03 Apr ExploreSA Holiday Guide Menlyn’s Maine stay: It’s the little things that count
When I last put my Joburg feet in our country’s fair capital of Pretoria, Menlyn Shopping Centre was quite a hub. Since then, the Menlyn area has exploded with developments, including the upmarket Menlyn Maine Central Square shopping centre.
The Capital Menlyn Maine hotel joins rather cleverly with Central Square, allowing you to access all the cool shops, restaurants, supermarkets and the Virgin Active gym by just walking out of the lobby.
On our evening out to see Sarafina! at the State Theatre, my husband and I decided to stay in one of The Capital’s standard rooms.
On entering the large reception area, I wondered if we had strolled into a car showroom – there were German luxury sedans parked on the tiles! The lobby is uninviting, and can do with some extra decor to warm it up. Luckily, the comfortable and well-designed rooms more than made up for that.
The Capital also offers apartments, so each room, whether you’re renting it as a long-term home or just staying for the night, is fully fitted with a stove, dishwasher, washing machine, fridge and TV. I loved the frosted glass panel that separated the bathroom from the bedroom and, though vintage decor is more my cup of tea, the modern art on the walls really worked with the building’s stream-lined aesthetic.
I often stay in hotels and guest houses, and I’ve noticed that it’s the little things that make you either love or hate a place. The shower gel in the bathroom smelt like potpourri, there was an alarm clock and a cellphone charging station in the bedroom (revelation!), two attachments for the hair dryer, and eight (yes, I said EIGHT) pillows on the king-size bed.
Not that The Capital doesn’t also have big things that are cool. Although not finished at the time of my visit, the magnificent pool deck will make you want to spend your hours lounging in the sun, while the hotel’s Koi Restaurant offers a scrumptious buffet breakfast with salmon, pancakes and omelettes.
If you have a business trip in Pretoria or you’re just looking for a staycation, this is the place to go.
About The Capital Menlyn Maine:
Where: 193 Bancor Avenue, Pretoria
Rate: Rooms are about R1 600 to R1 680 per night and an apartment is R16 000 per week
Disclaimer: Kemp was hosted by The Capital Menlyn Maine