Background
The City Lodge ‘Family of Hotels’ caters to all markets with their offerings of Road Lodges, Town Lodges, City Lodges and Courtyard Hotels, with ratings from 1-star up to 4-star. Interestingly, all four of the group’s properties in Port Elizabeth are in close proximity to each other. PE is the only city in South Africa that can boast this, and City Lodge is therefore able to offer accommodation across the budget spectrum, all in the same area.
Where is it?
The hotel is adjacent to the City Lodge, across the road from the beachfront and within walking distance of the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World. Port Elizabeth Airport is just 10 minutes drive away, as is the city centre.
What’s it like?
It may only have a 2-star grading, but the Town Lodge will surprise you. The staff appear to have adopted the attitude that whilst the property may be 2-star in rating, that won’t stop them from delivering as close to a 5-star service as possible. It’s also in a great location, with sea views, access to a swimming beach, and in close proximity to plenty of entertainment. From a business perspective, nothing in Port Elizabeth is a long drive away.
Rooms
There are 203 comfortably furnished, neat and tastefully decorated rooms, with either a double or twin bed. Each room has a spacious en suite bathroom, with a ‘maxi’ shower. Not all rooms are sea-facing, so this would need to be requested when making a reservation. All rooms come standard with air-conditioning and heating, a flat-screen TV with selected satellite (DSTV) radio and television channels, tea and coffee making facilities, and Wi-Fi, which is available in the rooms and reception. The hotel outsources its laundry service, which can be arranged through reception.
Restaurants and Bar
The hotel dining room is open for breakfast between 06h30 and 09h00 on weekdays, and 07h00 and 10h00 on weekends and public holidays. You can choose between a Full English and a Continental breakfast.Added to that, the Sundowner Bar overlooks the ocean and is open daily from 16h00 to 23h00. The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World offers a variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment and a casino. Access is free of charge and there is a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the hotel. Many ofPort Elizabeth’s most up-market restaurants are a short distance away, some of which offer room service and free delivery to the hotel. Menus are available in the rooms or from reception. A nice touch upon checking out is the complimentary muffin ‘for the road’.
Conference Facilities
There is one conference room, which can cater for 16 people, and has a magnificent private balcony overlooking the ocean. Conference facilities available include overhead projector, screen, data projector, TV, DVD, white board, flip-chart, stationery, water, mints and juices. Coffee, tea and muffins or meals can be arranged through the hotel, as part of a package. There is also a business centre with Internet access, print and fax facility and stationery available. Internet vouchers can be purchased, but Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and reception.
Leisure Facilities
Situated in front of the Sundowner Bar is a swimming pool and lounge area, which enjoys a 180 degree sea view. There is a Virgin Active gym just a few minutes walk away, or you can utilise the gym at the City Lodge or Courtyard Hotel, free of charge.
Verdict
This hotel ensures that it ticks a lot of boxes, accepting that it’s a 2-star property, but protecting the City Lodge reputation by appearing well turned out, clean and efficient, with excellent service, little in the way of frills, but with all the basics covered.
CONTACT
Address: Corner of Lodge and Beach Roads, Summerstrand, +27 41 509 2000, citylodge.co.za
Debbie Windsor