The South African Tourism Company

Arabella is bringing Westin to Cape Town

2008-04-25T16:32:00.002+01:00

Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel, Cape Town will be re-branded and re-launched as The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays on the 7th of November 2007. The Westin brand is recognized for delivering the highest guest satisfaction among upscale hotel chains. Westin is more than a hotel, it is a destination where guests are understood and feel that this is a place where, 'I can be at my best'.

welcome to the Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays
Calming colours, elegant florals and ambient lighting greet you in the Westin lobby. Refresh your mood as the day ends, celebrate the night with Unwind, a Westin evening ritual. Discover the local culture and cuisine as you relax in the company of fellow guests and indulge in refreshing beverages and appetizers.

Heavenly Experiences

Experience heaven on earth with Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Shower. Westin's all-white Heavenly Bed features a unique design that ensures the most rejuvenating sleep possible. For double the pleasure, the Heavenly Shower is custom-designed with two heads, five adjustable jets and several spray options, from a light mist to a powerful massage.

This is how it should feel.

Spier Hotel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

2008-04-25T13:51:00.002+01:00

Renovations to Spier Hotel

As the Cape enters its winter season, Spier Hotel is racing against the rains to get some improvements done to our property.

Starting from Monday the 5th May we will have two projects that you need to be aware of:

1. PROJECT 1 – EXTENDING EXTERIOR ROOF:
We will be extending the exterior roof/ terrace area from our hotel bar to the bottom of the restaurant. Working hours will be from 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. NO major building equipment is expected. There will be drilling and minor angle grinding as the pillars and roof sheets are installed. Following this glass will be installed. This project should take about 5 weeks, and minor to mild disturbance to our guests is expected. Barriers/ Screens will be erected to minimize visual impact and all South African Health and safety standards will be followed.

2. PROJECT 2 – LAP POOL:
We will be building a 35 meter length by 4 meter breadth lap pool. This will be built in front of the hotel Bar and restaurant. This promises to be a really wonderful addition to property. This work will take +/- 10 weeks commencing on Monday 5th May. This will include major building, including in the initial phases earth moving equipment. Work will be from 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Fencing and Screens will be erected to minimize visual impact as far as possible. All South African Health and Safety standards will be followed.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Kind Regards
Brigitte Roediger
Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Fancourt,Garden Route

2008-04-25T10:55:00.002+01:00

GOVERNMENT AND TOURISM SUPPORTS GOLF SUMMIT
Decision makers in regional and local government and tourism have come out in support of the South African Golf Summit to be held at Fancourt from 20 to 23 April 2008.
Describing the summit as a ‘step in the right direction’, officials said the summit gave all roleplayers opportunity to benefit from the game and industry.
Western Cape Minister of Environment, Planning and Economic Development Tasneem Essop said there was a significant inter-relationship between golf and tourism that could not be ignored and should lead to greater benefit.
“As one of the main economic forces in our province, tourism services and infrastructure must be improved, the industry needs to ensure greater participation and development must benefit a wider part of the citizenry. Golf is a major tourism draw card in our region and it needs to be managed in such a manner so that the concept of a triple bottom line, i.e. economic, social and environmental, is fully embraced.
The summit is an ideal forum for stakeholders in the golfing industry to interact and consult with government. Most, if not all, of our policy formulation is evidence-based and we know that our province faces serious challenges in the near future. One only needs to think of the challenges that climate change presents as our summers become hotter and longer, water supplies will also become tighter and of course the spatial issues that we face as the boundaries of development and our unique biodiversity begin to clash, she said.
Minister Essop will be discussing requirements and procedures for Fancourt Golf Course and Estate permit approval at the summit and will also join discussion session surrounding environmental issues and socio-economic development.
South African Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola said golf added major economic value to tourism in the country and should be optimised.
“Countries across the world have shown significant growth in golf tourism and South Africa in many cases has better weather conditions, more beautiful scenery and some of the best names in the golf world behind their golf course design. It only makes sense to ensure that this asset is developed in a sustainable manner that can benefit local communities, the disadvantaged and the golf industry to the economic well-being of tourism and the country,” said Mosola.
South African Tourism Events General Manager Sugen Pillay will be speaking at the summit on behalf of Mosola on the significance of the golf industry in the optimisation of the socio economic value of tourism in South Africa.
Eden District Municipality Mayor Rudi Laws said the municipality welcomed the summit not only because it brought national and international visitors to the region but also because it ultimately benefited growth in the district’s golf market, which contributed significantly to the area’s economy. Eden's brand as premier golfing destination received a considerable boost when it was accorded the right to host the President’s Cup in 2003, as well as the Women's Golf Cup in 2005.
“Our region encompasses several golf courses and golf estates. We recognise the sport’s role in the well-being of the area and also see the local role players’ efforts in working with government and other sectors. We look forward to the good results that the summit will bring to our region in future,” said Laws.
The annual summit brings together key industry stakeholders including government, developers, operators and investors involved in the development of golf resorts, courses and estates.

CAPE GRACE HOTEL, CAPE TOWN

2008-04-25T09:06:00.002+01:00

REFASHIONING OF CAPE GRACE

Following the completion of our recently re-decorated Reception and Library, we are delighted to announce the start of the highly anticipated and incredibly exciting REFASHIONING of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms and suites (including bathrooms), passages and lobbies.Well respected Cape Town interior designer Kathi Weixelbaumer will begin transforming the look and feel on 1 April 2008, starting at the top with our 4th floor. Weixelbaumer has long been established as a designer of repute with custom-decorated private homes being her main focus to date. She has a talent for juxtaposing the modern with period and the rare with the humble, whilst embracing all with spontaneity and excitement.Guests will experience not only beautiful décor, but also the charm of the Cape’s history and the beauty of the botanical kingdom which gives the region its rich and colourful character. The understated elegance and complete sense of place which guests have become accustomed to will remain, as fascinating stories of the past combined with modern design elements unfold in the guest rooms and suites.Together with a team of local small businesses, Weixelbaumer Design will reach a new level of individuality with the result being a variety of distinctively designed rooms, nothing like hotel décor seen to date.With each floor taking approximately 5 weeks to refashion, the project is due for completion in September 2008. The time parameter of 10am to 4pm daily - the hours during which most guests are out sightseeing - has been set for work that involves noise. Workmen will be unobtrusive in their entry to the work area and will not be using the front entrance to the hotel. Guests will not have access to the floor being refashioned. Two project managers have been appointed to oversee the refashioning so that Nigel Pace and his dedicated team can focus on delivering exceptional service as usual.We are confident that the impact on guests will be minimal with the end result of the refashioning revealing a refreshed sense of place and understated elegance that Cape Grace is renowned for. However, as a gesture of goodwill, Cape Grace is offering one of the following complimentary experiences to each guest staying at the hotel during this period:• Lunch at Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar • Lunch at “theshowroom” restaurant• Wine tasting and tapas at Caveau Wine Bar and Deli• Table Mountain cable car ticket• Cape Grace picnic voucher• Open top, city sightseeing bus ride(Certain conditions apply to each offer. Details will be printed on vouchers.) We will be updating you on a regular basis during this time of transformation. Please look out for our bi-monthly newsletter which will allow you to click through to our website’s dedicated refashioning page. You are encouraged to visit this section of the website for up to date information and photographs tracking the development of the rooms from 1 March onwards.In addition, we will be running an exciting refashioning competition offering fantastic prizes. Further information to follow at a later stage.

Lanzerac Hotel and Spa, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

2008-04-23T16:29:00.002+01:00

Lanzerac Hotel and Spa

The Lanzerac Hotel and Spa is set in the heart of the Cape Winelands and nestled on the outskirts of the historical town of Stellenbosch.

Established over 300 years ago, the establishment epitomizes the Cape Dutch Era. First class service, wine and cuisine, together with superior pampering in the Spa and Wellness Centre, has resulted in the 5 star Lanzerac Hotel and Spa earning a place among the prestigious luxury hotels in the world.

All the 48 rooms on offer are en-suite and are individually decorated. Each room has its own private balcony with views of either the vineyards or landscaped gardens.
Vist the Lanzerac Spa and Wellness Centre to indulge in some of the many treatments on offer.
In the mood for wining and dining? Guests are spoilt for choice with a selection of dining options available, including a 24 hour room service facility.

With the Estate being centrally situated, it is the perfect resting place to explore the wine producing areas of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschoek and Somerset West.
Cape Town International Airport is a mere 25 minutes drive away and Cape Town City and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is approximately 40 minutes drive.

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel Cape Town

2008-04-23T10:32:00.010+01:00

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel

Cape Royale Hotel offers home-away-from-home comforts and is the first choice for the discerning traveller seeking the very best in comfort and convenience.

The Cape Royale Hotel is situated along a tree-lined boulevard in Green Point, Cape Town and offers awsome views of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront as well as Table Mountain.
It is only a 30-minute drive from the Cape Town International Airport and approximately 5 minutes from the central business district, the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay as well as the V&A Waterfront.

Guests are spoilt for choice with the option of 1;2;3 and 4 bedroomed suites available that offer spacious living and entertainment areas, three restaurants, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and boardrooms, Spa and Wellness Centre and roof-deck pool & bar.

The suites come standard with the following features:

• Fresh orchids and floral arrangements

• Complimentary butlers tray with an array of local and imported tea and coffee

• Lavish Charlotte Rhys bath and body products

• Ladies and gents bathrobes and slippers

• Satellite TV with 14 channels

• 32” LCD TV in lounge

• 22” LCD TV in main bedroom

• DVD player and surround sound music system

• Complimentary high speed internet access

• Private laptop safe

• International plug adapters

• Double glazed window and doors

Cape Royale offers the following services to business and leisure guests:
• High-speed internet access

• 24-hour room service

• Laundry & valet services

• Child care services

• Bar & safe facility

• Flat screen LCD

• Sound system

• Concierge

• Business centre

• Transportation & travel desk

• Currency exchange

• Bar & restaurant

• Full security

• Valet parking and secure underground garage

• Retail & specialty shops

The rates quoted are per suite and exclude breakfast.
Check-In time is 14hOO on day of arrival and the check-out time is 12hOO on day of departure.

A late check-out can be arranged at a nominal charge subject to the availability of suites.

To make a BOOKING CLICK HERE

Castle Kyalami Hotel Johannesburg

2008-04-23T10:32:00.008+01:00

Castle Kyalami Hotel Johannesburg

When you hear the words majestic, lavish, calming, comfortable, you think of a beautiful aged old castle which is exactly what you’ll get when booking a fairytale room at the Castle Kyalami with a choice of three room types, i.e Standard rooms, Deluxe rooms or Suites.

The Std. Rooms is either a double bed or a room with two twin beds with en-suite bathroom with bath and shower or bath only.
The Deluxe rooms have the queen size beds, which differs him from the standard rooms.
The Suites is much bigger than the other two and have a corner bathtub as well.

The setting in the hotel is that of a modernized castle complete with custom made wrought iron work for the chandeliers and balustrades around the hotel to give that romantic aged old setting.

The Castle Kyalami has conference facilities as well, a lovely pool and a terrace for light lunches, a private dining room, a cigar lounge and The Cellar restaurant.

Come and indulge yourself in this magnificent setting set amidst the panoramic vista of Magaliesburg , Johannesburg & Pretoria.

To make BOOKING click HERE

Johannesburg International Airport Hotels

2008-04-21T16:47:00.002+01:00

We are refurbishing our Intercontinental Johannesburg O R Tambo Airport. The refurbishment will commence 05th May 2008 until the 26th of September 2008.

We will be refurbishing a floor at a time, totalling 20 rooms on average and no guests will occupy a floor undergoing refurbishment.

Minimal disruption is expected, due to this primarily being a soft refurbishment of all rooms. Work will take place daily from 09h00-17h00, Monday to Friday.

Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming our guests to our "newly refurbished hotel" as from October 2008!

Table bay Hotel

2008-04-21T16:41:00.002+01:00

The Table Bay Hotel will be conducting routine annual preventative maintenance of the swimming pool and deck which will commence from 2 June to 1 August 2008 (inclusive). This program ensures that all areas are maintained to the standard that is expected of the hotel and is scheduled to take place during the peak winter period to minimise any inconvenience to our guests during their stay with us.

There will be no disruptrion in terms of noise to guest staying in the hotel and the Spa will be fully opeartional.

Assuring you of our very best service at all times.

The Michelangelo Hotel located in Sandton

2008-04-18T16:16:00.002+01:00

The Michelangelo Hotel located in Sandton’s vibrant and famous Nelson Mandela Square is suitable for a client who loves luxury,comfort and excellent service. Tasteful décor, remarkable architecture and plenty of natural light from the high glass ceiling in the center of the hotel adds the dynamic ambiance.Your requirements are taken care of from the moment you make your reservation or just passing through for a meeting in the Business Centre. High- tea, light meals and cocktails at the I’l Ritrovo Bar and Lounge are a favourite of The Michelangelo’s customers. Enjoying sumptuous Mediteranian Cuisine, excellent wine list, followed by the ever memorable Michelangelo’s Creme Brulee is an absolute treat.

You are spoilt for choice from The Michelangelo Hotels 241 rooms, 5 room types all uniquely designed boasting with 2 magestic Presidential Suites. Rooms are equipped with complimentary tea and coffee stations, large bathrooms, mini bars, high-speed internet access, satellite television, international plugs, air-conditioning, safes,slippers and beautiful monogrammed dressing gowns. Honeymooners are treated to welcome gifts, special turn down service and a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability).

A shoppers dream! The Michelangelo Hotel is attached to Nelson Mandela Square, The Michelanglo Towers Mall and Sandton City Mall. All these are within walking distance. For relaxation you can indulge in spa treatments, gym, indoor heated pool, steam room and sauna. If you are in the mood for adventure, talk to the well informed concierge team who will arrange transportation or fascinating tours of Johannesburg and it’s surrounds.

The transit lounge is available for guests who require to freshen up before heading out after an early flight or relaxation before taking a trip home. The Michelangelo will assist you with luggage storage and look forward to welcome you back again.

Hyatt Regency Makes Light of Loadshedding

2008-04-17T16:23:00.003+01:00

The Hyatt Regency in Rosebank has decided that they are not going to let their guests be inconvenienced by the proposed load shedding schedules. They have replaced their old generator, which had limited capacity, with a new generator which will allow the hotel to be fully operational once Eskom switches off power to the Rosebank area.

The hotel is situated in one of Johannesburg's most important social and business districts. A mere 35 minutes from the Johannesburg Airport, ten minutes drive from the Johannesburg CBD and Sandton CBD and only a 50 minute drive from Pretoria.

Port Elizabeth Hotels

2008-04-17T14:57:00.004+01:00

Looking for sand, sun and relaxation this Winter?
With its Blue Flag beach status and sandy beaches accompanied with the warm winter sun, Port Elizabeth is the place for you!

Port Elizabeth offers upmarket accommodation situated all along the beach front.
With just a stones throw to the beach and a 2 minute walk to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex; is the Beach Hotel, offering guests 58 tastefully decorated rooms. Start your day with a Full English Breakfast in the Crest restaurant, and after a day of relaxation, enjoy a sundowner or cocktail & snacks on the Verandah overlooking the Bay. The Bell restaurant offers one of the best al a Carte menus for you to enjoy a superb dinner.

The Courtyard Port Elizabeth is situated along Marine Drive and is also on the doorstep of the Boardwalk and Casino Complex. All of the 64 rooms offers its guests superb sea views.

Port Elizabeth is home to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex, situated across the road from Humewood Beach.
Here you can try your luck at one of the many casino tables or slot machines on offer in the Casino.
The complex boasts numerous eateries offering international cuisine that will take your tastebuds on a culinary tour around the world.
The retail shops won’t disapoint either with exclusive boutiques situated all around the complex.
In the evenings, enjoy an awsome sight with the lights from the complex reflecting on the the man made lake in the centre of the complex.

With Port Elizabeth being known as the 10 minute city, you are not far from enjoying all of the attractions that this friendly city has to offer.

City Lodge V&A Waterfront

2008-04-17T12:54:00.007+01:00

City Lodge V&A Hotel

The City Lodge Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Hotel is your affordable home away from home hotel.

With a 207 room hotel, situated at the entrance of the V&A Waterfront Gateway, this hotel makes it the perfect stay over hotel for leisure purpose, business in the Waterfront & CBD, incentive groups, or the conference type guest who needs to be just opposite the road from the hotel at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The hotel has facilities for disabled guests, a 12-seater boardroom with top of the range audio and media equipment, a Jacuzzi pool, a fitness room with your basic equipment and a breakfast area that also cater from the midmorning light lunches and snacks.
There is a fireplace in the commercial area as well for those cold winter nights for friends to get together.
Each room are equipped with air-conditioning, a bathroom en-suite with bath and shower and television with 2 extra movie channels and the DSTV sport-channels.
The rooms consist of either a double bed, a bedroom with twin beds in or a double bed with a double sleeper couch for families with small children.
They have inter-leading rooms as well for those not so small children where the parents prefer that somewhat ‘privacy’ but still feel content with their children in the nearby vicinity
The hotel is approximately 9km from the Cable car and Table Mountain and has a canal that runs in front of it with boat rides to and from central V&A Waterfront.
There is also regular shuttles that go to and from CBD and the Waterfront.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is a mere 2km from the hotel as well.

Best Views in Cape Town at the V&A Hotel

2008-04-17T12:54:00.003+01:00

The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is perfectly situated in the Waterfront and boasts spectacular views of Table Mountain and the working harbour.

Built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse and converted into a luxury hotel in 1990, the V&A Hotel is names in honour of the Queen of England and her son who visited the Cape in 1870.

This 94 room hotel is perfectly situated within the Waterfront, to offer the amazing views and yet still central enough to enjoy the exquisite shops and excellent restaurants that the V&A Waterfront has to offer.

However, you do not need to even leave the hotel to experience fine dining, as the V&A’s in-house restaurant, OYO Cocktail Bar is an absolute delight. It is both a visual and culinary feast, as each Table overlooks the working harbour and majestic Table Mountain. Some of their menu highlights include a variety of fresh seafood and shellfish, spectacular buffet and a-la-carte breakfasts and innovative light lunches.

The V&A Hotel is situated a mere 25 km from Cape Town International Airport and less that 1 km from the Cape Town ICC, making it ideal for our business travellers.

Cape Grace Hotel Refashioning

2008-03-28T11:14:00.003Z

The 5 star CAPE GRACE HOTEL in Cape Town IS REFASHIONING

Following the completion of our recently re-decorated Reception and Library, we are delighted to announce the start of the highly anticipated and incredibly exciting REFASHIONING of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms and suites (including bathrooms), passages and lobbies.

Well respected Cape Town interior designer Kathi Weixelbaumer will begin transforming the look and feel on 1 April 2008, starting at the top with our 4th floor. Weixelbaumer has long been established as a designer of repute with custom-decorated private homes being her main focus to date. She has a talent for juxtaposing the modern with period and the rare with the humble, whilst embracing all with spontaneity and excitement.

Guests will experience not only beautiful décor, but also the charm of the Cape’s history and the beauty of the botanical kingdom which gives the region its rich and colourful character. The understated elegance and complete sense of place which guests have become accustomed to will remain, as fascinating stories of the past combined with modern design elements unfold in the guest rooms and suites.

Together with a team of local small businesses, Weixelbaumer Design will reach a new level of individuality with the result being a variety of distinctively designed rooms, nothing like hotel décor seen to date.

With each floor taking approximately 5 weeks to refashion, the project is due for completion in September 2008.

The time parameter of 10am to 4pm daily - the hours during which most guests are out sightseeing - has been set for work that involves noise. Workmen will be unobtrusive in their entry to the work area and will not be using the front entrance to the hotel. Guests will not have access to the floor being refashioned.

Two project managers have been appointed to oversee the refashioning so that Nigel Pace and his dedicated team can focus on delivering exceptional service as usual.

We are confident that the impact on guests will be minimal with the end result of the refashioning revealing a refreshed sense of place and understated elegance that Cape Grace is renowned for. However, as a gesture of goodwill, Cape Grace is offering one of the following complimentary experiences to each guest staying at the hotel during this period:

• Lunch at Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar
• Lunch at “theshowroom” restaurant
• Wine tasting and tapas at Caveau Wine Bar and Deli
• Table Mountain cable car ticket
• Cape Grace picnic voucher
• Open top, city sightseeing bus ride

(Certain conditions apply to each offer. Details will be printed on vouchers.)

We will be updating you on a regular basis during this time of transformation. Please look out for our bi-monthly newsletter which will allow you to click through to our website’s dedicated refashioning page. You are encouraged to visit this section of the website for up to date information and photographs tracking the development of the rooms from 1 March onwards.

In addition, we will be running an exciting refashioning competition offering fantastic prizes. To participate in this competition please click here.
Please note that should you have guests booked into our 4th floor rooms ie. rooftop rooms or penthouses during April, our reservations team will be contacting you shortly to discuss alternative room categories available over this time.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna South Africa

2008-03-28T11:10:00.002Z

The 5 star Pezula Hotel Resort & Spa, Knysna South Africa

We are proud to announce that Pezula Spa has been selected as one of The World’s 100 Best Spas in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards 2008. In addition, it was voted one of The Top 10 Best Spas in Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean.

These are the 5th annual Readers’ Spa Awards and the first time that Pezula Spa has made the prestigious list. Each spa is scored out of a maximum of 100 points to give an index of satisfaction with spa facilities and services. Readers were asked to choose the best that the spa world has to offer from urban day spas to spa retreats, hotel spas around the world and medical/thermal spas. Criteria included ambience/décor, body treatments, cuisine and service/staff. Pezula Spa’s overall satisfaction percentage was an incredible 91.84%.

This latest accolade comes hot on the heels of being voted one of The Top 15 Overseas Hotel Spas in the 2007 Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Travel Awards. Last year we were also awarded Best Resort Hotel Spa in South Africa by Les Nouvelles Esthétiques and Destination Spa of the Year by the Shape Magazine/ Professional Beauty Awards.

Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg SOUTH AFRICA

2008-03-28T11:07:00.001Z

The Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton offers sumptuous fare for Easter Weekend

Easter is a time for celebration and a time for sharing with loved ones. The Easter season is rich with symbolism and tradition whether you’re breaking the fast of Lent, celebrating Passover or simply looking forward to a long weekend of indulging in chocolate Easter eggs.

With your culinary delight in mind, the Piccolo Mondo at The Michelangelo, has put together sumptuous Easter fare to treat and tantalise you and your children. There is something in store for everyone.

Start your Easter festivities with a delicious Easter breakfast or delectable lunch, complete with a decadent chocolate affair, served in the Piccolo Mondo....

Sunnyside Park Hotel, Johannesburg SOUTH AFRICA

2008-03-28T11:05:00.000Z

The Sunnyside Park Hotel's refurbishment progressing well

The extensive refurbishment and expansion which began at Sunnyside Park Hotel in November 2007 is well on its way to completion. “The hotel is very well known in Johannesburg and we are aiming to improve the experience of old patrons and draw in new patrons with a fresh look and upgraded facilities,” says general manager Ralph Klinkenberg.
The three new rooms which were built over looking the swimming pool where completed and open for bookings in December last year.

Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa

2008-03-28T11:03:00.000Z

MOUNT NELSON HOTEL MAKES LIGHT DESPITE LOAD SHEDDING

Businesses and households throughout South Africa are experiencing the dark side of the country’s intermittent power cuts, but thanks to a state of the art generator system, Mount Nelson Hotel is capable of running at one hundred percent power, even during a complete blackout.

Two years ago, when Cape Town first experienced the effects of the electricity crisis, the hotel’s management team decided that the R5 million investment required to install it’s two cutting-edge generators was well worth it to ensure the comfort and security of its guests. ‘Generally hotels and guesthouses have some form of emergency generator system to cover basics like elevators and lighting in public areas, but the Mount Nelson is the only hotel in the country to ensure full power across our entire property – including all hotel rooms, all banqueting and conference venues, the Oasis and Cape Colony restaurants, Planet Bar, and the soon to be opened Librisa spa.

These generators also cover all air-conditioning and IT equipment’, says Nick Seewer, Managing Director of Mount Nelson Hotel and Orient-Express Hotels Africa. The two 1000 kilowatt generators are capable of producing enough power to run approximately 200 average South African households, yet the system is surprisingly energy efficient, running off low sulphur diesel. It’s also remarkably quiet - at 65 decibels, it’s quieter than an average passing car. The two generators are able to ‘communicate’ with each other and the city’s main power grid to determine the hotel’s power requirements and ensure a full power supply within eleven seconds of there being an outage.

And to assure glitch-free conferences and events, a sophisticated controller system has been installed to guarantee a seamless transition when the power source is reinstated.

The Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA

2008-03-28T11:00:00.001Z

THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town ( South Africa)

Taste of Cape Town is an amazing four day celebration of fine food and drink, set in the elegant outdoor environment of Camps Bay High, accentuated by delightful music and entertainment.
This summer, 16 of Cape Town's top restaurants and chefs have been invited to serve a stunning selection of sample sized signature dishes to Taste of Cape Town visitors.
Executive chef, Phil Alcock will be flying the Cape Grace flag high, serving dishes such as his chilled cherry tomato gazpacho served with a tabasco stick, basil chip and a red pepper syrup as well as another favourite, the butternut and cinnamon ice cream in a chocolate and almond cone.
Taste of Cape Town takes place from 3 to 6 April 2008 – an exclusive event celebrating the City’s most prestigious chefs and restaurants and a fantastic opportunity to try new places, explore different cuisines and plan a whole year of dining out!

Cape Grace Hotel, V&A Waterfront CAPE TOWN South Africa

2008-03-28T10:58:00.002Z

We are delighted to announce the start of the highly anticipated and incredibly exciting REFASHIONING of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms and suites (including bathrooms), passages and lobbies.

Well respected Cape Town interior designer Kathi Weixelbaumer will begin transforming the look and feel on 1 April 2008, starting at the top with our 4th floor.

Guests will experience not only beautiful décor, but also the charm of the Cape’s history and the beauty of the botanical kingdom which gives the region its rich and colourful character. The understated elegance and complete sense of place which guests have become accustomed to will remain, as fascinating stories of the past combined with modern design elements unfold in the guest rooms and suites.

Together with a team of local small businesses, Weixelbaumer Design will reach a new level of individuality with the result being a variety of distinctively designed rooms, nothing like hotel décor seen to date.

The Sun City Resort, Pilanesberg South Africa

2008-03-28T10:55:00.000Z

Please be advised that the following restaurants in the Sun City Hotel will be closed for a limited period of time.

This is due to the refurbishment of the Sun City Hotel which affects the two restaurants.

The Orchid Restaurant will be closed from 01 - 30 April 2008 (inclusive)

The Calabash Restaurant will be closed from 31 March 2008 to 06 April 2008 (inclusive)

The Calabash buffet dinner will be available for group reservations at the Gary Player Country Club.

Hotels in Sandton Johannesburg

2008-03-19T14:16:00.003Z

Sandton is 30 minutes from Johannesburg International Airport, NELSON MANDELA SQUARE at Sandton City is surrounded by world-class hotels and restaurants. The popular Sandton City Shopping Centre is adjacent to the Square and the Sandton Convention Centre which is located just a stone’s throw away can accommodate up to 10,000 delegates at a time.

Experience the best Sandton has to offer with a range of tours, hotel accommodation, galleries and sightseeing activities. Sandton Central has a total of 10 hotels all of exceptionally high standards with over 2500 bed nights. Sandton Central offers four world-class shopping centres, with over 450 shops, which means there is no shortage of place to take in hours of retail therapy. The assortment of over 90 restaurants, bars and cafes in Sandton Central means that day or night, fine dining or a fast food snack, you will never be short of options to wet your appetite. Sandton Central believes very strongly in the promotion and use of art as a way to inject life and soul into the public space and there is much planning on the go around projects for the streets. This drive to promote the arts is enhanced by the many galleries and the theatre within our area. And finally, for those who come out at night, Sandton Central offers an environment of trendy venues, which means you will never be short of night life options.

The Square, designed to bring to life an Italian styled piazza under the African sky is a major focal point of Sandton Central - completed after a decade of robust interactions between local government and various private enterprise players. On the 31st of March 2004 the world’s first public statue of Nelson Mandela – was officially unveiled in Johannesburg, South Africa at an auspicious occasion held in what was then Sandton Square, now renamed NELSON MANDELA SQUARE at Sandton City. This celebratory event also marked the Square’s tenth anniversary and commemorated South Africa’s first decade of democracy

The six-metre tall bronze statue was erected to honour and pay tribute to the great South African freedom fighter and statesman: President Nelson Mandela. The intention was also to create a focal point where local and foreign tourists could contemplate the events that led to the creation of the miracle of the Rainbow Nation.

To this end NELSON MANDELA SQUARE at Sandton City introduced talks and tours so visitors can be inspired. Sandton is, without a doubt the most important business and financial district in South Africa, and plausibly even in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Courtyard Sandton Hotel
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The Dock House Hotel in Cape Town

2008-03-15T10:13:00.004Z

Click HERE to make booking

For those who demand the best……exclusivity, security, sophisticated luxury living awaits at a discreet location within Cape Town’s world-famous V&A Waterfront! A brand new and exciting hotel located in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The sister hotel to the Victoria and Alfred Hotel.

Location: Built as the grand residence and offices to the Harbour Engineer in the mid-1800’s, Dock House boasts a proud heritage. Dock House is located alongside Timeball Tower in the V&A Waterfront’s Portswood Precint and now, under the guidance of distinguished hotel specialists, the Ambassador Group, this heritage property has undergone a transformation to be recognised as one of Cape Town’s most elite luxury boutique hotels.

Accommodation: Intimate and private, the villa-styled hotel offers five (5) spacious individually decorated rooms – four of which have balconies overlooking the Waterfront’s vibrant harbour area – and one (1) glamorous suite. The suite boasts a private garden and each room is equipped with a stylish private bar and state-of-the-art designer bathroom.

Special Services & Facilities
· Complimentary parking available (add to fact sheet)
· ONEwellness state of the art spa & a world class gym operating from 06:00 – 22:00
· In room hairstylist upon request
· Private gentlemen’s study
· Business Services
· Travel services
· Heated outdoor swimming pool with bar and al fresco dining
· Luxury air-conditioned Limousine service for airport, city and restaurant transfers
· For absolute exclusivity, the entire Dock House villa may be booked for personal and private use at an additional charge
· The sun-filled morning room will cater for breakfast, lunch and private dinners for residence.
· Half an acre of uninterrupted lawn, in a garden setting providing views of Table Mountain and the Waterfront’s vibrant harbour, making it the ideal venue to host your wedding.
· Weddings can be catered for 50 to 150 guests. Upon request, a wedding package can be tailor-made to ensure memories to last a lifetime.
Room Sizes
Suite 1: 65.4 m²
Room 2: 52.8 m²
Room 3: 55.1 m²
Room 4: 38.4 m²
Room 5: 46.6 m²
Room 6: 40.8 m²
Room Amenities
· Individually controlled air conditioning and under floor heating
· En-suite bathrooms with separate bath, toilet & shower
· Luxury bathroom amenities
· Bathrobes & slippers
· Plasma & LCD screen televisions with individual satellite decoders providing 75 channels of viewing pleasure
· High speed wireless internet connectivity
· Electronic safes
· International plugs
· Serviced twice daily
· Luxurious 100% Chinese cottonlinen & duck feather & down pillows
· Fully stocked private bar
· Daily newspapers
· 24 hour, personalised, unobtrusive butler-style service
Nearby attractions: With its prime location within the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, guests at Dock House will not be short of easily accessible entertainment options. A host of world-class restaurants, cinemas, craft markets, upmarket shopping facilities, the Nobel Peace Square, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Platinum Mile are all within walking distance of Dock House. The port, Jetty 2 is also within walking distance, which makes Dock House easily accessible for passengers on board luxury cruise liners.

Other nearby attractions includes:
· Museums
· Boat Cruises
· Beaches
· Table Mountain
· Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
· Cape Point
· Robben Island
· The Winelands
· Township Tours
General Information
Distances:
Cape Town International Airport 25 km
Cape Town ICC ≤1 km
Cape Town CBD ≤3 km
Directions
Exit the Airport and continue for approx 3 km – Merge onto the N2 HIGHWAY – Follow N2 STAD/CITY signs – After approx 18 km move into lane with M6/SEA POINT/WATERFRONT SIGN – Continue over traffic light into LOWER BUITENGRACHT until the first set of traffic lights. Turn right at traffic light into HANS STRYDOM AVENUE. Move into lane PORTSWOOD ROAD/V&A WATERFRONT. Turn right at traffic lights down into PORTSWOOD ROAD. Turnright at the entrance of the COMMODORE HOTEL; continue driving till you reach a security officer at the boom. Continue straight ahead (Dock House is approximately 100 m away). Alternatively go to the Victoria & Alfred Hotel in the heart of the Waterfront and you’ll be directed to Dock House.

Nelson Mandela Chooses Pezula Hotel

2008-02-13T15:24:00.002Z

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s most respected international icon, chose to spend 10 days of his holiday this summer at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Knysna.

Mandela and his wife Gracia Machel were among the first guests at Pezula Castle, an ultra-luxury private accommodation offering located on secluded Noetzie Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern Africa. They were joined by his personal assistant Zelda La Grange and Mrs Machel’s daughter and grandchildren.
Chairman of the Pezula Group, Keith Stewart said that Mandela enjoyed 10 days of total relaxation and privacy at the Castle in January.
“The Castle was ideal for the ex-state president’s holiday. We were able to offer him security and complete privacy for his stay and provided him with his own butler, chef and staff to ensure that he had every possible luxury on-site. In addition, he made use of some of the facilities of Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, including the private dining room at Zachary’s gourmet restaurant.”
Stewart said that during his stay Mandela undertook a complete tour of the Pezula development, including the Private Estate and Field of Dreams sports facility.
“It was a great honour and a privilege to host Nelson Mandela at Pezula. He is a remarkable man and retains a keen interest in people and his surroundings. He is warm and approachable and the staff fell in love with him.”