Hotel Review

<p>I am a traveler whom has been involved in hotels and the tourism industry for some time. Having travelled around South Africa extensively and stayed in lodges and hotels from "6" star ratings to the smallest Air BnB status. </p> <p> </p> <p>Always somewhat hesitant when being booked booked into a "Sun International" or now know as a Tsogo Sun hotel, for reasons that I'm sure a few would agree on. </p> <p>The food and rooms have always been somewhat "cookie cut standard", especially the food below a standard "boarding school average". </p> <p> </p> <p>Myself and fourty other travelers were involved in a cycling tour this past weekend and our final destination was the Tsogo Sun Riverside Sun.</p> <p>When I heard this... I was somewhat nervous as we were extremely tired after a Very long couple days in the saddle.</p> <p>Upon arrival my first experience was what I was expecting... terrible terrible check in.</p> <p>If Tsogo want to be recognized as a premier destination for travelers to stay, local and international, they really need to start training their front of house staff to be a lot more welcoming, engaging and "Smile!" </p> <p> </p> <p>Anyway, we were "finally" given our room key and we found our own way to the room. No directions given or asked if we needed a hand to the room. </p> <p>The room made up for it. We were pleasantly surprised by the condition of our room. </p> <p>Very comfortable and clean. Beds were very comfortable, bathrooms clean and "wonderful shower". </p> <p> </p> <p>After cleaning up we head down stairs in the hope of finding some food after our day of exercise, starved hoping to find some food to refuel our body. We were told to order something from the bar which at first, we weren't too excited about. What we ordered was simple and easy, toasted ham and cheese with avo (which the avo did not come, that's ok), however the food was fresh, tasted great and the over all lunch was wonderful. </p> <p> </p> <p>Long story short - </p> <p>"Lucky" the Head Chef, Sir this is a review on the hotel was rescued by you and you kitchen staff. </p> <p>I have been a student a ML Sultan Hotel school back in 1995. Have worked in Wild Coast Sun Hotels in massive launches and dinners. Been in lodges where food is the focus for people staying there... </p> <p>I have always said that if the staff display a feeling of appreciation and seem happy in their position behind the cooker or cold foods display, the Head Chef is doing something right. </p> <p>Anoher thing to add to our food experience is that this man walked around constantly, checking the Buffet, removing and cleaning plates himself, leading his staff in the best way possible. Everything was clean and tidy upfront which made me feel the kitchen and cold storage or freezers, they would all be the same clean quality as upfront. </p> <p>I spoke to Lucky and congratulated him on his good food and wonderful variety of food. He was exceptionally humble and thanked me for the compliment. </p> <p> </p> <p>Well done to you sir for you wonderful Lunch, Dinner and breakfast. All meals made our stay worth coming back. If you could show the reception staff how it's done, Tsogo Sun you would have a winning hotel!! </p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you Tsogo Sun Riverside Sun for our experience, we would love to bring our daughter back someday and spend a weekend with you all again. Lucky, keep up the exceptional work you are doing!! You are an amazing Man and great Chef! </p> <p> </p> <p>Warm Regards </p> <p>Roland and Candice </p> <p>(Cycle Tour of Hope Group)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>