Hotel check; Cresta Sprayview

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Background

With a long history in Victoria Falls, Cresta Sprayview originally opened its doors in the 1960s as Pete’s Motel. It was later rebranded as the Sprayview Hotel, run by the Gardini family who, in 2013, entered into an agreement with Cresta Hotels to operate the property. Before opening as Cresta Sprayview, the 3-star hotel underwent extensive renovations. All 65 rooms received new soft furnishings, plumbing and bathrooms, whilst a new coat of paint was applied to the entire property. When the Zambezi River is in full flood, the spray from the waterfall can be seen from the hotel’s front step.

Where Is It?

It’s the first hotel on the way into town from the Victoria Falls Airport, which is situated less than 18 kilometres south of the town. The hotel is a mere 1.4 kilometres from the Victoria Falls Rainforest and a short walk into town.

Room Facilities

There are a total of 65 rooms – three two-bedroom family rooms, two suites, 30 twin and 30 double rooms – in two rows, motel style. My twin room was neatly decorated with all the essentials – comfortable bed, air-conditioning, electronic safe, a tea and coffee tray, and a desk. In the harsh October heat, the air-con was permanently in service, offering up a constant supply of cool air. The spacious bathroom held a good-sized shower with decent water pressure. While it is possible to work at the small desk, it’s definitely not the space’s primary focus. There is a selection of plug points, and even a USB charge point, to charge your devices. The complimentary Wi-Fi is easy to connect to and works well in the rooms and throughout the grounds. The only thing I felt was lacking was a fridge/mini-bar to keep drinks cool.

Restuarants & Bars

The main restaurant, Terrace@Sprayview, offers an alfresco dining experience. In the summer heat, this is a blessing, and the ceiling fans rotating at full speed help to keep guests cool. I was assured that when the weather turns chilly, heaters are provided, so the lack of doors to close isn’t a problem. It opens with the breakfast buffet, and serves a la carte lunch and dinner around the pool. During my stay I enjoyed the Duo of Pork served with gravy and vegetables; the tender, fragrant and tasty chicken curry; the chocolate mousse which was heavenly; and the roast beef and mustard toasted sandwich. Breakfast offered up the usual suspects, both hot and cold dishes, also served on the patio. I thoroughly enjoyed all my meals here – fairly simple dishes made with fresh ingredients that satisfied my taste buds and appetite. The Rainforest Bar, with its large flat-screen TVs, is open to the public and serves a good selection of alcoholic beverages. The waiters will even serve your dessert and coffee here, if you ask nicely. The Railway Lounge is exclusively for guests, offering drinks and an alternate location for lunch.

Business & Meeting Facilities

The Green Room can host between 60 and 100 delegates depending on the seating arrangement. An outdoor area adjacent to the room can serve as a tea break or lunch venue. The Think Tank is a meeting room for small groups (up to 12 boardroom style) and the Dot Com Room just past reception provides computer stations.

Leisure Facilities

The hotel offers a large outdoor swimming pool with loungers and an activities desk where you can book nearly 50 leisure activities in and around the town. There is a complimentary shuttle bus that will take you one-odd kilometre into town, but most of the activity companies will gladly fetch you from the hotel for your chosen outing, and return you to its doorstep when you’re done for the day.

Verdict

A convenient location with ample amenities. The staff were always friendly and helpful and the homemade lemonade offered as a welcome drink was so delicious I ordered it at almost every meal. Now, if only I could get the recipe…

Kate Kennedy

Contact
Address:
Cnr Reynard Road and Livingstone Way
Tel: +263 13 443 44/5/6
E: res.sprayview@cresta.co.zw
W: www.crestasprayview.com