Background
Protea Hotel Stellenbosch is a member of the Protea Hotels group, which was bought by Marriott International in 2014. Protea has over a hundred hotels in seven African countries, with this property opening with about 90 rooms in December 2002, before further rooms were added in 2003 and 2005.
Where Is It?
It is located in an office park just off the main road (R44) linking the N2 highway from Cape Town and the airport with Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands. The drive from the airport is approximately half an hour, whilst it will take you barely 10 minutes to drive into Stellenbosch town central. The Stellenbosch and De Zalze golf course are located either side of the hotel, whilst the Stellenbosch Square Mall is two kilometres away.
Room Facilities
The hotel has 180 rooms, consisting of 88 Standard, 88 Deluxe and four Executive rooms spread across a number of separate double-storey blocks across the property. My ground floor Deluxe room featured a large lounge with big flat-screen TV, DVD player, lounge suite, and dining room table (with complimentary bottle of wine), leading into a small kitchenette with large fridge, standard appliances, tea and coffee, and water. That was connected by a short passageway with the bedroom, which was fairly snug without being small. It featured a comfortable king-size bed, another flat-screen TV, cupboard space (with safe) and work desk with the requisite plug points. Unfortunately, my 15.6-inch laptop was too big for the safe, so I left it with reception on my way out, whilst this TV seemed to have a bunch of ‘fuzzy’ channels, before hotel staff rectified the problem. A functional en-suite bathroom with separate shower and bath provided all the requisite basics, although the basin was missing a plug, which also just required a quick call to reception. Deluxe rooms get 500MB of complimentary Wi-Fi per day, and I had no problem connecting. All in all, I would say this type of room lends itself to the corporate and even long stay, where space to move around, be independent and comfortable is paramount.
Restuarants & Bars
I was only around for breakfast, which I enjoyed at The Cultivar Restaurant, which can cater for up to 220 guests and offers a traditional full English buffet breakfast from 06h30 to 10h30. I took an instant liking to the crispy bacon served and the stunning view of the surrounding mountains, whilst I was impressed by the on-hand chef who quickly whipped up some scrambled eggs for me in a matter of minutes. The Cultivar also serves light lunch from 10h30 to 18h30 and seasonal buffet dinners from 18h30 to 22h30. Die Wingerd Restaurant offers a more informal family atmosphere, with seating both inside and out, and an a la carte menu, along with wine from the many neighbouring estates. Room service is available from both The Cultivar and Die Wingerd. There’s also the hotel bar situated in close proximity to The Cultivar.
Business & Meeting Facilities
The hotel boasts the largest conference venue in Stellenbosch, with facilities that can accommodate up to 800 delegates in eight different venues that enjoy a ceiling height of 4.5m. The Magnifica Suites can be booked as one venue catering for up to 250 delegates banquet-style, 400 cinema-style, and 250 schoolroom-style. This room can also be booked and divided into three separate venues, accommodating up to 120 guests each. The hotel’s latest addition, the Vista and Omega rooms, feature stunning 180? views of the Stellenbosch valley. There’s also an exterior deck, which is great for tea and coffee breaks, Wi-Fi access, natural lighting, blackout curtains, and a vehicle access point.
Leisure Facilities
Wine tasting should head your list of activities, as the hotel is in close proximity to a host of wine farms. Otherwise, the hotel has two swimming pools, a gym, and a beauty clinic, whilst nearby activities include golf, fly-fishing, quad biking, hiking and horse trails.
Verdict
Excellent corporate stay option, if you need to be in and around Stellenbosch.
Dylan Rogers
Contact
Address: Techno Avenue, Techno Park
Tel: +27 21 880 9500
Email: info@phstellenbosch.com
Web: www.proteahotels.com