MAYBE you can’t travel at the moment, for whatever reason (even if it’s to avoid the peak season crowds), but there’s no reason to miss out on that holiday feeling. Hospitality experts from the Radisson Hotel Group have shared five affordable tips on how to transform your home into a luxury hotel this summer for any guests that come to stay, or just for yourself.
Prioritise preparation: Take the time to connect with your guests ahead of their arrival to better understand them and what they want from their holiday. This is a simple yet effective way of adding a personal touch to your loved ones’ stay.
Transform a room into a luxury suite: “Create a restful room for guests to enjoy,” says Iva Jaya, head of housekeeping at Radisson Blu Hotel Durban Umhlanga. “Declutter and create a sense of space,” recommends Jaya. “Consider rearranging the room so that your loved ones feel like they’re visiting somewhere new.”
Stir up a homemade cocktail: Find a fun summer cocktail recipe to make on arrival. “There are so many fun and funky glasses available at home stores at the moment – and many are pocket-friendly! Get a few if you want to be a cocktail master,” shares Melrick Harrison from Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront.
Turn dinner into fine dining: “Shine up your best crockery and cutlery, and if you have linen napkins or a kitchen towel, iron them until they’re crisp. Head into your garden and find flowers or branches to put in a vase before lighting some candles. Finally, plate the food and enjoy your dinner,” suggests Slobodan Stefancic, head chef at the Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton.
Soothe with a spa: For a quick spa treatment at home, Lerato Tlhame, spa manager at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, OR Tambo, suggests wetting two hand towels, infusing them with a few drops of essential oils, and warming them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Place one on the neck and one over the eyes will provide instant relaxation.
Have a day-cation: For excursions, hang on to that hotel feeling by treating them to a day-cation at a local hotel. “There are many things that guests can do at a Radisson hotel without checking in,” notes Carly De Jong, Curator at Radisson RED Rosebank. Think cocktails on rooftops or morning cappuccinos with a view.
