Background
Built in 1998, the hotel offers business travellers and leisure guests an African-inspired experience in comfortable, modern surrounds. It recently underwent refurbishment, introducing contemporary and well turned-out self-catering apartments, overlooking Centurion Lake.
What’s it Like?
A pleasant experience all round. On arrival I was greeted by a group of relaxed receptionists keen to make me feel at home and take me on a guided tour of the facilities, after I was shown to my room. Everything was clean, smart and inviting, although the Centurion Lake, which the hotel’s restaurant and pool area overlook, smelt extremely bad, deterring us from dining on the deck or lounging by the pool. Not the hotel’s fault and the proposed plan to have the local municipality drain the lake, may be a good one.
Where is it?
Between Johannesburg and Pretoria, ideally located for the business traveller, the hotel is in close proximity to all major highways, in particular, the N1 and N14. OR Tambo International Airport is approximately 30 minutes drive away. With its location within the Centurion Lake Waterfront Development, there are plenty of restaurants, cinemas, bars, boutiques and banks right on the hotel’s doorstep. Irene Golf Course and Centurion Golf Estate are both a short drive away, as is SuperSport Park cricket ground and Loftus Versveld rugby stadium.
Room Facilities
The four-star hotel has six floors comprising 70 standard rooms which are street-facing, but have soundproofed windows. There are 63 deluxe rooms that face the lake and, with the revamp, an additional 45 contemporary king suite apartments and one luxury VIP Presidential Suite that also face the lake. All the rooms come with air-conditioning, full HD plasma television with 12 DStv (satellite television) channels, an electronic safe, telephone, hairdryer, tea/coffee station and work desk with computer plug points.
The suite apartments also contain a kitchenette with microwave, toaster, cutlery and crockery, mini-bar fridge, dining area and lounge with additional television. The Presidential Suite also has a balcony that overlooks the Centurion Lake. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available and there are also rooms for guests for disabilities.
I was particularly impressed with the contemporary decor and black leather furniture, as well as the beautiful paintings and crisp-white linen on the king-sized bed. The shower was very spacious with solid water pressure and 24-hour room service was affordable, offering an array of well-prepared and tasty meals. A nice touch was the complimentary fruit basket, bottled water, red wine and hand-written welcome note, left in my room.
Restaurants & Bars
‘A warm African ambience’ perfectly describes Emanzini – the à la carte hotel restaurant which operates seven days a week from 06h30 to 22h30. The breakfasts are excellent, with a buffet table featuring all kinds of freshly-cut or whole fruits, cereals and breads, hot breakfasts and waffles. Omelettes are always my first choice and I was treated to an amazing omelette by the charming chef.
Business & Meeting Facilities
There are seven fully-equipped modern meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 200 conferencing delegates. In addition, there is ample secure parking and a new separate smoking lounge that can be used for private functions. A business centre is available with Internet, ADSL and printing facilities and all rooms and public areas have Wi-Fi access. There is an Imperial Car Hire desk on site and Ulysses, the on-site tour and transport company, is on hand to arrange tours and travel plans.
Leisure Facilities
The pool deck is ideal for sundowners, after-work drinks and evening braais and the hotel is affiliated to an off-site gym.
Verdict
A comfortable and enjoyable experience, with all the necessary amenities required for business and leisure travellers alike. Excellent service, quality finishings and central location complete a good overall package for this hotel.
Contact
Address: Cnr. Gordon Hood & Hendrik Verwoerd Ave, Centurion
Contact: +27 (0) 12-6638700, proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-waterfront-centurion
Melissa Douman