Southern Sun (SS) is a firm favourite in South Africa and in the beginning of August they created an opportunity to showcase their Cape Town Collection consisting of SS Waterfront, SS Cullinan, SS Cape Sun, SS Newlands, Garden Court De Waal and Garden Court Eastern Boulevard. Together, this fine collection provides 1 924 bedrooms, which together with their convenient locations are suitable for the corporate business traveler, conference groups, sport groups, family holidays and local and international tour and incentive groups.
Southern Sun is well known for providing excellent service, upmarket facilities and reasonable rates. These hotels have, although some of them date back to the early ‘80’s, been well maintained through the years and up till now, the facilities have gone through a series of major, minor and soft refurbishments, resulting in always being able to offer fresh, modern-day facilities, in line with guests requirements and international tourism demands.
SOUTHERN SUN WATERFRONT welcomes guests in an open and airy foyer leading to a lounge, breakfast area and Yizani Restaurant, all in neutral tones and contemporary décor. The ground floor area leads out to the pool deck and outside dining area, newly refurbished and very inviting on a sunny day. The 546 bedrooms are spacious, most with great views towards the working harbour, Waterfront or city centre and Table Mountain. Room facilities include wireless internet, laptop safe, separate bath and shower, 24 hour room service, sound proof windows and block out curtains. SS Waterfront has a business centre, a small boardroom (20 pax) and conference room (60 pax).
SOUTHERN SUN THE CULLINAN next door is currently going through a major refurbishment which will result in 410 rooms offering 5 star luxury at a 4 star rate. The striking exterior with domed bell tower is a well-known landmark in Cape Town. On entry the triple volume classic foyer leaves a lasting impression. Dining happens at the Peach Tree Restaurant on the 1st floor which accommodates up to 230 guests and is can be utilized as a private venue, subject to availability. The 6 conference rooms are suitable for 10 – 155 pax. Furthermore, the 3106 a la carte restaurant and the refurbished and very trendy Star Bar leading out to the pool terrace. Any idea why 3106? Yes, it refers to the size of the Cullinan Diamond, a whole 3.106 carats of pure beauty!
The advantage of these two properties is that they are located across the road from the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) which makes it ideal for delegates attending national and international conferences and events at the CTICC.
SOUTHERN SUN CAPE SUN, the grand dame of the SS collection, offers 370 rooms spread over 32 floors. All rooms, especially on the higher floors have magnificent views. On entering the spacious foyer one is often greeted by the soothing melodies from Mike Perry on the Baby Grand, after almost 30 years till a very popular area to sit, relax, sip on your cocktail and enjoy Mike’s extensive repertoire. Mike is available as pianist, producer and band leader. Contact him on 082 370 8066 or nkomo@telkomsa.net
SS Cape Sun has a more classical interior, dark wood panelling, chandeliers, rich fabrics and beautiful antique pieces scattered throughout. The 2nd floor has 9 smaller conference rooms supporting the VOC ballroom on the 3rd floor accommodating up to 450 guests banquet style. The new SS conference standard is a clean, uncluttered conference look, thus gone are the days of skirted conference tables.
When required, one of the 32nd floor suites are transformed into a very elegant private dining room for 12 – 16 guests for a sit-down dinner or 30 guests for a cocktail event. Menus may be tailored according to the clients’ needs. These events can include a full service with butler, sommelier and the Executive Sous Chef, PJ Lakay adding to the food and wine experience.
SOUTHERN SUN NEWLANDS is a smaller hotel with 162 rooms. SS Newlands are conveniently located close to the SAB offices and many other companies who have their offices in the Newlands / Claremont area. The hotel is excellent for business travelers and conference groups. 60 rooms offer a double double (2 x double beds) configuration. The SS Newlands is a signature conference hotel offering a tailor-made event in any of their 9 conference venues, ranging in size from 12 – 160 delegates, depending on the seating arrangements. Due to its close proximity to the Newlands Rugby and Cricket Grounds as well as the Sport Science Institute, this hotel is also popular for sporting groups. Dining options includes the Newlands Café and the Bihari Indian Restaurant.
GARDEN COURT DE WAAL has 136 rooms, are located next to Gardens Shopping Centre and with easy access to CBD and freeways. Garden Court De Waal is a popular venue for smaller conference business. Their conference room, overlooking the pool area, is suitable for groups of 120 cinema and 80 guests for a banquet. This facility sub-divides into 4 to accommodate smaller groups. The hotel also does a fair amount of inbound tour groups, and visitors to Cape Town enjoy a stroll to nearby Kloof Street, a popular area for dining and browsing. Further hotel facilities include Vista Restaurant, wireless internet access, self-service workstations and lovely patio area for cocktails during the late afternoon.
GARDEN COURT EASTERN BOULEVARD has 300 rooms. This hotel is located in Walmer Estate, next to the freeway allowing for easy access in any direction. Only 15 minutes from the Cape Town International Airport, it allows for great views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, Robben Island, the Working harbour and Waterfront as well as the CBD. Consisting of 7 floors, most of the rooms have views and some has balconies. They offer conference facilities for up to 350 guests, cinema style seating with 6 breakaway rooms accommodating smaller groups. The ground floor incorporating the reception, bar area and Harbour View Restaurant has recently been refurbished and provides for a variety of applications.
Further facilities include plenty of parking, free of charge and very convenient for day conference delegates, a brand new pool area, wireless internet access, self-service workstations with copy / fax facilities and transfer services.
This hotel is popular for inbound tour groups as well as sporting groups, mainly due to its location, excellent service and very affordable rates. The area of Woodstock is close by, an area that has become very popular in the last few years. One of the highlight being the Biscuit Mill Food Market on a Saturday morning – well worth a visit and be warned, go with an empty stomach.
Lastly, Southern Sun has partnered with the Great Family Wine Estates of South Africa which includes Antonij Rupert Wines, Ernie Els Wines, Rust en Vrede, Schalk Burger & Sons and Waterford Estate. All these wines are available at the SS hotels and together with the resident Sommeliers, guests can enjoy these wines. Visiting these estates for wine tasting and or lunches / dinners is an added benefit, suitable for tour or conference groups as well as individual travelers or families. Each of the hotels discussed above will be able to provide more details.
For more information on the Southern Sun Cape Collection visit www.southernsun.com or contact the Group & Conference desk on 011 510 7549, groupandconference@southernsun.com
