Red-letter day for Redlands

In addition to being Valentine’s Day, February 14 next week will be an important day for Glenn and Janis Hesse as it marks the 15th anniversary of the opening of Redlands, their small luxury hotel in Pietermaritzburg.
The hotel is situated in the heart of the Redlands Estate, which was developed by Glenn Hesse, and is only minutes from the city centre. This has ensured that the hotel is supported particularly by visiting corporate and government guests and the parents of children at the private schools in the area.
As the business expanded over the years with the addition of 10 new rooms in 2007 and four self-catering lodges, the Hesses appointed Paul Laing as GM. He has been at the hotel since 2008 and is assisted by James Mbanjwa. Neither has formal hotel training, but Laing worked for CCA (now &Beyond) for eight years – mainly at the Londolozi and Phinda private games reserves.
Laing believes that he is fortunate to be able to translate the love he learned in the bush for hosting guests to what he and the Redlands team are able to offer today.
He says: “Repeat business and word of mouth play a huge role in the success of Redlands Hotel. We strive to create a relaxing environment for our guests to unwind after a day’s work.”
The hotel comprises 16 Deluxe Rooms, two Library Suites and four Premier Suites. The rooms are situated on either the 1st or 2nd floors of the original hotel or on the ground and 1st floors of the new wing which was completed in 2007.
The lodges at Redlands include five two-bedroom self-catering units, which are popular with long-stay guests.
Redlands is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner but bookings are essential. The hotel also has conference facilities and hosts wedding receptions.