle for a night out when you can make a weekend of it?
Disclosure: My husband and I were kindly hosted by Boardwalk Hotel for this stay. As always, all opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own.
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