It still looks just like that today although our tastes have moved on from gleaming mirrors and shiny chrome. To consider that this year The Peninsula won RCI's Best Large Resort of the Year is extraordinary. Not only because it has won this award three times previously, but also because the hotel looks and feels just the way it did 21 years ago.
Chris Godenir has been at the helm of The Peninsula since moving from The Cape Milner where I worked with him handling the PR for the launch of the hotel. Since I've known him he has been the sort of manager that wants to have authentic, deep-felt connections with his team. A little ironic as his job as host requires a constant smile. On hearing that Three Cities Hotels, the group that manages The Peninsula and 40 other fine hotels has created a new position for him, soul manager, I couldn't think of anyone else better suited. Here's how their PR company describes it:
"'In the fast-paced business and hospitality world, many young employees need nurturing and guidance to flourish into driven, productive and fulfilled workers and at Three Cities we firmly believe that an excellent mentor can stimulate apparently ordinary people to extraordinary capability," says Three Cities Group CEO Michael Lambert.
'Renowned for his dedication to improving the working environment of Peninsula Hotel employees as well as a keen awareness of social issues and tireless efforts to uplift needy communities, Chris Godenir has instilled these values at The Peninsula Hotel. "If enough individuals impact just one other person, then collectively we can impact the world," says Chris Godenir."'
All 110 suites have full views of the Atlantic ocean and - from studios to luxury suites - all contain separate lounges, kitchens and balconies. The best rooms are the corner ones on the eighth floor which have large balconies and spa pools. These two-bedroom units rival in terms of size, position and outlook, the best sea view suites in the Cape, and I'm including five-star Waterfront hotels.
The Peninsula also has three-bedroom suites also with spa pools but I prefer not having to climb stairs to the pool level. When you consider that even the Royal three-bedroom suite sells for R4460 per suite with a R1000 supplement for the spa pool outside, which is still about R10 000 less than the premium suites of other top hotels, you'd be foolish not to carefully consider The Peninsula.
I like the fact that the suites are designed with working kitchens even if breakfast for two is included in each hotel room night. I much prefer the option of self-catering than having to eat out or order room service every night, which, of course you can do here too.
Drawbacks are that this hotel is the most sought-after Cape Town property for people with RCI time share points and, as such, is extremely busy over school-holiday periods for people travelling as families. Another is that while the lounges and master bedrooms have sea views, the other rooms have windows onto the corridor which can be noisy as people walk past.
With peak-season rates upwards of R2170 for a Studio Suite, this hotel delivers excellent value in the five-star category. I especially like the free anytime shuttle within 8km of the hotel. Breakfast is pretty fabulous too.
For more information go to www.threecities.co.za.
