Serviced apartments, also known as ‘extended stay’ or ‘Apart Hotels’ is the largest growing sector accounting for 9% of total hotel rooms worldwide. In South Africa, The Capital Hotel Group has approximately 20 properties of this nature in South Africa, with Capital owning 40% of these, with its luxury properties situated predominantly in Johannesburg’s Northern Suburbs.
The Capital Hotel Group’s MD, Marc Wachsberger, who has steered the growth of the company since its inception in 2008, says that this newest of The Capital’s ‘extended stay’ properties places the company firmly at the forefront of this burgeoning new travel trend and raises the bar on unmatched urban elegance.
“As Cape Town’s first new hotel development since the World Cup in 2010, we were essentially able to create a true 21st-century offering from scratch, complete with all the necessary services and conveniences,” he says.
Located in Cape Town’s cultural De Waterkant district on the fringes of historical Bo-Kaap and within walking distance of the world-class V&A Waterfront, this new urban development allows guests to experience all the Mother City has to offer. A total of 65 oversized rooms and apartments offer a selection of luxury and superior studios or one, two, or three bedroom apartments. Floor to ceiling vistas, en-suite bathrooms and lounges with oversized LED televisions are all offered.
“Our formula for success revolves around simplicity, sophistication and contemporary style with no unnecessary frills or silly sundries or extravagant extras,” he explains. “At the same time, we don’t skimp on quality or cut corners by offering fewer facilities or compromise on service standards. Everything you need is absolutely in and we know what counts while anything that will add up to excessively expensive at the end of the stay is out.”
Whether you’re a traveller visiting for a few days or weeks, feeling social or looking to unwind, Wachsberger says that The Capital Mirage is set to make downtime a good time. The Capital Mirage is perfect for extended stays because it boasts fully equipped kitchens including stoves, ovens, washing machines, tumble dryers, and amenities such as complimentary laundry, a well-equipped gym, free parking, etc.”
He continues: “With us there is no ‘either or’ scenario. We combine the best of both worlds by giving our guests an apartment in a hotel. We offer the convenience, the choice and flexibility of a fully serviced hotel and self-catering apartment with a host of world-class facilities in one building. 80% of our clients are corporate travellers those things are very important to them.”
Uncapped high-speed Wi-Fi, HD full-bouquet satellite television, extra length beds, and free scheduled shuttles are also all part of the value add provided.
Another great differentiator with The Capital Mirage is that we have made it the perfect place to stay in winter. “This is especially because of the amount of facilities that make it a warm sanctuary such as the under floor heating, carpeted rooms, Nespresso machines, extensive satellite stations and DVD players, and in-room dining and onsite restaurants,” he adds.
There are three restaurants to choose from, and in-room dining is provided by the Cattle Baron, while the Gin & Snooker lounge, as well as the magical The Vue skybar, situated on the hotel’s rooftop all invite you to move, mix, mingle or simply recharge.
Ultimately, Wachsberger sees his company as a consumer champion and ‘disruptor’ and The Capital Mirage as the ultimate embodiment of this.
