Background
Cresta Hotels is a Southern African hotel management group, boasting several properties in Botswana and Zimbabwe, and one in Zambia. The group’s focus is the mid-market hotel segment and the 3-star Cresta President is one of two properties in Gaborone – the other being Cresta Lodge. The hotel opened in 1966 and is actually the oldest hotel in Gaborone – the Cresta Marakanelo group took it over in 1985.
Where is it?
It is in the heart of Gaborone in Botswana Road, adjacent to the main mall and with easy access to the closest bus station. The train station is just two kilometres away and the distance to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is approximately 10 kilometres. So, it’s very central. The hotel offers the ideal base to explore the capital of Botswana, including the government enclave, the civic centre, the national museum and art gallery, banking halls, embassies and the State House, which are all within a five kilometre radius.
What’s it Like?
I’ve been aware of the hotel for many years, as I visited as a child. It’s always been a prominent hotel, due to its central location in the city centre. What I like most about Cresta President is that, as a frequent customer, the staff know and remember my preferences. That, for me, is an example of quality service. I’ve stayed at the hotel many times and of late there’s been a welcome fruit platter and drink in my room, which I think is a nice touch.
Room Facilities
There are 93 air-conditioned bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom, with separate bath and shower. There’s also a presidential suite. The rooms feature standard facilities, such as tea and coffee-making facilities, a work desk and a TV with 14 satellite channels, whilst there is also complimentary Internet access in the rooms and all public areas. I think I have stayed in all of the different types of rooms available – the executive, standard and junior suites – and can’t recall a bad experience. A particular favourite of mine is the spacious and comfortable showers, as well as the executive bedroom, which suited me rather nicely.
Meeting & Business Facilities
The hotel has one conference room, the Full Brigadier, which can be split into two venues, the Boiketlo and Brigadier rooms. The Full Brigadier can accommodate 150 delegates, cinema style, whilst the capacity of the Brigadier is 80 and the Boiketlo, 50. A wide range of conference facilities are available, in the form of an overhead projector, PA system, TV, VCR, DVD player and data projector. There’s also stationery, such as flip charts, markers, conference pads and pens.
Restuarants & Bars
The Terrace Restaurant seats up to 140 guests and offers a full menu throughout the day. I have always enjoyed the food – it’s delicious, especially the traditional Setswana food. The breakfast offering is Continental and Full English, whilst there’s also a buffet at lunch and dinner, and an a la carte menu for light snacks and meals all day. In addition, there’s the Pula Le Thebe Bar, located on the first floor and open until late every day. It has a more relaxed environment, as well as a balcony where patrons can enjoy their beverages in the open air. It can also be used for private functions.
Other Facilities
There’s a fully-equipped hotel gym, which I’ve always found more than adequate and quite welcome.
Verdict
I stay at Cresta President every month and I’ve always found the staff pleasant and hard working. Further to that, it’s an exceptionally comfortable hotel in a great location.
Contact
Address: Botswana Road, Gaborone, +267 395 3631, crestahotels.com
Ruth Thebenala