Stirling Manor in the Press

2014 Lilizela Award Winner: Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House

2014 Excellence Accommodation Award Winner:  Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House: Five Star Guest House for Best Accommodation service provider in North West, for excellence  making a exceptional contribution to the industry, investing in Skills development and leading by example, thereby giving guests a world- class experience.

From Left to Right: Nadia Lewitton (Manager), Laurette Hanekom (Owner), Alice Kleingeld (Manager)

Left to Right front: Rabson Mtemba, Charles Mzumara, Weekly Saka, Wilmothi Kamyika.

CONTACT DETAILS: TRIPADVISOR PR TEAM

EMAIL: mediarelationsta@tripadvisor.com

STIRLING MANOR BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE EARNS 2012 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE
and
HONOURED as a Highly Rated Boutique Guest House as Reviewed by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel Site.

HARTBEESPOORTDAM, – Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House, today announced that it has received a TRIPADVISOR Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on Trip Advisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on Trip Advisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for this Certificate of Excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travellers on Trip Advisor. Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

STIRLING MANOR is pleased to receive a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence said Laurette and Deon Hanekom, owners of Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House. “ We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.

” TripAdvisor is pleased to honor exceptional businesses for consistent excellence, as reviewed by travellers on the site,” said Christine Petersen, president of TripAdvisor for Business.” The Certificate of Excellence award gives highly rated establishments around the world the recognition they deserve. From exceptional accommodations in Beijing to remarkable restaurants in Boston, we want to applaud these businesses for offering TripAdvisor travellers a great customer experience.”

Stirling Manor is a five star rated Boutique Guest House situated in Schoemansville and provides and up-market European style stay in the heart of South Africa.Stirling Manor stives to make their guests visit to Hartbeespoortdam a experience to remember. Stirling Manor is close to all attractions, Golf Estates and Restaurants and within walking distance of the Animal Park. It has also the necessary facilities available to cater for small conferences and have been providing accommodation to the Corporate Market,

International Market, the leisure and oversees traveller. This TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2012, is one of four awards that Stirling Manor have received since opening there doors for business on May 2010.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. Tripadvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to bookings tools. Tripadvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 50 million unique monthly visitors, and over 60 million reviews and opinions. The site operates in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to TripAdvisor’s millions of monthly visitors.

 

Proposed headline:

Refined five-star treatment at Stirling Manor Boutique Guesthouse

Author:

Phindiwe Nkosi

Proposed strap:

A dam in front, mountain at the back and award-winning guesthouse at the centre of it all.

Body:

There is a question that has been asked since the beginning of time. It is none other than “what is real?” I often find myself confronted with the same question, particularly when I am writing about accommodation and am doing my initial scout on the internet, books and/or calling up a few contacts that have been there before.

Likewise, when the words “Stirling Manor Boutique Guesthouse” surfaced on my lips, I refused to be quenched by the feedback of secondary sources and had to make the trip to go and see for myself. What was worth mentioning was that the reoccurring sentiments that pursued the establishment were very positive. It was highly recommended – almost like a pre-recorded interview or paid advertorial eager to sing its praises.

On my way there, I remember convincing myself, to what extent can travel writers be real? Am I really allowed to say “this place is not all that”, especially considering the fact that this very publication is commissioned by a Board out there to lure tourists? Many thoughts flooded my mind as I drove past the scenic view of mountains paralleled with picturesque views of the dam. I did not know what to expect, but excitedly went on to prove or disprove the hype about this place… I was allowed to voice my opinion after all.

Tough competition
As I drove on Scott Street, attentively listening to GPS directions, I noticed a whole lot of accommodation options. They were as common a feature as – excuse the cliché – ice to an eskimo. I stopped along the side of the road to take in the view. It was so beautiful, I barely wanted to move. I had not yet arrived, but wondered if the view could be bettered. Just there by the side of the road, one could see boats, grandeur mountains, even a cableway perched up high.

Had the voices of all the independent praise singers driven here before? Did they see all this? Did they drive past the other accommodation options, some of which were stunning, even if only from a superficial quick glance at the exterior. As I witnessed one mansion after the other, I recall thinking “I hope it is this one” and was a little disappointed when the signage confirmed that it was not. Before I knew it, the GPS lady broke the silence. “You have reached your destination.” Just like that, I had arrived.

A bended road
The high walls opened up to a gem hidden up on the hill. The sparkling blue pool, elegant design and spaciousness of the premises opened up a luxurious five star guesthouse, waiting to cater to the guest’s desire.

Once inside, I must say that the heated fireplace took my breath away. My most memorable experience was digging into fresh home-made vanilla cake in the dining area. I am not sure if it was the views of the open waters or the smell of chopped wood blocks being consumed behind me as they released a tender warmth, but I do know that the combination of absolutely everything fit together like a well-orchestrated melody.

The fresh flowers and interior décor of the room gave it the comfort of home along with the luxurious extras to reassure you that you are a guest at a five star establishment. No other reminder was as clear as the smartly dressed resident dog snacking on human biscuits, in a padded “couch”, soaking up the warmth from the fan heater. Regardless of who you are, comfort was assured.

A stroll on the balcony opened up my eyes to the pool beneath, spacious yard and sights of boats docked on the relatively nearby waters. They were still, just gently drifting on the serene waters. It was now, more than ever, that I appreciated the fact that this guesthouse was high up on the hill to allow me to get an elevated perspective of the dam.

Behind closed doors
It is not news that when a travel writer comes along, establishments will often pamper the writer to their very best. These rooms may be a stark contrast to the rest of the rooms and mislead readers. I could therefore not resist the urge to go into the other bedrooms to go and look for myself.

My host Leonie Le Roux, a Shift Manager at the establishment was kind enough to let me in most bedrooms, where feasibly possible. I was captivated by the enormous size of some of the bathrooms. The spa bath, double showers and double basins in some of the rooms are worthy of royalty. The views are nothing short of magnificent, you either have the mountain or the views of the dam.

While standing on a balcony looking out, I soon realize the gaze. I am no longer the holder of the gaze, but the one being observed. My instinct draws me to retreat and step away from the monkeys, but Leonie reassures me that I am safe.

“Please, don’t be afraid. They are just wondering who you are,” she jokes in an effort to explain the sighting. I soon realize that the monkeys are used to being here and often come here for fresh apple chunks that are fed to them from the back yard. My concern turns into endearment as I see the little (and big) monkeys being fed. They look grateful and are not mischievous. Just grateful. Once fed, they retreat to the nearby trees. The tour continues.

Just before we get to the family bedrooms with a kitchenette, lowered basin and bathroom, I am introduced to Rabson Mtembo, the Supervisor. He gracefully welcomes me to the establishment before retreating to work.

Now that I am accompanied by the warm smile of both Leonie and Rabson, I ask them one question. Summarized, I wanted to know from them that out of all the accommodation options within close proximity, why should guests come to Stirling Manor Boutique Guesthouse? What set them apart?

“We are personal and absolutely treasure all our guests. The views speak for themselves, not to forget the fact that we have friendly, trained staff. The proof is in the awards. We were rated as being a five star establishment,” says Leonie and Rabson.

True. You can’t disagree with such proof. Based on my visit there, I agree that the staff is very professional, yet friendly enough to make you feel like a VIP. I can also not disregard the notion that they instantly opened themselves up and responded positively for our interview request without delay. Transparent and open, just like the refreshingly massive space of the guesthouse.

Perfecting the art of hospitality
The thought that comes to mind as I liaise with both staff and do my own inspections is that Stirling Manor Boutique Guesthouse has perfected the art of hospitality. It is not just in their interaction with guests, but in the quality of their facility. Here are a few things that stood out for me.

The state of the art conference room had lavish black leather seats, gadgets and tools to make any business meeting one that facilitated a clear and focused mind. It was relatively spacious and well equipped.

The spa was fitted with two comfy beds. I was also informed (and checked) that each room is equipped with a spa gown and cosy slippers. Although a little smaller than I had anticipated in my mind – especially considering the overall spacious landscape of the place – the spa was cosy and stocked with luxury products to pamper the guests.

Another feature that was delightful to view was The Audrey Rudnick Gallery inside the guesthouse. It was visually pleasing to behold and offered African inspired artworks that were for sale to guests. Some of the artwork and “sculptures” included an African on a metallic bicycle with two fowls in a cage at the back of the bicycle. There were people dawned in reeds and so much more to see.

The bar area has a cosy old rustic fireplace with a burnt up copper chimney. The wooded staircases leading to a Wifi connected lobby with leather massage chairs, computer and working area was one that catered to the needs of the distinguished business traveller. I was also relieved to note that each room is fitted with a key-less card mechanism, there is a high perimeter wall and electric fence as well as surveillance cameras inside the premises.

All things considered, I can now see why so many celebrities are said to have opted for this place instead of the many other places down the street. I understand why it came so highly recommended. It is a place you just have to see for yourself. If you are considering it, my answer is… Go! It will be worth it!

Box:
Contact information:

  • Venue: 38 Scott Street Hartbeespoort, 0216
  • Tel: +27(0) 12 253 2532
  • Website: www.stirling-manor.com

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Just a few of the many awards Stirling Manor Boutique Guesthouse has won:

  • Winner of Best Tourism Product of 2012 Award, by North West Parks and Tourism Board.
  • Winner of the 2012 TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.
  • Winner of Best Accommodation 2011, North West Province

Box:
Nearby places of interest:

Action Balloon Flights : +27(0) 78 838 8309
Aerial Cableway : +27(0) 12 253 9910/2/3
Ama Zwing Zwing Zip Lines : +27(0) 82 803 7731
Elephant Sanctuary : +27(0) 12 258 9907
Hartebees Aqua Centre : +27(0) 12 253 1162
Hartebeespoort Dam Aquarium : +27(0) 12 259 3924
Jet Boat Extreme : +27(0) 82 410 9485
Lemon Tree Art Gallery : +27(0) 78 011 7877
Sew Many Blessings (quilting) : +27(0) 83 457 4652
Toro Ya Me Cruise Boat : +27(0) 82 810 5399
Tourist Shipping Solutions : +27(0) 72 264 6687
Vuselela Day Spa : +27(0) 82 940 9592

For more information regarding the content above, please contact:
Phindiwe Nkosi
Director: Communication Anthem / Wedding Anthem (Pty) Ltd.
072 726 1697
phindiwe@communicationanthem.co.za
www.communicationanthem.co.za

 


Celebrities donate time for charity & visit Stirling Manor

 

Actors from the Movie Liefling , Bobby van Jaarsveld and Marlee vd Merwe and Binnelanders  Paul du Toit with 7de Laan’s Ingrid Paulse (Vanessa) and Hykie Berg from Binnelanders and Survivor on MNET, spent the night at Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House.

Our conference centre was used to do a press release to inform the media of the purpose why the celebrities were visiting Hartbeespoortdam. All of them pledged their time for the charity event Harties Wheelathon for the disabled. After only a bit of sleep, some of us were up before sunrise to prepare breakfast and to welcome the wonderful clear skies.

The water with the yachts as background from the dining room, was just breath-taking and all of us took a few moment to soak in the colours of the sun and mountain.  In a few minutes Linda Korsten entered the guest house and had everyone up and running and getting breakfast.  A lot of happy faces and a lot of talking went the order of the day at breakfast and everyone was excited about the charity event.

For me it was a humbling experience – here at my guest house I had actors and celebrities, but they are actually they are just as human as we are.

We do see them in the media, in the movies and on the television but I think people forget to see the person, family man or woman behind the name.  I am grateful for this experience and privileged to be able to host this event.

For all of those involved, the South African Police, Silver Orange and my staff, a big thank you to all.

Stirling Manor Boutique Guest House

38 Scott Street, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort, South Africa  | Telephone:  +27 12 253 2532   | Fax: +27 12 253 2060

Copyright © 2009 - 2013 Stirling Manor. All Rights Reserved. E&OE.

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