Page 382 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

380  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

WHERE TO STAY

The slow journeys of earlier centuries, when the Lost City at Sun City (see pp328–9) and the
the vast distances between settlements had elegant colonial hotel, Mount Nelson in Cape
to be covered on horseback or by ox wagon, Town (see p384), offer every conceivable
led to a proud local tradition of hospitality. luxury, and bear comparison with the best in
In South Africa, “hospitality” is more than a the world. Charming alternatives are the
catchword, and establishments, from the guesthouses found in small towns, where
largest hotel chain to the smallest bed and tranquillity and hearty, home-cooked fare are
breakfast, do their utmost to make the valued far more than modern convenience.
modern traveller feel welcome. The wide Safari lodges provide an idyllic and expensive
range of accommodation available is a Africa experience, while camp sites and
reflection of the diversity of the country itself. backpacker hostels offer basic amenities and
A fantasy resort hotel such as the Palace of cater for younger visitors on limited budgets.
Where to Look signposted) or contact one of the school holidays), but do ask your
Visitors touring South Africa by many umbrella associations such travel agent about any special
car may be worried by the as the Tourism Grading Council offers made by hotel groups, or
distances that separate cities of South Africa, or country-wide contact the hotel directly.
and towns. Fortunately, hotels, agencies such as AA Travel
bed and breakfasts, and self- Accommodation (see p383). Hotel Grading
catering cottages are found in
even the remotest towns. Hotel Prices South African hotels are
South Africa’s cities offer a classified by organizations such
great variety of places to stay, Prices quoted tend to be per as Satour, the national tourism
whether you want family, luxury person sharing, though the authority, and the Tourism
or business accommodation. larger chains quote prices per Grading Council of South Africa.
Well-visited country and resort room. There might be a single Satour divides hotels into
areas also offer accommodation supplement for solo travellers. 5 categories, indicated by a
to suit every taste and budget: Taxes are included in the rates. plaque carrying from 1 to
many game parks, for example, Where rates are stated as 5 stars. A typical 5-star hotel is
have luxurious lodges as well as including “dinner, bed and luxurious, offering suites as well
basic self-catering chalets and breakfast” or “bed and breakfast”, as rooms, and a wide range of
camp sites, while most coastal you are likely, unless you come services such as hairdressing,
resorts offer hotels, camp sites, to some agreement when dry-cleaning and room service.
holiday apartments and guest- booking, to be charged for In a country town, a 1-star hotel
houses. If you are seeking quiet these meals whether or not you may prove comfortable and
surroundings, try the smaller, take them. Notify the hosts in entirely satisfactory, while in a
simpler hostelries found inland, advance, too, if you have any city it may be little more than a
or hotels on the coast that are set special dietary requirements. noisy local rendezvous spot.
away from obvious attractions. Prices vary slightly outside Many charming hotels have low
Enquire at the local tourist high season (Nov–Feb, Easter ratings, and some hotels with
information office (usually well weekend and the mid-year higher ratings – although they
boast more than the required
minimum of facilities and
service – turn out to be
impersonal business warrens.
Facilities
Facilities vary according to
location and grading. Parking is
usually available, but not always
under cover or supervised by a
guard. Some hotels offer a car-
wash, and may have chauffeur-
driven vehicles for local transfers.
Most hotels provide telephone
and TV (with satellite channels)
in rooms; there is almost always
Luxury bush accommodation at Singita Boulders Lodge, Sabi Sands Reserve (p391) a TV in the guests’ lounge, too.
Colourful baskets woven from plastic-coated wire on a market stall

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