This month, the Three Cities’ Greenway Woods Resort (Mpumulanga), Three Cities Royal Palm Hotel (KwaZulu Natal) and the Three Cities Peninsula All Suite Hotel (Western Cape), featured in the top of the Hotel Group category in the announcement of the leaders in The National Energy Barometer Survey 2011.

The National Energy Barometer Survey encourages companies to become aware of their energy consumption levels, how their buildings are being operated, and to encourage improvements that will bring economic benefits whilst providing a platform for comparison and learning.

John Creighton, Managing Director of the Hotels Division of Three Cities Group said he was extremely pleased with the achievement. He said that he was convinced that this would only motivate the Group’s initiatives and drive to be more critical and aware of their energy consumption.

“Our initiatives and projects to date are proving to be successful with such awards.  As a Group we are guided by our commitment to endeavour to provide sustainable energy solutions, in conjunction with environmentally sustainable options across our properties.”

Apart from The National Barometer Energy Survey, the Three Cities Group is also involved in two environmental programme certifications namely:

• Green Leaf Environmental Programme – The Green Leaf environmental programme has been implemented at Three Cities Riverside Hotel & Spa; Three Cities Alpine Heath Resort; Three Cities Royal Palm Hotel; Three Cities Gateway Hotel and Three Cities Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.

• Heritage Environmental Programme – Implemented at the Three Cities Peninsula Hotel All Suite Hotel.

Continuing to be proactive, this year the Three Cities Group will embark on a nationwide, comprehensive, energy efficient lighting programme, utilising the Eskom IDM funding models.

Said Three Cities Group Engineer Murray Burger: “As part of the three phase project, the Three Cities Group will have the ability to monitor, gauge, compare and manage energy consumptions/demands throughout the respective properties by using a remote, online web interface.

Thereafter additional lighting projects as well as efficient hot water generation systems (solar and heat pump) integration will be implemented throughout the Group. “

Other successful projects have included the 2011 partnership with Eskom, Energywise/Magnet .

This involved implementing a number of low-flow showerheads as well as flow restrictors on a number of mixers and taps within five of the Group’s hotels – Three Cities Alpine Heath Resort; Three Cities Riverside Hotel & Spa; Three Cities Royal Hotel at the time under Three Cities management; Three Cities Royal Palm; Three Cities The Square Boutique Hotel & Spa and Three Cities Docklands Hotel.

The overall benefit was the lowering in water consumption, and significantly reducing hot water consumption, ultimately yielding reduced energy consumptions.

For more information on The Three Cities Group visit www.threecities.co.za

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Studio suites as well as one, two, three and four bedroom apartments are on offer for both daily letting and longer leases. In addition to addressing the problems of finding holiday accommodation suitable for larger families during the busy summer holiday season, Three Cities Urban Park Hotel & Spa is expected to meet the special needs of business travelers.

“We understand the difficulties associated with finding appropriate accommodation for business travelers and know that the conventional hospitality offering is not always suitable, especially when it comes to those undertaking longer trips or short term contracts. Suites offer more space than a standard hotel room with multiple rooms including a living and dining room, office and kitchen facilities,” said Mike Lambert, chief executive of the Three Cities group.

The ability to self cater and even share accommodation made this a far more cost effective option for companies that offer accommodation for employees or contractors and was a far better option than a bed and breakfast facility which necessitated spending on lunches and dinners, he added. Although at Three Cities Urban Park Hotel and Spa, you can enjoy the freedom to self-cater, we can also assist in meeting your culinary needs at our acclaimed Cosmopolitan Restaurant on the ground floor for a gastronomic dining experience, or stop by the Vida-e coffee kiosk in our eco-friendly inner courtyard and indoor pool.

We also offer the very best of relaxation at our award-winning Camelot Aqua Spa – the second in KwaZulu Natal and the first corporate Camelot Spa in South Africa.

The post Three Cities Urban Park Hotel & Spa Opening 15 December 2012 appeared first on Hotels Durban | Hotels Gauteng | Hotels Cape Town.

“We understand the difficulties associated with finding appropriate accommodation for business travellers and know that the conventional hospitality offering is not always suitable, especially when it comes to those undertaking longer trips or short term contracts. Suites offer more space than a standard hotel room with multiple rooms including a living and dining room, office and kitchen facilities,” said Mike Lambert, chief executive of the Three Cities group.

The ability to self cater and even share accommodation made this a far more cost effective option for companies that offer accommodation for employees or contractors and was a far better option than a bed and breakfast facility which necessitated spending on lunches and dinners, he added.

Although at Three Cities Urban Park Hotel and Spa, you can enjoy the freedom to self-cater, we can also assist in meeting your culinary needs at our acclaimed Cosmopolitan Restaurant on the ground floor for a gastronomic dining experience, or stop by the Vida-e coffee kiosk in our eco-friendly inner courtyard and indoor pool.

We also offer the very best of relaxation at our award-winning Camelot Aqua Spa – the second in KwaZulu Natal and the first corporate Camelot Spa in South Africa.

The post Three Cities Urban Park Hotel & Spa Opening 15 December 2012 appeared first on Hotels Durban | Hotels Gauteng | Hotels Cape Town.

The hotel’s general manager, Yolanda Prinsloo, apologised for the quick decision to close the restaurant. “This was an opportunity that was just too good to miss and we wanted to have something exciting to offer our guests during the busy festive season. Kaprino’s is a buffet restaurant serving lunch and dinner.  Once operational, the restaurant will have between 280 and 300 seats and will accommodate our hotel breakfasts as well.”

Meanwhile, Guests at the Three Cities Hotel on St Georges will be accommodated for breakfast at DISH at the Inn on the Square. Guests will be transported to and from the Inn on the Square throughout the morning.

For further information, please contact Three Cities Hotel on St Georges on 021 419 0811

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With 92 self-catered apartments complete with fully-fitted kitchens, appliances and furnishings, Urban Park Hotel and Spa will appeal to both corporate and leisure guests looking for a home-away-from-home. There are various options to choose from: studio suites, along with one, two, three and four bedroom apartment suites.  The design of the hotel is chic and elegant offering the latest technology in all rooms including WiFI, LED Televisions, DVD players and iPod players.   All apartments have ducted air-conditioning and power is guaranteed by a stand-by generator.

The four-star Cosmopolitan Restaurant on the ground floor serves meals all day and a Vida-e kiosk will ensure that guests have superior coffee available to them throughout the day.  The award-winning Camelot Aqua Spa offers a variety of treatments to pamper and spoil guests. The spa has 3 couple rooms, 2 single rooms, a pedi lounge, nail bar, relaxation area, Rasul Chamber and Jacuzzi. Guests will also have access to an indoor swimming pool and fully-fitted gym. Green spaces provide guests with ample opportunity to experience Durban’s wonderful weather. Although situated close to Gateway, shuttles to the shopping centre as well as to the La Lucia and Ridgeside office parks and the Umhlanga beach will be available to guests.

Urban Park Hotel & Spa offers guests a luxurious and comfortable stay for one night or several at affordable prices. The opening festive season rates start from R500 per room in a studio to R1800.00 per room for a four bedroom apartment.  These rates are valid from the 15th December 2012 to 31st March 2013.

For further information or assistance in securing your reservation kindly contact 031 566 1814 or visit www.urbanpark.co.za

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Sometimes referred to as Lake Jozini or even the South African equivalent of Lake Kariba, the Dam is a renowned destination for tiger fishing. However don’t fear if you’re not a fisherman, there will definitely be something for you… mountain biking, an abundance of trails for running or walking, bird watching, sunset cruises and magnificent opportunities to view game.

Positioned just 300km from Durban on the Elephant Coast in the heart of the Kingdom of the Zulu at the gateway to Maputaland, the Three Cities Jozini Tiger Lodge is surrounded by a natural paradise. In addition to game along the shores of the dam itself which include elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, kudu, bushbuck, duiker, steenbok, hyena and warthog – the Lodge is close to the Pongolapoort Reserve, the Ndumo, Mkuze and Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Parks and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park with its pristine beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Sodwana and Kosi Bay are close by which means that in addition to enjoying game drives and boat cruises, you have an opportunity to view the vibrantly coloured sea-life while snorkelling among the reefs or scuba diving. Deep sea fishing and whale watching can also be placed on your itinerary.

The main lodge boasts an array of amenities including a private lounge bar, swimming pool, a wellness centre with spa facilities, children’s playroom and a gymnasium. There is a superb restaurant, however, if you prefer to dine under the stars dinners can also be presented in the outdoor boma.

Although the Three Cities Jozini Tiger Lodge offers a range of accommodation options that include self-catering units, the place to stay is definitely in the lodge itself. There are currently 60 guest rooms, which include 3 deluxe suites, 21 family lofts and 36 classic standard rooms with another 10 which are due for completion by the end of October. In keeping with the style of the Lodge, the rooms are trendy, stylishly decorated and offer double beds while the family units possess sleeper couches. Each and every room comes with the standard features expected from a luxury hotel, en-suite bathrooms and furnished balconies overlooking the water.

The deluxe suites are perfect for a honeymoon or enjoying a romantic break. The large bedroom comes complete with a four poster king sized bed and specialized linen. The luxurious bathroom has a large jet bath with a shower and offers a wonderful view every morning. In addition each suite leads out onto a private balcony offering the opportunity to see hippo and more at the water’s edge while sipping that first cup of tea or watching the magnificent sunset.

Family lofts are the fun way for families to experience Africa in comfort. The generously sized rooms have either double or twin beds while the upstairs lofts have single beds. The en-suite bathroom has both a separate bath and shower.

If you wish to wake up to a breath-taking vista, be close and personal with the Big 5, glimpse the magnificence of the Hump-backed whale or patiently cast your line for that tiger fishing experience, there’s no better place to be than the Three Cities Jozini Tiger Lodge. For more information go to www.threecities.co.za or call 031 310 6900

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Heading up one of Southern Africa’s foremost hotel brands is not for the faint-hearted. The Three Cities Group was formed in 1988 to offer specialized services in the tourism industry. Today, it manages and markets over 32 quality tourism and leisure properties and has a strong network of sales and marketing specialists working out of Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, London and Germany. Its distinctive portfolio includes four operating divisions – City Hotels, Resorts, Exceptional Safaris and its Exceptional Collection.

“In a nutshell, my primary role is to lead and to provide focus to a team of great individuals in order to implement our company’s strategic plans while remaining true to our culture and values,” he explains.

Known as a people person, Creighton admits to being “somewhat analytical and structured”. As a practical thinker, he tends to quickly find workable solutions to challenges. “Although the hospitality basics remain the same, the challenge will always be seeking differentiators, always keeping up with current trends and, most importantly, understanding guest needs, wants and expectations in a rapidly evolving world. Today’s ‘nice to have’s’ and ‘differentiators’ become tomorrow’s minimum requirements very quickly.”

He attributes his successful career within the hospitality industry – which dates back 30 years – to investing time, energy and effort into whatever he tackles. “That always brings results. There are no short cuts! Nevertheless, it has been extremely rewarding to have followed a career that has always kept me looking forward to tomorrow,” he says.

Creighton’s first job in the hospitality sector was at the age of 16 during the December school holidays at a holiday resort on the Garden Route outside Sedgefield. “I worked at the security gate, controlling access and counting cars, people and boats! My first ‘real’ job in a hotel was when I finished my National Service and became a switchboard operator at the Capetonian Hotel in Cape Town,” he laughs.

Since then, he has worked in various positions at a number of different hotels and hospitality establishments worldwide. “I’ve been a rooms division manager at a resort on the Natal South Coast, food and beverage operations manager at a Swaziland resort, general manager of eight different hotels in South Africa and regional general manager looking after a group of 15 local hotels. Together with a friend, I also opened one of South Africa’s largest private chef’s schools, rolling out six campuses across South Africa. Oh yes, I also started a small group of restaurants and worked in the United Kingdom and the USA,” he remembers.

From day one, he says he was attracted to a career in hospitality. “As a child, a television series based on the workings of a hotel made it look like it was all just fun – if only I’d known!”

What he has learnt since then is the advice he gives to youngsters wanting to follow in his footsteps. “Don’t try to learn the ‘tricks of the trade’ just learn the trade. You will have a career that doesn’t box you in. It’s always varied, always challenging and as a result, exciting! It allows you to grow and calls on multitudes of different talents, including both business savvy and artistic creativity. There are always new trends and opportunities. If you have energy, an entrepreneurial spirit and a penchant for people, you can do extremely well.”

In the small amount of time away from his desk, Creighton is a keen cyclist and surfs and gyms regularly. The fact that he enjoys travelling is a perfect fit with the industry in which he finds himself – and he lists the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Oahu in Hawaii and the Karoo as the top destinations he has visited.

Ends.

The post New Managing Director at Three Cities Exceptional Hotels appeared first on Hotels Durban | Hotels Gauteng | Hotels Cape Town.

“Our exceptionally friendly and attentive staff clinched the award,” said Steve McCormick, Managing Director who accepted the award on behalf of the Lodge at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur. “The style and architecture of the hotel, the well-presented and spacious rooms, the unique location and incredible views as well as the food and exceptional service were all taken into account, but the main reason for the award (according to one of the judges) was due to the very attentive and friendly staff who made his visit so memorable.”

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa which stood out in terms of total delivery of a world class product, outperforming all other 5 star resorts and hotels throughout Africa, is situated 5km from Livingstone and 7km from Victoria Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world.

A member of the Three Cities Exceptional Safaris Brand, the Lodge and Spa with its luxurious en-suite rooms with private balconies overlooking the mighty Zambezi also garnered a World Luxury Hotel Award in 2010 as the Best in Zambia.

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These properties are divided into four – Exceptional Hotels, Exceptional Resorts, Exceptional Safaris and the Exceptional Collection – stretching from Cape Town to Zimbabwe. Lambert said that the Three Cities Group embraced each resort’s individuality while providing access to its sophisticated digital reservation platform as well as an extensive sales and marketing network working out of Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Germany and the UK.

The Three Cities Whale Coast Hotel’s accommodation offering includes seven two bedroom self catering apartments and fifteen three bedroom self catering apartments equipped with the luxuries expected from a state-of-the-art hotel – trendy bathrooms, modern appliances, fine linen and more.

As the ideal base from which to explore Hermanus and the surrounding Overberg towns, the Three Cities Whale Coast Hotel is close to local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, bistros and exciting outdoor activities that include anything from great white shark cage diving and whale watching to paragliding, golf and hiking/bike trails.

A mere 90 minute drive from Cape Town, the Three Cities Whale Coast Hotel is also an ideal conference venue. A host of packages are available to suit different requirements. Facilities suitable for small to large meetings and seminars include standard equipment.

For more information call 031-310 3333 or go to www.threecities.co.za

The post Three Cities Group In For A Whale Of A Time appeared first on Hotels Durban | Hotels Gauteng | Hotels Cape Town.

“In a nutshell, my primary role is to lead and to provide focus to a team of great individuals in order to implement our company’s strategic plans while remaining true to our culture and values,” he explains. Known as a people person, Creighton admits to being “somewhat analytical and structured”. As a practical thinker, he tends to quickly find workable solutions to challenges. “Although the hospitality basics remain the same, the challenge will always be seeking differentiators, always keeping up with current trends and, most importantly, understanding guest needs, wants and expectations in a rapidly evolving world.

Today’s ‘nice to have’s’ and ‘differentiators’ become tomorrow’s minimum requirements very quickly.”

He attributes his successful career within the hospitality industry – which dates back 30 years – to investing time, energy and effort into whatever he tackles. “That always brings results. There are no short cuts! Nevertheless, it has been extremely rewarding to have followed a career that has always kept me looking forward to tomorrow,” he says. Creighton’s first job in the hospitality sector was at the age of 16 during the December school holidays at a holiday resort on the Garden Route outside Sedgefield. “I worked at the security gate, controlling access and counting cars, people and boats! My first ‘real’ job in a hotel was when I finished my National Service and became a switchboard operator at the Capetonian Hotel in Cape Town,” he laughs.

Since then, he has worked in various positions at a number of different hotels and hospitality establishments worldwide. “I’ve been a rooms division manager at a resort on the Natal South Coast, food and beverage operations manager at a Swaziland resort, general manager of eight different hotels in South Africa and regional general manager looking after a group of 15 local hotels. Together with a friend, I also opened one of South Africa’s largest private chef’s schools, rolling out six campuses across South Africa. Oh yes, I also started a small group of restaurants and worked in the United Kingdom and the USA,” he remembers.

From day one, he says he was attracted to a career in hospitality. “As a child, a television series based on the workings of a hotel made it look like it was all just fun – if only I’d known!”

What he has learnt since then is the advice he gives to youngsters wanting to follow in his footsteps. “Don’t try to learn the ‘tricks of the trade’ just learn the trade. You will have a career that doesn’t box you in. It’s always varied, always challenging and as a result, exciting! It allows you to grow and calls on multitudes of different talents, including both business savvy and artistic creativity. There are always new trends and opportunities. If you have energy, an entrepreneurial spirit and a penchant for people, you can do extremely well.”

In the small amount of time away from his desk, Creighton is a keen cyclist and surfs and gyms regularly. The fact that he enjoys travelling is a perfect fit with the industry in which he finds himself – and he lists the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Oahu in Hawaii and the Karoo as the top destinations he has visited.

The post John Creighton Appointed Managing Director Of The Three Cities Exceptional Hotels appeared first on Hotels Durban | Hotels Gauteng | Hotels Cape Town.