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HOTEL OF THE WEEK: Southern Sun The Cullinan
Hotels tend to talk about the plushness of their rooms, the comfort of their beds and the quality of their restaurants but how often do you hear about the people who can make or break a guest’s experience: the front of house staff?
Cue Marcel, the legend in the lobby, a man with the appearance of an undertaker in a Clint Eastwood Western movie. With his Edwardian bowler hat and black coat, he sets the tone for a hotel that clearly puts a lot of effort into getting its service standards just right.
From Marcel and the team on the concierge desk, through to the reception desk staff, The Cullinan – Tsogo Sun’s flagship Cape Town hotel – makes sure that guests begin and finish their stays with a feel-good experience.
The Cullinan is impressive at first sight. Its Art Deco exterior has a Miami look about it, and the feeling continues through other parts of the property, especially the pool area with its towering palm trees and colonnade.
If Cape Town hadn’t been experiencing an early start to winter, the pool would have been the perfect place for afternoon cocktails.
The breakfast buffet at the Cullinan is something special. A huge spread which starts even before diners enter the restaurant with staff offering smoothies and other healthy drinks at the door. The beetroot smoothie was a favourite.
The Cullinan is positioned within reasonable walking distance to the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town CBD. It is also across the road from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and is therefore popular with business travellers.
Most recently, the Cullinan has created 12 new suites on the 10th and 11th floors, while existing suites and rooms have had new bedrooms and bathrooms fitted.
The hotel is also offering suite guests a personalised butler service with signature pillow and bath menus.
Southern Sun The Cullinan has also extended its food and beverage offerings to include a bespoke Chef-On-Call service. Guests can order a special meal of their choice from 3pm-12am daily.
Another recent development has seen the completion of a sports team room for use by local and overseas sports teams, including the Springboks and the Proteas.
Facilities in the room encompass all team requirements including meeting, dining, physiotherapy, leisure, storage and security. The hotel has also revamped its Fitness Centre.
by Ian Jarrett
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