A brief look at this week’s hotel news
Durban hotel undergoes R100m refurb
THE Garden Court Marine Parade in Durban has been given a
R110 million refurbishment. The renovations include touch-ups in
the hotel’s public areas, reception, conference rooms, guest toilets,
lifts and lift foyers and corridors. The pool area on the 30th floor
has sweeping views of the Durban beachfront, harbour and city, and
has been revamped with new furniture, including a mobile bar that
is ideal for events. New rooms have been added, increasing the
offering from 346 rooms to 352 rooms. The hotel offers an array of
features, including conferencing and events venues, free high-speed
WiFi, a new open-air gym, hotel shuttle, bicycle rental and selfservice
business facilities. The upgraded conference facilities are
able to accommodate over 500 delegates in various layouts.
Hilton partners with Uber
HILTON Worldwide has partnered with Uber to offer expanded
digital features set to simplify and streamline the travel experience
for Hilton guests. Through the partnership, Hilton guests around
the world can set Uber ‘ride reminders’, automated notifications
to request Uber rides to and from the hotel. Additionally, the
partnership is creating added benefits for Hilton HHonors members.
Through the HHonors app, members can book a stay, check in,
select their room, pre-order amenities and use their smartphone to
enter their hotel room with their digital key. “By partnering with Uber
we are helping travellers explore destinations as if they are locals,”
said Rich DiStefano, senior director of mobile products at Hilton
Worldwide.
Paradis reopens after major upgrade
PARADIS Hotel & Golf Club in Mauritius has reopened after two
months of major enhancements. The entrance wall incorporates
local volcanic rock with a modern twist and a newly painted lobby.
The central feature of the hotel, the bar, has also received an
update, with bright and clear tones, modern furniture and paintings.
Paradis’ leisure and recreational facilities have received an upgrade,
including the renovation of the boathouse. A yoga platform and a
gazebo for weddings and special dinners have been set up facing
the western mountains. The facilities at the sports centre have also
been improved.
Extraordinary expands its portfolio EXTRAORDINARY, a Destination Management Company in Southern Africa, has welcomed a new product into its portfolio: Khaya Ndlovu Manor House. The property, which is near Hoedspruit in the Blue Canyon Conservancy, Limpopo, offers colonial-styled accommodation comprising seven rooms – a Honeymoon Suite, Hardwood Suites and Garden Suites. Activities include hot-air ballooning and elephant-back rides. Cindy Sheedy Walker, ceo, sales and marketing at Extraordinary said: “We are very excited to have Khaya Ndlovu Manor House involved and look forward to a long and beneficial relationship.”
