Lord Charles shows off transformed facilities

The transformation of facilities at the NH The Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West was celebrated in style last week and MD Serge Foulon has pronounced himself “very proud of the finished product.”

“All the conferences we have hosted since completion have only had good things to say. We are optimistic about the future and are encouraged by the number of return guests we welcome back to NH The Lord Charles hotel,” Foulon said.

He added that the refurbishment was just the tip of the iceberg as his team were constantly working hard to exceed the guest expectations.

The event showcased to guests – among them travel agents, professional conference organisers, destination management companies and suppliers – the decor changes made to the hotel.

Over a period of months, a modern, stylish feel was created throughout the hotel’s public areas with the use of neutral-coloured carpeting and contrasts between light painted walls and dark wood panelling. New tiles were laid and chandeliers installed in the main assembly areas.

The decor was assembled to create spaces across the hotel’s 11 meeting and conference areas.

Up to 600 guests can be accommodated and the hotel has hosted 1 500 delegates at a conference using the property’s nine hectares of manicured lawns.

The function last week sought to display the flexibility of the Grand Ballroom, transforming it into a stylish lounge cast in muted lighting and encompassing a cocktail bar, modern sculptures, glass and leather furnishings and several culinary displays.

Arriving guests were treated to a selection of welcome drinks photographed and given the images within minutes before moving into the main venue. The varied use of space accentuated ease of flow while large screens mounted at strategic points in the venue displayed visuals of the hotel and services available. Hotel management and key staff members interacted with guests.

The hotel’s full complement of chefs, headed up by executive chef Bernard Steyn, displayed the range and depth of the hotel’s outstanding culinary capabilities. A handful of suppliers assisted in making the event a success, among them two long-time service providers. Presentation Staging ensured that the visual, sound and lighting systems ran smoothly while Decor 4 U worked to create a modern contemporary, clean and chic ambience.

The 198-room hotel offers regular shuttles from the property to the popular shopping centres and entertainment areas in and around Cape Town.

It has two full-service restaurants, an in-house gym, swimming pool and tennis courts.

Foulon said: “Together with our new executive chef, Bernard Steyn, and new food and beverage manager, Lisa Zimmerman, we have managed in the last year to create a strong and consistent team. Our two co-ordinators pride themselves on a 24-hour turnaround time on all quotes received.”

NH Hoteles is the third largest business hotel chain in Europe. The group has 394 hotels in 25 countries in Europe, America and Africa, and has 35 projects for new hotels currently under construction. NH Hotels in South Africa comprises NH The Lord Charles and NH Plettenberg Bay.