South Africa
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Treat yourself to a more spacious holiday
April 07 2007
By Robyn Cohen
With the trend to increased numbers of rooms in the hospitality industry, Steenberg Hotel is headed in the opposite direction - and going smaller. Their generously proportioned rooms are becoming even larger to provide maximum comfort for guests who want to make their base at the five-star hotel in the Constantia Winelands, writes Robyn Cohen who spent a night there with her family.
"We are going smaller," enthused Steenberg's GM, Gaby Gramm, serving up chilled bubbly (Cap Classique, R85 a bottle) and snacks at the hotel's Pool Bar which opened a year ago. Gramm advised us to leave space for dinner at their award-winning restaurant, Catharina's. There are plans to heat the pool and erect enclosures which will enable guests to use the facilities when it is cooler.
The pool bar is part of owner Graham Beck's vision of creating a niche boutique five-star rated hotel which has wine, food, spa and golf (18-hole course designed by Peter Matkovitch), all on one site.
People indicated that they want larger rooms so that they can make their base at Steenberg and then explore the winelands and further afield. Long-stay guests with families require space so that they don't get on each other nerves.
They have 30 rooms but by November will have 24, which will include new Heritage Suites, catering for the upper-end of the market.
Some of the suites will be 160m2. We stayed in a suite overlooking the golf course. It has a fabulous open- plan bathroom with a bath tub strategically positioned in view of the TV set. For those not in a romantic mood, louvered sliding doors provide privacy.
Catering for the upper end of the market
I was surprised at the competitive rack rates, which start at R1 900 per room (not per person) and include breakfast. Low-season rates are valid between May and September, when you are looking at R2 485 for a family room.
There are interleading rooms which may be charged at a family rate during quieter months. Rates include breakfast for the family. The brekkie menu is child- friendly with berry and cappuccino smoothies, pancakes and other fare.
Transfers are provided free of charge to hotel guests so that they can get to restaurants and shops within 5km of the hotel and they can make use of free shuttles to the Waterfront.
A hop to the Waterfront via helicopter can be arranged (R500) and takes a mere seven minutes. The hotel offers free wireless Internet.
At the Spa, operated by Ginkgo, I decompressed with their signature 90-minute ScenTao (hot stones combined with Swedish massage and a mini facial - R580 or R520 for spa members).
My daughters had half-hour mini-massages which kept them happy.
Part of a group of six spas in the Cape, Ginkgo offers a loyalty scheme which provides substantial discounts to members. One doesn't have to be a hotel guest to use the spa. A pedicure is R90 to R100, manicure R190-R210 and a wax R50 per half hour. Clientele are welcome to eat at the Pool Bar or at Catharina's when the temperature dips.
Several day packages include lunch, golf and a spa.
There's a lot to do at Steenberg. We did a wine tasting (no charge - large groups may pay) but skipped the cellar tours (R15 per person).
Rates include breakfast
We managed to have a quick look at the hotel's art collection which includes Eduardo Villa sculptures dotted in the grounds.
Chef Garth Amazan dazzled us with outstanding fish (using lots of herbs grown on the estate).
Main courses average R120 and desserts R50, with decent cappuccino R18 (Lavazza or Catura coffee).
* Steenberg Hotel has created specials for Top of the Times readers (South African citizens only): two nights midweek - R2 770 (R1 385 pp sharing) and includes two nights' bed and breakfast in a luxury room. Each person will also receive a three-course dinner at Catharina's and a 40-minute massage in the spa.
Two-night weekender - R3 230 (R1650 pp sharing). In addition to dinner and a massage, the Top of the Times Weekender includes two tickets for the Sunday Jazz Lunch at Catharina's.
Both specials include a complementary bottle of Steenberg wine.
Specials must be booked by September 30 and are according to availability. When booking, you need to quote the ToTT Special.
* To book, call Sumari on 021 713 2222. For more information, visit www.steenberghotel.com.
