Hout Bay Manor robbed

Hout Bay Manor in Cape Town was robbed in the early hours of yesterday morning by six armed men, who overpowered the guard and made off with various goods. The hotel is currently closed for winter from 1 July, and set to re-open on 1 August. No one was injured, no shots were fired and the suspects have already been apprehended.

GM Lucia Davadoss said in an exclusive interview with Hotel & Restaurant: “It was an unfortunate yet minor incident and we are relieved that no one was injured. The hotel is closed for the month of July, which is an annual occurance as staff take leave and the property undergoes cleaning and touch-up maintenance to prepare for the new season.

“We have been inundated with well wishes from neighbours and the industry and the support has been overwhelming. Vernon Kirsten from Skal was the first person on site to see if we were all ok and if he could assist with anything.

“We look forward to welcoming the new season’s guests and can assure them that their safety will not be compromised in any way. This has never happened before and we will do everything in our power to make sure it never happens again by strengthening security.”

Hout Bay Manor is thrilled with the breakthrough made by the Hout Bay police and would like to commend Detective Warrant Officer Fortuin on his efficient and high level of work in apprehending the suspects and his continuous progress reports on the case.  “This is very reassuring for our guests and tourists alike, that they will be in a safe environment when visiting our beautiful country,” adds Davadoss.

The five-star Hout Bay Manor is a 19-room luxury boutique hotel that is set in an historical, architectural landmark building in the seaside village of Hout Bay. It was reopened on 26 October 2007 after an extensive 18-month refurbishment. There is an eclectic, ethnic feel to the property.

A listed historical building built in 1871 by Jacob Trautmann, the property has been carefully restored to its former elegance. It was originally known as the Royal Hotel and was popular as a romantic location for honeymooners, and still is.

The 58-seater Pure gourmet restaurant is open to public as well as guests, from Tuesday to Saturday from 18h30 to 22h30 and for Sunday lunch from 12h00 to 15h00. Lunch can also be enjoyed in the teagarden shaded by Zulu-style umbrellas and a huge Plane tree. Pure is fast becoming a much sought after function venue for weddings and special occasions.

Inzolo Wellness Suite offers a range of international spa treatments and organic therapies. It is open seven-days a week from 07h00 to 19h00. Davadoss says: “Our Inzolo spa is reflective of our ever increasing clientele, who only have good things to say about the experience. The head therapist is fully qualified and we also have an intern currently in training, as part of a skills upliftment programme.”

A 12-seater intimate conference venue is offered for board meetings, presentations and candlelit celebrations. It has its own private garden with fountain, as well as all of the necessary conference equipment and internet access.

Families are welcome and a special children’s holiday package is offered. The hotel also features a family apartment with two luxurious rooms adjacent to each other, free-standing baths, large balconies and a private entrance.

Published rates are quoted per room per night and range from R1260 to R8900, with a range of attractive seasonal specials also available. Davadoss says that since the launch of special rates over the past year, Hout Bay Manor and its offerings are becoming more popular.

She adds: “Staff have been with the hotel for many years; they are the heartbeat of the property and what make it very special. They have come a long way, have gone through various departments and have grown even more in the past year. As GM I am really proud to be managing this very dedicated and loyal team of people and a beautiful property.”