Big hair and shoulder pads are not prerequisites to love the look of white cane headboards and lounge chairs, and candy-striped scatter cushions. We test drove 201, one of the three-bedroomed suites that looks like it has just been completed.
The Peninsula successfully manages its busy timeshare business with regular hotel occupancy and, under general manager Chris Godenir, runs a ship with a staff that seems genuinely happy to serve and be pleased we are there. I know this is the very basis for what defines hospitality, but it continues to amaze me how many establishments get the warm-hearted smile and generous spirit wrong.
The Peninsula received a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor last year and many reviewers list the hotel's free shuttle, proximity to the MyCiti Bus stop and incredible sea and sunset views as plus points. Some comment about the limited on-site available parking, billed at R45 per night, but there is freely available parking directly across the road from the hotel on the beachfront and the hotel is currently in discussions about purchasing additional parking space.
I like that you can add things to make your stay more comfortable like, in our case, a Saeco coffee machine, or extra SuperSport Channels that are billed on demand. Fast Wi-Fi Internet is available all over the hotel via Always On but while I found the free allocation of 200mb sufficient I wasn't able to send any emails as my computer's security settings weren't happy with the connection.
Last year, for the fifth time, The Peninsula was named the RCI Best Large Resort for 2011 and achieved Gold Crown status, sharing the title with The Breakers Hotel in Umhlanga Rocks, Durban.
I hosted a PR-Net meeting in the Faces Bar and was really impressed with their F&B offering. I dealt with Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Brent Johansen and found the experience seamless. All I had to do was show up!
The Peninsula recently donated free-stays to participants in the leadership and personal growth workshop, I am Somebody. Chris Godenir said he hoped their contribution would inspire many more to join the effort. "People are at the heart of any organisation and, ultimately, it is our duty to play an uplifting role both inside the hotel and in the broader community," he says.
Under his management and passion for helping others, the Peninsula has a history of taking part in various charities and organisations, including the Red Cross Children's Hospital, the hotel's own "Charity Begins at Home" drive, as well as the SOS Children's Village and can now add I Am Somebody! to its list.
For more information go to www.peninsula.co.za
