Flying in.
Other than fuel and dinner on the trip, this was basically my only cost, to the tune of ZAR 2.00 return ( approx 0,13 U$ cents), booked on a Flysafair special some moons back (read more Here).
Car Rental.
March month is the month of expiring SAA Voyager miles, sub 4000 miles gets a car from Avis for a day, 6500 miles gets a weekend rental. I wish I knew SAA had a JourneyBlitz promo planned before I booked. As a Avis First Preferred member the best upgrade I could get was a B class ( all the fat cats for the budget speech had the better cars out ) Hyundai Accent with multifunction steering and park assist, pretty cute, wish it had automatic though, CPT traffic is ridiculous and cramped at certain spots.
The Booking.
I chose Hilton Double Tree as the points were low and too many subscribers have raved about this hidden gem of a hotel.
Hilton HHonors Elite members get every 5th night free when booking with points, which I also earned for free off previous stays. Win – Win the TL way.
On the HHonors app I never check in as this solidifies a standard upgrade which can be enhanced on check in, however I chose everything available to me as a complimentary Diamond welcome amenity. Amazing perk ?
The Check in.
A Hilton HHonors floor upgrade was the only available one to me as the bigger lofts were all sold out, management did offer to sell me a hard upgrade for R225 per night for the latter nights, had the presidential one opened up I would have gladly taken it. The other lofts are pretty neat and double story as well but about 40 square meters smaller than the presidential.
The Upgrade.
The room.
Loved the space.
Heated towel rails spells sheer luxury.
The welcome amenities.
Perfect as per app selections.
The breakfast.
Special request menu.
Eggs Benedict with salmon and spinach has become a favourite.
Gluten free section doesn’t last when the health conscious athletes arrives.
The lounge section with PC facilities next to the breakfast restaurant. This would make a perfect executive lounge.
The hotel.
Yes, I also scored perfect (ice cold) waves in the Atlantic.
Eating out.
Unbelievable good value food the V & A Waterfront is abundantly blessed with, don’t miss it. #crayfish#sushi#willoughbys#sevruga#simplyasia#balduccis#belthazaar
A previous report to:
Who: Radisson Blu Cape Town, Waterfront.
Why: Buy 1 night get 1 night free or buy 2 nights get 2 nights free over weekends.
For: Gold Elite Club Carlson holders (stay 35 nights per calendar year) .
A card worth ZAR 70,000 ?
The Booking:
The private check -in.
Private check-in que always seems to be empty at most hotels as its a big feat to rack up 35 nights per year for even the most savvy of travellers. Amazingly Traveloyalty can get you this (and many more) Gold elite perks instantly in our world exclusive offer.
Gold Elite welcome amenity.
I like how recently hotels have implemented to give a up to date points balance from ones elite account with a personalised welcome letter from management.
The Room.
As a Gold Elite member my upgrade was granted to the next level – Business class room. It entailed a bigger size room with, premium movies, newspaper, bathrobe, slippers and in-room Nespresso® machine. Full balcony with deck chairs and a stunning view of the harbour and mountain all in one abode.
The upgrade room was worth ZAR 4355 per night. ( so that’s R8500 a normal guest will have to fork out for the 2 nights)
Right about now you will scroll up to re-check what I paid.
Balcony and views.
A windless day in Cape Town happens on average 5 times per year.
