An Urban Jewel. The Century City Hotel & Conference Centre.

You think you know a city, but as I’ve learnt with Cape Town, there are always new and inspired discoveries to be made as I discovered on a media visit to the Century City Hotel and Century City Conference Centre, where I was astounded by the quality, design, heartfelt consideration and attention to detail offered at these impressive purpose-built facilities. In fact, you feel it in every detail and exchange.

Instantly as you enter the foyer you’ll take in the volume, the space, and the natural light that streams through the tall windows. The interiors are impeccably placed to offer a mix of enviable contemporary design and modern amenities. Coffee tables and counters have power points to accommodate the mobile office – whether you’re a resident or simply escaping for a few hours of indulgence in this beautiful space and the wifi works at a speed of note. The wooden touches and comfy couches will engulf you and the attentive service will make you feel very much at home.

The hotel has 125 bedrooms consisting of 114 Superior bedrooms, 5 Executive bedrooms, 5 Suites and one Universally Accessible bedroom. Children’s rooms are done up in their favourite cartoon character, be it spiderman, the little mermaid or superman. My suite overlooked the square and even though I was blissfully contained within the comfort of luxury and silence, I could sense the energy and life outside through my window, as I watched groups of friends and lovers gather for sundowners or a meal, as they soaked up the urban surrounds. Bathrooms are spacious with baths and showers and quality amenities.

From a food perspective, you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotel guests and visitors invited to enjoy the breakfast and lunch harvest table buffets at the Square Cafe & Wine Bar. There’s also a deli with freshly made pastries and snacks and you’re welcome to either enjoy them there or take them to go. Try their famous cocktail, which is a spin on the legendary G&T and aptly named “The Square Delight.” Our group enjoyed private food and wine pairing in the intimate wine cellar, which features an exclusive range of local wines to make you SA proud. This can be booked by arrangement and makes a perfect spot for a small group or celebration.

No ordinary breakfast, the Century City Hotel has everything you could want on their buffet, from fruit and yogurt, assorted pastries, confectionaries, a cooked English breakfast selection, a self-serve coffee machine and even a bloody Mary stand – and then you could order anything else that the heart desired.

In my room, a personalised gift awaited alongside a bottle of Pongracz and a box of treats from the Square Cafe. The hotel prides itself in knowing its clients, and in my case, they recognised my relationship with the Two Oceans Aquarium and gave me this gorgeous branded buff. When a hotel goes beyond the call of duty and makes you feel considered and special, they have your loyalty.

Their green philosophy ties in well with the lessons in sustainable living, which we took from our visit to Intaka Island, before enjoying a cruise on the canal and insight into the benefits of modern urbanism done well at Century City, Cape Town. Designed as the hub of the precinct, the Century City Conference Centre’s bold architecture is matched with world-class facilities and service, making it the perfect choice for corporate conferences and product launches, international expos and exclusive cocktail parties. With a capacity for up to 1900 guests in 20 different venues, their policy of non-conventional conferencing assures flexibility to suit your brand, theme or décor requirements.

Some important info to take into account when planning your conference there:

– The Century City Conference Centre offers a choice of 20 different venues including:
– Four large halls, three of which may be combined
– A spacious, open-plan foyer suitable for exhibitions, launches and cocktail parties
– Eleven meeting rooms, ranging in size from 30 to 70 m
– An 80-seater business lounge with boutique buffet refreshments
– Century City Square, an event venue of 1200m The Century City Square offers an extension for visitors to socialise, relax, dine and be entertained in restaurants, bars and coffee shops.

When next you’re there, take a boat trip on the canals and enjoy an education in sustainable living at Intaka island, it’s a wonderful way to get such a different perspective.

At the Language Pavilion. ‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.’ ~ Nelson Mandela.

Leading from the heart.

A state-of-the-art facility such as this is leading the way in the conference and modern accommodation trends, having listened to what the client wants and moulding their offering to suit exactly that. This is no accident, but rather the passionately crafted work of career hoteliers Glyn Taylor and Gary Koetser, joint CEOs of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel. Their secret to success they modestly claim lies in training and skills development in the hospitality sector, which they believe makes all the difference to a guest’s experience. That and their tireless commitment and ever-gracious leadership at both the Hotel and Conference Centre.

Additional Details about the Hotel and Conference Centre.

Century City Conference Centre – 021 204 8000 and email: events@ccconferencecentre.co.za with the address No. 4 Energy Lane, Bridgeways Precinct, Century City. Century City Hotel – +27 21 204 8000 and email: reservations@cchotel.co.za with the address literally across the road at No. 3 Energy Lane, Century City, Cape Town, 7446 Look out for the hotel’s special offers too at http://www.cchotel.co.za/special-offers/, and make sure that you pop by for a drink or meal soon as you can.

** Thank you Conversation Capital for inviting me to uncover this local gem. Health has held me back, but so happy to be sharing these words at last. Some of the above pics supplied. For more from my visit see my album on Facebook.