Imagine never having to leave the hotel to get entertainment.
Well, a marketing expert in the hotel and entertainment industry, Tymon Mkhize, is set to turn things around in The Capital on the Park Hotels/ Apartments in Sandton.
The 45-year-old marketing guru, who has more than 12 years of experience in the hotel industry, said Sandton hotel life would never be the same again.
“Every Friday we have this concept which is called Café Society Fridays. We start at 4pm and go until 10pm. People can join us for music, food and drinks. People love the place because they don’t have to worry about parking because when you consider other places around here, you pay an arm and a leg for parking. So far it has been great and people are loving this place,” said Mkhize.
Mkhize, who has a marketing and public relations diploma, said one of his priorities in the newly built hotel was to provide the best service.
“My role is to look into hospitality, training the staff and getting that wow factor that they (staff) know what kind of conversations they can have when a client is sitting by the bar,” said Mkhize.
Mkhize, who started his career as a barman in his birth province, KwaZulu-Natal, said one of reasons he managed to succeed in the business was because he does research about his clientele.
“The idea is to look for a niche market, a different market. One thing about the people I hang out with is that they have money and love attention, flaunting. As a result you have to look for venues that are elegant where they will get attention.
“Hence I have Café Society Fridays, which is all about fashion and flaunting.
“At the end of the day, when any guest comes to Sandton for business or holiday, they know there is a place where they can sleep and get entertained at the same time and not worry about anything else.
“We have entertainment, and from here you can go starlight to the airport. You know that you are coming here to eat, sleep and be entertained. If you feel like you don’t want to go home, you can sleep.”
Mkhize, who also has an events company called Prime Time Management, has previously worked at hotels such as Crowne Plaza in Rosebank and the Hilton in Durban.
Mkhize, who recently partnered with The Capital on the Park Hotels/Apartments, said he intends to bring more revenue to the hotel.
“I’ve got the right clientele that has been following me for years. I was involved in the Kilimanjaro Club. It was one of the biggest clubs in Africa.
“My involvement is to bring the clientele in terms of entertainment. I want to turn things around, bring the right clients in the hotel and boost the revenue.
This week, Mkhize will be celebrating his birthday at the hotel, and invited guests will get a chance to enjoy and experience the Café Society Fridays.
“On my birthday we will have a DJ who plays good music. There will be drinks and food that will be served. Guests will have access to the pool, jacuzzi and champagne bar, and there’s a nice view. We will also have a live fashion show by Mustardseed,” he said.
In his previous life, Mkhize also dabbled in modelling, a career that started in the early 1990s.
He has previously modelled for G3 Models and became the face of Viyella, and was once named Durban model of the year and Mr Jive Durban.
“I have been a professional model for quite some time. I work with various designers. I have always loved fashion. So we are adding something for people who love fashion, and opening an opportunity for upcoming designers,” said Mkhize.
The lavish hotel is located in the hub of the central business district at Katherine Street in Sandown. It’s just a short cab ride away from Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square.
Room prices range from R1410 to R2380. If one prefers to stay in, the hotel has in-house dining experiences, a convenience store, an in-door golf practice range, a heated pool, a spa with saunas, and exclusive gym classes.
@SthembisoMedia