Background
Cathedral Peak Hotel recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. The van der Riet family started the hotel in 1939 and to this day hold the reins. After a process of refurbishment, the hotel now boasts a four-star rating. Media and loyal guests were invited to celebrate the occasion for a weekend of festivities and the opportunity to enjoy the new look and the many facilities the hotel has to offer.
What’s it like?
The hotel has a familiar feel, comfortable and welcoming. The setting is spectacular with a backdrop of the Drakensberg range of mountains, with the rugged peak of CathedralPeakstretching 3000m high. (World Heritage Site)
Where is it?
It is situated in uKahlamba DrakensbergMountainsin KwaZulu Natal. A four hour drive from Johannesburgalong the N3 freeway until Harrismith. Then take the N5 to the Free State, left onto the R712 and left again onto the R74,follow signs to the hotel. A two hour drive from Durbanalong the N3. Take the Bergville/Colenso off-ramp, left onto the R74 to Winterton, left onto the R600 in Winterton and follow the signs to Cathedral Peak Hotel.
Room facilities
Standard en-suite and thatched rooms can accommodate between two to four guests and provide tea/coffee making facilities, en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower, television, heaters and telephones. Deluxe suites have a private veranda and garden and are able to accommodate up to four guests in either twin or double beds. The executive suites are individually decorated and have electric fireplaces, spa baths and private verandas. The presidential suite has spa bath, steam bath, DSTV, air-conditioning, fireplace and under floor heating and the use of a private golf cart
Business facilities
There is a conference centre that caters for large and small groups of delegates, which includes a boardroom and breakaway rooms. Fully inclusive packages are available and the conference facilities are free if delegates stay in the hotel (hotel accommodates 250 guests in 96 rooms). All standard conference equipment, from slide projectors to roving microphones, is available and there is secretarial assistance on demand. This WiFi hotspot provides an atmosphere that is conducive to stress-free productivity and has a whole range of activities suited to the business person. Private functions and themed evenings can be arranged for conference groups and the ideal venue to do this would be at the newly thatched boma overlooking the golf course.
Leisure facilities
This is a place with no shortage of options. The hiking trails are a real highlight whether you are interested in birds or Bushman paintings. There is a 9 hole golf course with great facilities and glorious views, and the course offers alternative tees for an 18 hole game. Bring your mountain bike if you are up for a few hills. Other activities include: tennis, squash, bowls, swimming, fly fishing, horse riding and helicopter flips. There is a fully equipped gym and a beauty therapist on site.
Restaurant and bars
The food is served buffet style in the main dining room, and there is no way that you will go hungry. The well known Harry’s Bar has a big screen television, a pool table and darts. Albert’s Cocktail Bar is a comfortable place to relax and unwind next to the fire.
Price
Prices range from around R780 for a single standard room, to R4000 for the Presidential Suite. The hotel offers specials depending on the season and the availability.
Verdict
The fact that the hotel is family owned gives it a sense of familiarity and relaxation. The food tastes like its home cooked and afternoon tea on the terrace is superb. The leisure options available are what set this hotel apart.
Contact
Tel: +27 (36) 488 1888, cathedralpeakhotel.co.za
Janet Fourie