Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
By Herman R Gibbs Editor, www.capedreams.co.za
Arriving guests at Southern Sun Newlands Hotel enter the reception area, which offers a stylish, eclectic mix of beautiful elements, textures and colours.
The front desk staff are ready with welcoming, friendly smiles that ease guests into a smooth and seamless check-in process.
By this time you’ve been armed with a welcoming drink, and next follows a lowdown on dining options before the porter shows you the way to your room.
You could end up at any of the 162 bedrooms, including 72 double doubles, which specifically caters for large groups.
Nowadays, Southern Sun Newlands have hi-tech facilities pitched to meet the needs of the modern businessman who may require a bedroom and office rolled in one in the form of luxurious business accommodation.
The fluffy duvets and crisp cushion linens are the epitome of sheer comfort. It grabs your attention even before you notice the gracious, spacious and beautifully furnished bedroom.
And depending on the position of the room, there are sweeping 180 degree views of Devil’s Peak and Skeleton Gorge, above Kirstenbosch.
It’s the tell tale signs of the tranquil setting of the hotel in the heart of Newlands, an upmarket leafy residential area at the foot of Table Mountain in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
On occasions, you’ll be delighted to find a handwritten welcoming note, the signature touch of manager Sebastian Berinato.
Over the years, the hotel has been a perennial favourite for visiting sports teams from around the country, and abroad.
WINE AND DINE
The Newlands Café awaits
to provide guests with a light gourmet experience. There is also the option of wining and dining at the on-site Bihari Indian Restaurant where you’ll find an extensive menu of mild to fiery mouth watering fusions from Northern India as well as regional cuisine.
Once the cheerful waiters have told you about all the a-list celebrities that have been there of late, you’re left in no doubt that you’ve made a great choice.
The luxurious breakfast buffet, with several state-of-the-art food stations, is the ideal place for guests to start their day. The tables display a menu listing additional items such as pancakes and pan-fried French toast. Alert dining staff will know in the wink of an eye when guests wish to order additional items.
SAY THE WORD
General Manager Sebastian Berinato says the market segmentation at Southern Sun Newlands varies from corporate, its largest segment, to sport.
“Lately, we have had a number of rugby teams such as the Cheetahs from Bloemfontein,” said Berinato. “We are the favourite choice of hotel for some top end soccer teams including Supersport United.
“A vast number of leisure seekers, especially Discovery Health members, stay at Southern Sun Newlands over Easter, Xmas and school holidays.
“Our main focus is group and convention business, mainly due to our state-of-the-art conference venue.
“And then we are the home away from home to parents of students boarding at the nearby University of Cape Town”
Finally, Berinato shares his vision with the Southern Sun Newlands staff, and all summed it goes: “Look after the guest no matter what.”
