Opulent Palazzo has soul

23 December 2008 - 02:00
By unknown

Zenoyise Madikwa

Zenoyise Madikwa

It rises above the vibrant Montecasino and its captivating array of chic shops, spa, coffee shops, entertainment bars, theatre, cinemas, kiddies entertainment, casino and famed outdoor Montecasino Bird Gardens plus an outdoor piazza area.

The Palazzo Hotel mirrors the best of the preferred hotels in Fourways, north of Johannesburg. This five-star hotel is dedicated to the art of gracious living. It seems fitting in such opulent surroundings that the staff are also beautiful.

The staff provided outstanding service that blended abundant luxury with modern practicality. They were all highly attentive with an attitude of, "What do you, the customer, actually want?", rather than "What do I have to offer that you might want".

My three nieces and I spent a weekend in this glamorous and opulent hotel.

It is a home away from home with generously proportioned bedrooms suitable for the whole family.

On arrival at our room I had an urge to slip into the plush robe and slippers that awaited me after a long day.

A bedtime treat had been left on the table and we enjoyed it while watching TV.

Bedtime was the best time. The crisp Egyptian-cotton sheets and abundant pillows offered the best night's sleep ever. My one-year-old niece, who usually wakes up at night, slept like a baby should.

The hotel provided an invigorating taste of splendour and luxury without intimidating the kids.

Upon opening the back door, we were greeted by a meticulously kept garden with flowers and plants decorating the exterior of the room. The children enjoyed themselves in the garden that had beautiful garden chairs with comfy cushions.

The rooms at the Palazzo are elegant. Furnished with private bathrooms, satellite TV, a digital safe, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, life is easy, especially when you are with kids. It was easy to prepare food and bottles for the youngest one.

Breakfast was to die for and well worth getting up early for. There was an array of baked food, fresh fruit and hot meals. Meals at the Medeo Restaurant were relaxed, intimate and child friendly. We enjoyed our meals on the sunny terrace. By the way, kids eat free.

But a glamorous location is not the only reason why you would go back. This is a hotel with soul. It has golf, tennis, squash, bowls and indoor rock climbing, horse riding and hot-air balloon rides, which can be arranged by your obliging concierge.

Accommodation includes a three-bedroom penthouse, one presidential suite, 10 suites, 21 de luxe rooms, 104 piazza rooms and 106 superior rooms. Included are three rooms for physically challenged guests.

If you ask me, I would go there again.