Tripadvisor on the Leisure Hotels websites
We’ve been enjoying our new websites for some time now, and most recently we have added a few extras to the sites, so that we can get better feedback about or products and services. We learn more from experience and the reviews of our guests than from anything else. Because of this, we have added some review tools onto our websites, allowing visitors to our sites to view our hotel listings on Tripadvisor in one click.
We have also added a tool onto our websites that allows visitors to write a review of our hotels, which is then automatically posted to Tripadvisor.
If you have visited our hotels, we would love to hear your feedback. You will find the Tripadvisor tools on each of our hotel websites (Strandtower.co.za, Fountainshotel.co.za, Fountainsapartments.co.za, Ladyhamilton.co.za, Thetulip.co.za), and our group website.
A special guest at the Strand Tower Hotel…
We had an especially interesting guest staying with us at the Strand Tower Hotel this month. Nicklas Lautakoski from Sweden rode into Cape Town having travelled from North Cape in Norway to Cape Town on a motor bike! He also climbed the highest mountain in each country he passed through. This is an incredible feat, and his efforts weren’t without a purpose.
The aim of his expedition was to collect money for the SOS Children’s Villages; a charity organisation that raises funds and awareness for children in need.
It took Nicklas six months to complete his journey, and the Strand Tower Hotel was thrilled to provide accommodation for him at the finish. You can find out more about Nicklas’ journey on his website: www.fromcapetocape.com
Two Oceans Marathon
April is filled with public holidays and lots of events will be happening in the Cape throughout this month like the Two Oceans Marathon.
This race is a world famous ultra-marathon, and there is also a half marathon. Runners follow a spectacular route through the Cape Peninsula (hence the marathon’s nick name of the most beautiful marathon in the world). The route is 56 km (34.8 miles) long and follows the same route every year, via Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and Constantia.
The race starts at 6.25am on Saturday the 23rd of April 2011 on Main Road in Newlands. The runners always appreciate support from the always vocal locals so make a turn past the route and shout your encouragement for them!
Make sure you take a look at our events section to find out more about what will be happening in the Cape in April.
Vote for Table Mountain as one of the New7Wonders of the world!
Table Mountain has made it through to the third phase of the campaign to find the seven Natural Wonders of the world.
The seven winners will be announced on the 11th of November 2011, and will be decided through the votes of the public. Make sure that you have your say about who gets the coveted title of being one of the New7Wonders of the world by voting online or via SMS as often as possible. SMS “Table” to 34874 to vote. Each SMS costs R2. You can also take a look at the website of the local efforts of the campaign.
Use the Cableway whenever you want with the Cable Card
The Table Mountain Cable Card, the Cable Card, has been launched, which allows visitors who join the rewards programme to enjoy unlimited access to the mountain! Cardholders can:
• Get free entrance to the Cableway, valid for one year from date of purchase
• Visit the Cableway as often as they like, limited to one return trip per day, i.e. one trip up and one trip down
• Avoid ticket office queues with express entry
• Get invited to exclusive functions and events
• Get a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter
Cable Card prices are as follows:
• Adult Cable Card: R490
• Child Cable Card (4 to 17 years): R245
• Adult and child combo Cable Card: R580
We experience the MyCiti Bus service to the airport
Did you know that you can travel to the airport for R50 on the MyCiti bus? Well, when one of our employees was travelling to Durban, she decided against the usual “ask a friend for a lift and pay them money for petrol” routine.
The MyCiti bus travels to Cape Town International Airport regularly throughout the day (there is a schedule) and only costs R50 (which is what she usually paid to friends who gave her a lift there). The bus leaves from the station outside the Civic Centre on Hertzog Boulevard, which is within walking distance of three of our hotels, but with luggage you may need the assistance of our concierge services.
“I got to the station, and was helped immediately by a very friendly woman at the ticket office who also gave me a timetable. Then, a man working for the bus service took my bag and carried it to the bus for me, putting it in a special luggage rack to keep it from moving during the drive. The bus left promptly on time, and even though there was some traffic on the N1 towards the airport, I was there in fifteen minutes, and dropped closer to the terminal than the drop and go zone for cars!
I highly recommend the MyCiti bus service to the airport; it was a pity that there were only four of us on the bus. Public transport is low cost and shared petrol means less pollution. I sincerely hope that this becomes the preferred method of travelling to and from Cape Town International Airport.”
Follow MyCiti bus services on Twitter: @MyCitiBus
Employee of the Month: Pathie Ncube
Pathie is a valuable member of the Housekeeping Team at the Fountains Hotel and Apartments. She has been a member of the housekeeping department since November 2006. She is a good and thorough worker, always making sure that the job is done properly, and with excellence.
She has had a solid attendance rate for years and is always happy to help out if overtime is needed. She is extremely helpful and an asset to the team.
Thank you Pathie for all your hard work!
Events in April:
What: SA Navy Festival
When: 1st April to 3rd April 2011
Where: Simonstown Naval Base
The annual Navy Festival starts today, the 1st of April, and end this Sunday on April the 3rd. Come to the SImonstown Naval base to enjoy South African Navy ships and submarines open for public viewing, a Navy Band performance in the dry dock, Tug rides, a Lynx & Oryx Helicopters display, the Right of Entry Parade through Simon’s Town, a flea market, children’s activities, the Gun Run Display, a Navy Band performance, an SA Navy Precision Drill, a ship boarding display by the Maritime Reaction Squadron, live cannon firing, a Dry Dock concert, and a Navy Choir performance. Entrance to the festival is free. Gates open at 10am and close at 6pm, Friday to Sunday.
What: 2011 international Ice Hockey World Championships at GrandWest
When: 1st to 17th April 2011
Where: The Ice Station, Grand West, Goodwood
The six competing teams in the Ice Hockey World Championships include South Africa, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Luxembourg, Israel, Turkey and Mongolia. The winner of these teams will move up to division two of the championships and, if successful there, will have a chance to join the World Championship Division, featuring teams such as the USA, Canada and Russia. Come and cheer your fellow South Africans or any of the other countries participating, for an action packed tournament. Matches will be held at varying times at the Grandwest Ice Station in Goodwood.
What: The ABSA KKNK
When: 2nd to 9th April 2011
Where: All over Oudtshoorn
The ABSA Klein Karoo Nationale Kunsfees (KKNK) happens every year in Oudtshoorn and in 2011 it will run from the 2nd to 9th April 201. The KKNK is one of our country’s top arts and culture festivals. Catch the best of South African culture in 30 productions, set amongst the amazing scenery of the Klein Karoo in the Western Cape.
What: Official opening of the 12.5ha Green Point Eco Park
When: 3rd April 2011 at 12.30pm
Where: Green Point – entry via south gate, Bill Peters Drive off Western Boulevard (by Virgin Active)
The official opening of the 12.5ha Green Point Eco Park takes place on Sunday the 3rd of April. This is one of the FIFA World Cup legacy projects, and will feature live performances from the Rudimentals, Elvis Blue, Emo Adams and others. There will also be kids’ activities and food stalls, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy (no alcohol allowed). Entrance to the event is free.
What: Arno Carstens and Albert Frost
When: 10th April 2011
Where: Saronsberg Wine Cellars, Tulbach (www.saronsberg-theatre.com)
Former Springbok Nude Girls frontman and acclaimed solo artist Arno Carstens will be teaming up with popular blues guitarist and singer, Albert Frost, for an unplugged performance on the lawn, in front of the cellar at Saronsberg Winery. Red Robbins will also be playing. Picnic baskets can be purchased at the venue. Tickets are R120 and the show starts at 2.30pm.
What: Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon
When: 23 April 2011
Where: All around the Peninsula
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon began in 1970, and this year will run for its 41st consecutive year. The race is a world-class 56km route around the Cape Peninsula, amongst some of the most beautiful yet tough terrain. This year’s race will take place on Easter Saturday, 23 April 2011.
What: Steps to the Stars – Vortex Easter Weekend 2011
When: 22nd to 25th April 2011
Where: Riviersonderend
Easter in Cape Town isn’t the same without the annual Easter Vortex party which occurs over the holiday weekend. The psychedelic trance scene in Cape Town is very popular and well attended. People come to Cape Town from all over the world to experience these incredible parties that are hosted in and around the Cape. Entrance is R320-R350 per person for the whole weekend; 22 Apr 2011 – 25 Apr 2011.
What: Bloemendal’s Oyster and Champagne Festival
When: 23rd and 24th April 2011 (Easter Weekend)
Where: Bloemendal Estate, Durbanville
The 5th annual Oyster and Champagne Festival will be hosted by Bloemendal Wine Estate in Durbanville on Easter weekend, the 23rd and 24th of April. Expect to be amazed by the choice of 20, 000 West Coast oysters accompanied by French champagne and top local Cap Classiques. Those attending can also enjoy 14 live bands as well as celebrity chefs, bar facilities, kid’s entertainment and food stalls.
What: SA Cheese Festival
When: 29th April – 2nd May 2011
Where: Sandrigham Estate
This popular autumn event is celebrated at Sandrigham Estate Stellenbosch, and offers festival goers the chance to indulge in the widest selection of cheese available in the country. Tickets are R90 and are available through Computicket. Your ticket includes a shopping bag on arrival as well as a festival programme, and the option of attending various demonstrations by the South African gurus of cheese.
What: Decorex Cape Town
When: 29th April to 2nd May 2011
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre
This celebration of creation and design highlights the trends, future and history of design, interior design and decor. This popular annual event is renowned for showcasing everything from furniture, kitchens & bathrooms, fabrics, and décor accessories to lighting, fine finishes and all essentials for in and outdoor living. Entrance is R60, and DSTV subscribers get to bring one person for free.
