Long before the world learned about Covid-19, the developers at Umhlanga Arch’s 4-star Hilton Garden Inn were busy creating the province’s first smart hotel.
The new Durban establishment, part of the mega Umhlanga Arch project in Durban, will launch in October 2020. The 207-room hotel is the first Garden Inn property in South Africa.
Charles Thompson, the director of the Devmco Group, said the hotel is positioned to meet Covid-19 health and safety regulations, which will be a huge selling point for business travellers during and post-pandemic.
Picture: Umhlanga Arch.
“People want to be safe when they travel, and the creation of this hotel will meet the demands. The hotel will use smart technology to ensure that both business and leisure travellers not only have peace of mind but also have a seamless hotel experience,” he said.
Thompson said guests can navigate through the hotel using their phone, from check-in, the use of the elevators and inside their room. Inside the room, travellers can change temperature control, access the television and other innovative technology with an app installed on their phone.
According to Thompson, the hotel has spent an extra R10-million rand on enhancing technology.
“We are trying to make the system as contactless as possible and showcase the technology features of the hotel. We wanted to maintain international hotel standards and not compromise on technology,” he said.
Picture: Umhlanga Arch.
Picture: Umhlanga Arch.
While technology will play a critical role to lure travellers to the soon to be opened Umhlanga establishment, the hotel also aims to make it affordable for guests.
“Value for money plays an important role when travellers decide to book a stay at a hotel. They look at amenities offered and the pricing, among others. Therefore, we want to create an affordable experience that exceeds their expectations,” added Thompson.
The rooms come kitted with a king or twin-sized beds, a 50-inch television, a desk, airconditioning and lush views. Among the facilities are a business and fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a garden and lounge bar. The hotel will be conveniently positioned close to King Shaka International Airport, La Lucia Ridge, Durban and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.