Moabi Malebye

The Southern Sun Hyde Park hotel is well worth a visit

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:35:54 GMT

Perched side by side with the Hyde Park shopping mall is a R180 million beauty.

Yes, that’s a colossal amount of money and the GM didn’t even need a million rand car, a blue light or even a personal bodyguard to match his job title.

With the panoramic view enveloping the northern suburbs of Johannesburg, it’s hard to feel cheated of a bird’s eye view. Since this is a business hotel, I must admit it can be rather difficult to focus when surrounded by such beauty. One look outside my second-floor window and the tree-lined suburbs spray on for miles. However, it’s the deck and pool ensemble, wrapped in an enclave of culinary delights and tempting cocktail menus that is the deal-breaker. If there ever was an über-cool spot for sundowners, this is it.

The four-star hotel offers 132 modern designed rooms, superb culinary options and a fitness room where one needs no motivation. As you head to the fifth floor, you feel like a god of sorts; hanging up in the clouds looking down at mere mortals. I gather this is what your average politician must feel like – the difference being one view is deserved and the other delusional.

Noël Macquet, the GM, has been quoted as saying: “Most world-class hotels have at least one superior, highly reputable restaurant – and we aim to make Southern Sun Hyde Park the foodies’ destination of choice in Johannesburg, where guests and clientele create and enjoy memories to savour. We strive to set ourselves apart from other hotels and the culinary offering constitutes one way of achieving this.” In this regard, the proof is in the pudding.

The Bice Ristorante is a coup. It is the first outlet in Africa and offers delectable cuisine. One world-class restaurant was not enough. Add the Daruma Sushi and Tempura Bar into the equation and the “foodies” will surely follow.

Staff at this hotel are truly world-class. That’s not a term I dish out with regularity. They have mastered customer service. The gentleman who delivered my afternoon lunch was so polite and well versed, I almost felt like I was a VIP guest.

There is no doubt in my mind that this hotel is unique. It has an air of grandeur without being snotty. The customer service will leave an indelible mark. If Southern Sun Hyde Park management were organising the Fifa World Cup, all our stadiums would be built and the staff trained. Such is their efficiency. But don’t take my word for it – visit the hotel personally.

Pros

Location

Viewing deck

Culinary options

Customer service

Cons

No complimentary wireless Internet for guests (a common South African ailment)

Why business travel is indispensable

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:49:08 GMT

Travel investments are a necessary part of generating sales and overall profits. Yes, save where you can, but shaving excessively hurts your business, long-term

The Great Depression of the 1930s, the internet bust of the 1990s and the current recession share a common effect: they humble all facets of society. There’s no discrimination between classes. It’s a sort of in-built disaster management system initiated perhaps by the Greek god of wealth, Plutus.

Job losses in the 500 000 range for 2009, declining profits and a business climate less accommodating than a Hong Kong immigration offer. The sum total of those factors results in a culture of fear. Fear creates uncertainty and masks any risk-taking desires. Our DNA coding generally makes us risk averse in such conditions.

This brings us to business travel, the perfect target when the brains trust decides to eliminate “unnecessary” costs. The Chairman of the world’s largest business travel association, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), Kevin Maguire says: “Travel is an easy hit. Downgrade your travel and it takes some of the bite out of downsizing your business.” Instead of creative problem solving, we overcompensate. As a result, business travel has suffered a severe slump.

Current climate
At the NBTA’s meeting in San Diego, Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO, Gary Kelly, said: “It’s very typical in a recessionary environment to see a drop in business travel. We’ve definitely experienced that. We’ve seen some markets off as much as 25-30%.” According to airline analyst Hunter Keay of Stifel Nicolaus & Co, “business travel, the key to airline profitability, usually comes back when unemployment falls and that tends to come toward the end of an economic recovery, not the beginning.” NBTA’s President, Craig Banikowski, said: “Despite the changed landscape, this was the best time for a travel management company to prove its worth.” Its worth will lie in the quality of its service and the repeat business it generates.

The study
IHS Global Insight, an internationally renowned research company, analysed travel data from the last ten years. They concluded that reducing your business travel budget is, in fact, hurting your business. Paradigm shift of note – a sort of “the world is not flat, it’s actually round” proposition. The first reaction is rejection. The notion offends your sensibilities. Perhaps our in-built bias is the problem. This is the first study of its kind focusing on the economic benefits of business travel. Their findings are voluminous and hence the focus will be on two key findings:

1. Business travel contributes to sales
A significant and measurable relationship exists between business travel expenditures and sales volumes. The analysis concludes that almost every industry would increase sales by increasing business travel investment to just the right level. It refers to the investment point which occurs when increasing business travel no longer yields additional profits and decreasing the investment actually cuts into profits. In short, it’s the optimum level for business travel investment to be worth it.
The study found that nearly all the industries researched function below their optimal threshold. On average, some industries need to increase current travel expenditures by as much as 3%, while other industries require a modest increase of 0.5%.
Statistics
- For every 35% of travel stripped out of a company, profits fall by 17%. It takes three years to recover.
- It’s estimated that 28% of current business would be lost without in-person meetings.
- 40% of prospective customers are converted to new customers with an in-person meeting, compared to 16% without one.

2. Sizeable returns on investment
Despite the clear link between business travel expenditure and sales volumes, I sense the skeptics require information. IHS concluded that across all industries, the average incremental return on investment was roughly $15 for every $1 spent on business travel. While these numbers may vary by industry, it’s clear that sales volumes are negatively impacted by reducing business travel budgets.

While the study is focused on the US market, it’s the principles that are of importance. The numbers will vary, and even more so by industry. The essence of the message to all industries is that travel investments are a necessary part of generating sales and overall profits. Yes, save where you can, but shaving excessively hurts your business, long-term.

For a full read of the report visit: www.ihsglobalinsight.com/Tourism

The city of tango, art and late-night steaks

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:46:03 GMT

Buenos Aires is the home of a famous women’s rights activist, a wizard with a football and a democratically elected female president. Evita Perón, Diego Maradona and Cristina Kirchner, the current president of Argentina, have all etched their legacies in the hearts and minds of the porteños (Buenosaireans)

Buenos Aires hugs the La Plata river and beams inland. The city has grown significantly since 1536 when its founder, Pedro de Mendoza, settled in the region – to the great displeasure of the natives. The Spanish would wait half a century to truly establish their presence in this region.

Buenos Aires is described universally as the Paris of South America. I have been to Paris and I have to disagree. Buenos Aires has Latin warmth and passion. Paris is like a Russian winter – inhospitable. Yes, there is evidence the architectural landscape screams of French neoclassical influence, but that is where the similarities cease.

When to go?
As a general rule, I travel to experience better weather, so I would recommend December to early April.

Where to stay?
I would recommend one of the following districts: Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano and Puerto Madero. Where one is willing to sleep is a personal choice coloured by location, taste and budget. I, for one, require an element of comfort. Secondly, I am a visual person by nature. Hence it comes as no surprise that I checked into the beautiful NH City & Tower, no doubt to the chagrin of the accounting department. This Spanish creation, in close proximity to the iconic Plaza de Mayo, is an example of exquisite design meeting lifestyle. I assure you, leaving the hotel can feel like being handed the keys to an Aston Martin just minutes after publicity supporting a no-driving campaign: plain unfair.

What to do
A city so rich with cultural activities lends itself to those willing to step outside of their comfort zone. The travel guidebooks would have you restricted to prim and proper touristy places, experiencing replicas of Soho and Chelsea. Yes, sample the tried and tested, but for a unique experience, which crosses the tourist-local boundary, step outside this realm.

Galleries

Appetite: www.appetite.com.ar
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires: www.malba.org.ar
Belleza y Felicidad: www.bellezayfelicidad.com.ar

Markets
Recoleta Craft Fair, Plaza Dorrego and San Telmo Market.

Must visit landmarks
Visit www.buenostours.com and a guide will take you to all the major landmarks and it’s all in English.

Dining
I will be forthright: despite the growing number of health bars, Argentina is for meat eaters and insomniacs. Devour some of the tastiest and largest cuts of red meat on the planet at 23:00 and beyond. Have the same portion of meat with a few bottles of red wine in, say, London, and you may just max out your Barclays card.

Porteños love their food and nowhere is that more apparent that at Casa Felix. Diego Felix hosts 12 guests, who have never met, in his own home. This is Latin warmth and hospitality. One feels like an invited guest in a friend’s home. Diego is a fascinating character who can have you rapt as he describes his journey and life philosophy. The food, however, will probably not win recognition from the International Restaurant and Hotel Association, but its charm will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

More highly recommended restaurants
- Freud & Fahler.
- Desde el Alma is perfect for couples.
- Casa Cruz is a super spot for drinks and it won’t hurt to dress smart.
- Sucre is simply hot.
- Bar 6 is a Palermo hotspot.

Nightlife
The nightlife deserves a whole separate section. Such is the range of activities that only your lack of fitness will hold you back. Porteños eat late and certainly party late. You could finish dinner at midnight or 1am and head out for pre-club drinks. You will quickly realise getting “inebriated” is as classy as ordering fish only to drink it with red wine. In Buenos Aires, there is an air of restrain in their drinking, as if getting “battered” might bring bad luck upon your family name. Secondly, Porteños can dress. Thirdly, there is an army of beautiful people in this city. My advice: learn some Spanish if you really want to socialise.

Hot spots
- Urarte for super cocktails
- Niceto
- Pacha
- Million

Shopping
Anything and everything fashion-related is best found in Palermo.
The one place definitely worth visiting for footware is 28sport (www.28sport.com)

Argentina has a painful history, not too different from ours. The economic crash in 2001 obliterated vast amounts of wealth and set the nation on the back foot. Today, they battle against the recession and large international loan repayments. Porteños are warm people and, most importantly, they are survivors. I suspect the beauty and allure of Buenos Aires will be preserved, through all manner of hardship, for posterity.

The jewel in the crown

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:56:47 GMT

A year into its makeover, The Crowne Plaza has not only shed its past, it has catapulted the current location into a hotspot

Located in central Rosebank, lined by jacaranda trees and a shopping mall in close proximity, the hotel is aimed at the business end of the market; the traveller with superior taste. One who understands that confidence precedes the Ferrari.

First impression
Imagine a long haul flight, clearing customs and a taxing journey from the airport to the Crowne Plaza. On arrival, you enter the hotel and it’s love at first sight. The circular lounge area is complemented by the cream/white collection and the mushroom-style chandeliers. You would be forgiven for dropping your travel bag. Sensory overload – business hotels are not supposed to look this sexy. “This way please,” as the hotel staff attract your attention. The check-in desk is to your left. You could have parked the new Airbus A380 to the left and it would have gone unnoticed for at least a few seconds.

Check-in is seamless. Last time I checked into a business hotel, I felt like I was caught up in a game of 20 questions. I was booked into the 5th floor. While waiting for the lift, the Circle Bar with its circular booths caught my eye. An in-house bar kitted out in minimalistic furniture and an über-cool crowd not suffering from stiff-upper-lip syndrome. I resisted and headed to my room.

Upon exiting the elevator, the powder blue-grey contrast (each floor is themed) does not seem appealing. Then I remembered that statistically, blue is the colour preference for males and in the top three for females. The standard room was spacious and cosy. I’m told this was the quiet section, where pilots like to stay.

The Room
The usual Sony plasma, docking station and fittings give it a bespoke gallery feel. The mounted mirror illuminates the powder blue background. The workspace, in the corner, simple. Did I sleep well? Like Joel Santana, after Bafana ended their losing streak by defeating Madagascar.

Facilities
- The gym is small, yet adequate. It faces the courtyard, which massages the intimate pool.
- Buffet breakfast at Fresh was somewhat distracting. I spent more time looking at the zen garden in the courtyard. A place of solace and, apparently, popular with smokers.
- The Butcher Block is an on-site restaurant. Highly recommended.
- Conference rooms named after various African currencies.
- The Seven Colours Spa area offers a series of options, with the Mauritian being the number one seller.
- A business centre capable of meeting all your requirements.

Who should stay here?
Travellers who want a centrally located hotel where they are treated like people and not just patrons.

Pros
Design
Central and safe location
Circle Bar
Customer service

Cons
Wi-fi not free for guests

Soweto Festival

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:59:35 GMT

On Heritage Day, we celebrate our unique cultural diversity and heritage, and I celebrated by attending the 5th annual Soweto Festival

The 24th of September, 4th of July and Bastille Day all have something in common – it ignites the patriotic fires. On Heritage Day, we celebrate our unique cultural diversity and heritage, and I celebrated by attending the 5th annual Soweto Festival at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto campus. The theme for this year was traditional African dress.

The Adele Lucas Promotions Company, in a joint venture with the Greater Soweto Business Forum (GSBF), organises the event. The Soweto Festival is the largest and most historical event hosted in the township. It goes beyond exhibitions, music and beer gardens. There is an educational element. The HIV and breast cancer awareness campaign is reinforced. In addition, there are a series of presentations. The festival attracted 47 000 visitors in 2008. How does that compare? For one, it exceeds the attendance figures of the Bafana Bafana versus New Zealand match during the Confederations Cup.

This festival has immeasurable potential. It could be an event on the international calendar, a bit like the Oktoberfest in Germany. The plan for 2010 is to take the brand to New York. This will go a long way in creating international visibility.

The official opening ceremony was characterized by a series of speeches, all with a central theme: You can live a better life. Take the opportunities and run. Region D Director of Johannesburg, Pat Lephunya, said emphatically: “Participate in the festival and grow.” He did the honours and declared the festival officially opened.

Chairman of the Greater Soweto Business Forum (GSBF), Nancy Nxumalo, advised society to “come together and speak with one voice.” She highlighted the role of the GSBF, which is to effectively unify the sporadic pockets of commercial activity and ushers them to common ground. “We want to promote Soweto business and give them a chance to be competitive,” she says. While many doors have opened, its understandable that there are pockets of resistance in the business community. That’s where the GSBF fits in – to identify opportunities and match them to competent service providers.

There is a real sense of passion for this event. As Adele Lucas enthusiastically stated: “We have a love affair with Soweto.”

The Johannesburg MMC of Economic Affairs, Parks Tau, was the most passionate speaker. He emphasised that Soweto is alive. The main message was that we have the resources to assist and support entrepreneurs.

What did I learn? Soweto and its people desire a better future. With the support of the GSBF, dreamers can start to actively work towards achieving their dream.

What’s on offer?
- Over 50 exhibitors, from educational institutions to employment agencies and government departments.
- Entertainment stage
- Beer garden
- A fun fair and sports zone, including paintball and 5-a-side football

Visit www.sowetofestival.co.za for more information.