With corporates tightening their belts, the age of excess spending by business travellers is gone. The new trend is convenience and value for money, says Andrew Rogers, Chief Operating Officer of Hospitality Property Fund, whose hotels include The Rosebank, one of Johannesburg’s leading hotels.

"Executive suites are no longer in demand. Standard rooms that offer all the convenience are the new requirement,” said Rogers. "The corporate traveller has become more savvy and discerning and is using technology to shop around for a better deal. In order for hotels to remain competitive, their imagery and content on the web has to stay current."

South African hotel companies are using the upcoming 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup to renovate and improve their product offering as demand for room nights associated with conferences, workshops, seminars and meetings increases among both the private and public sectors. Technology was now a basic requirement with access to wireless internet becoming an expected norm in the rooms and public areas, according to Rogers. With the emphasis on containing costs, corporates are looking for more, for less, he said.

The Rosebank offers that difference To keep up with current trends and demands of the industry, The Rosebank is investing R254m in a facelift that will see the hotel emerge as a chic, stylish yet professional facility with vibe and energy, offering value for money for both the business traveller and the leisure guest. The hotel will be re-opening in August.

"Our timing to renovate couldn’t have been better as we look towards the Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup," Rogers said. "In considering refurbishment of The Rosebank, we put a lot of thought into the design, amenities and accessibility of the hotel. Time saving and convenience are important for the professionals while luxury is important for the holiday maker."

"The entire hotel has wireless connection. The bedrooms are functional with large desks and the latest Sony plasma screens."

Five senses aroused… All 318 rooms have been refurbished, and the lobby and entrance areas have all been recreated to cater to all five senses with the use of vibrant colours, mood lighting, textured fabrics, mouthwatering cuisine and ambient, subtle music. The renovation will also introduce an internationally-branded spa and Technogym, as well as upgraded conference facilities fitted with the latest technology. "The value add is that we have created a place where guests can entertain and be entertained. It’s cool, but it’s also fun. We even have a resident bathologist, who specialises in running baths tailor-made to resolve guests stress needs, complete with the candles and scents to totally relax both body and mind," Rogers said.

Innovative technology to create ambience… The Rosebank’s new look and feel is supported by innovative technology. The grooving Circle Bar will be the hub of this innovation, where specially-selected music will be played and unique visual effects shown on giant screens encircling the bar. Here guests can entertain. The music and lighting is themed according to the time of day to create an all-encompassing ambience for relaxation and recreation. The Rosebank’s approach to innovative ambience isn’t limited to the Circle Bar. It extends to all the different reception areas in the hotel including the gym and its signature Fresh restaurant. "In keeping with Fresh’s menu and décor of fresh and clean products, the music will feature new artists. We are making a visit to The Rosebank an experience in itself; the hotel is more than just a place to stay, every aspect of the guest experience offers relaxation, fun and excitement," Rogers said.

For more information contact:
The Rosebank
Marije Meerstadt
0861 174 7444
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Headlines
Lindi Tshabangu
011 887 3422
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