Widely regarded as South Africa’s administrative and business capital, Pretoria is evolving as a tourist attraction and leisure destination. With a number of upcoming developments, accommodation and leisure activities available, a traveller can stay, work and play without commuting in from Johannesburg.
Where to stay
Scheduled to open on April 1, Sun International’s Maslow Time Square Hotel will be the first hotel in South Africa to offer three-, four-, and five-star accommodation and facilities in a single building. There are 238 rooms, with 10 room types and two suites, and meeting and conference facilities, breakaway rooms and seminar rooms that can seat between five and 144 delegates. Two pools and a gym will allow a good break away from work.
The hotel is in the Menlyn Maine precinct, 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and 10 minutes from the Hatfield Gautrain Station.
On the Square
Across from the Maslow Time Square Hotel is The Capital Menlyn Main hotel, which overlooks Menlyn Central Square, home to a lifestyle and retail area including restaurants, coffee shops and a pharmacy.
The hotel offers 72 standard rooms, 60 executive rooms, and six paraplegic rooms. There are also 61 studio apartments, 61 two-bedroom apartments, and 16 three-bedroom apartments – all catering specifically for business travellers. All apartments have a fully stocked kitchen, lounge, dining area and balcony. A handful of penthouses completes the accommodation collection, each with fully equipped kitchen, lounge, dining area, and balcony, a study, and en-suite bathrooms with a bath and shower.
Conferencing facilities are also available for 400 delegates, as well as meeting and boardroom options. The structure of the hotel allows cars to be driven inside, making it perfect for car-themed events – a practical application with Pretoria being an automotive manufacturing hub.
The Capital also offers special rates for guests who may prefer using the Virgin Active on Central Square.
Out and about
Time Square Casino is next to the hotel, and has over 2 000 slot machines and 60 tables. Restaurants include Guy Fierie’s Kitchen and Bar, Forti, Something’s Cooking by J’Something, Altitude, and The Globe.
Sun Arena, across from the casino, is an events and concert space with capacity for 8 500 people seated, and 10 500 people seated and standing. Seating can be folded away to provide floor space for banquets or gala dinners. Sun Arena also has a Spur and the Magic Company to keep the kids entertained.
One can also enjoy an evening out in the area and its surrounds. Menlyn Park shopping mall offers a large array of retail outlets, movies and eating establishments.
For the convenience of its guests, The Capital Menlyn Main offers a free shuttle service within a 5km radius of the hotel, to places such as Cubana, and Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge.
In the Precinct
The Precinct has one more accolade in its favour – all the buildings have been green-rated by the Green Buildings Council of South Africa. This is due to the green principles it has applied to its operations, including water utilisation, energy efficiency, and preservation of green areas. The Precinct as a whole is aiming for a green rating, which would make it the first green-rated precinct in Africa.
In addition to the hotels, restaurants and casinos, apartment blocks and office spaces are also part of the overall developments. The Menlyn Maine precinct has over 3 000 underground parking spots, making it ideal for large events with excellent security implemented through road closure agreements obtained from the Metro police.
