BACKGROUND: Travelodge Kasane is a relatively new hotel, offering a section of 66 en-suite rooms, as well as some top-notch meeting facilities which are housed in a separate building. Whether you are visiting Kasane for business or pleasure, the Travelodge is likely to be a very convenient option.
WHERE IS IT?: The town of Kasane is found right in the north of Botswana, on the edge of the famous Chobe National Park. With Namibia located just across the Chobe River, and Zimbabwe just a few kilometres to the east, Kasane acts as a gateway to these countries, commonly used by tourists and businessmen alike. The Travelodge hotel itself is situated on the edge of Kasane, just up the hill from the main street where the rest of the hotels and restaurants are. It’s also only a 10-minute drive from Kasane airport, so it’s an ideal spot to hold business meetings.
ROOM FACILITIES: Each room at the Travelodge is well equipped with everything that you’d expect from a decent business hotel. The beds are sizeable and there is a very effective air conditioning unit, as well as strong wi-fi in all rooms. Coffee and tea facilities are laid out in each room, and in the bathroom you’ll find shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. The television offers a good selection of satellite channels should you wish to spend an evening away from colleagues. The rooms are also cleaned every day and there is a laundry service on offer. There is a good-sized desk in each room, ifyou need to continue working once the day of meetings is over. Even though the bathrooms might be considered to be a little small, everything functions well.
RESTAURANT & BAR: The restaurant and bar area acts as the hotel’s central hub. All the meals are served there, including an impressive breakfast buffet. You can choose to have just yoghurt, cereal and fruit, or the chef will serve up a cooked breakfast to your liking. There is the option to sit outside on the terrace overlooking the courtyard while you enjoy your morning coffee. For both lunch and dinner the chef offers an interesting array of dishes. Whether you’d like to try local specialities or stick to a more international menu, the kitchen will be able to cater to your needs. There are also daily house specials to mix things up if you are staying for longer than a few days. The bar stocks all kinds of beverages, including local beers and imported spirits. Between 6pm and 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy a happy hour, with 25% off beer, wine and soft drinks. The hotel’s motto is “We take care of you,” and they certainly do, especially when it comes to food and drink.
BUSINESS & MEETING FACILITIES: The hotel is perfectly positioned to host large conferences and business meetings. There is even a whole separate building dedicated to visiting businessmen and women. With a 200-seat conference centre, various meeting rooms available to book, and strong wi-fi throughout the hotel, it’sgot it all when it comes to business facilities. There is also free parking on site, or the hotel will be able to organise airport transfers for visiting colleagues.
LEISURE FACILITIES: The Travelodge hotel doesn’t have a spa or tennis court, but given that it’s primarily a business hotel, it’s a bonus that there is a pleasant outdoor pool. Situated in the middle of the courtyard and overlooked by the restaurant terrace, it’s the perfect place to unwind after meetings with a cold beer. The hotel’s close proximity to Chobe National Park and the Chobe River means that there a plenty of game viewing excursions at your fingertips. The Travelodge reception staff will gladly organise a trip with local tour operators, who will come and pick you up from the hotel’s front entrance.
VERDICT: Kasane’s Travelodge hotel is clean, modern and comfortable. It’s not a fancy hotel but everything works well, making it an obvious choice if you find yourself travelling to Kasane for business this year.