Not one but two plasma screen TVs

Published Mar 29, 2015

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Cape Town – The biggest nightmare when travelling as I do (ie, according to African time) is finding parking without missing my flight – and it feels like I’m not living unless I’m on the final boarding call list.

Recently on a trip to Cape Town, I couldn’t afford to be late. It was my son’s maiden flight and trip out of the city – so there was no way I could get that wrong.

I needn’t have worried, having belatedly discovered a fantastic service called Weparkyoufly. You drive up to the drop-off zone, they pick up your car, and bring it back after you land, at the same spot.

But, that handy time-saver was not the highlight of our trip. I was off in search of prawns, and mountains, freezing cold sea and white sand beaches, with a boy who had massive expectations.

Having exhausted my phone battery taking pictures at the aquarium, we had a bit of concern finding the Three Cities Bantry Bay Suites Hotel. We found ourselves on Alexandra Road, instead of Alexander.

“Happens all the time,” a local said as he pointed us in the right direction, down towards the sea.

When we got there, the ocean was a short walk from the welcoming reception. A good start, as I had promised my boy he could go to the beach whenever he wanted. The hotel was a hive of early season activity, with accents from South Africa and beyond our borders mingling at the bar, while some had their feet in the pool. It was chilled, or “lekker my bru”, as the locals kept saying to us.

On entering our suite, I was pleasantly surprised to discover not one, but two plasma screens. Such details matter on a family trip, as executive control of the remote usually sits with he who can throw the louder tantrum.

With Cartoon Network blaring in the bedroom, I could relax to something more sedate in the lounge, with the sea breeze wafting in. The self-catering Three Cities Bantry Bay Suites Hotel rooms are elegantly decorated, with a dinner table for four by the kitchenette, which has a fridge and a microwave, and a quaint lounge area in which to unwind.

If there is a family of three or more, sleeper couches can be brought in. The one problem with the Cape summer is trying to convince a young boy that it is bedtime when the sun is still glistening off the ocean – I eventually gave up trying.

As we were about to be lazy and opt for room service, Eskom load shedding hit, forcing a rethink. Happily, the hotel is just down the road from several shopping centres, and dad and lad took a stroll in the early evening glow to find some grub.

But, for those worn out by anything from golf through the hotel’s exclusive Metropolitan Golf Club membership, paragliding, city touring, or just hanging at the beach, the restaurant has a menu that caters to all. Breakfast is also a hearty affair. For one thing, you dine with a view, and the selection of fresh fruit, cereals and hot buffet are the ideal way to start each day. The convenience of having the beach promenade on your doorstep is a bonus, with holiday traffic making walking a far more sensible option.

But you don’t come to the Three Cities Bantry Bay Suites Hotel to worry about traffic, load shedding, or other problems at home. You come to relax, soak in the view, in the comfort of your “home from home”.

Call 021 434 8448 or visit www.bantrybaysuitehotel.com

The Tribune

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