Cape Town - It is a fun, social, friendly, safe and welcoming environment for tourists and locals to enjoy.
The success of the “all-star” hostel in Long Street, Once in Cape Town, has earned Kim Whitaker, co-founder and co-owner, the award for Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year at this month’s Sanlam/ Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
The award celebrates entrepreneurs who have been in business for a maximum of five years, with a turnover not exceeding R5-million.
Once in Cape Town, in the heart of the Mother City, is pitched at adventurous and young-at-heart travellers. It has two different accommodation types – a backpackers lodge and a luxury hotel dubbed a “poshtel”.
It came about after Whitaker took over a struggling two-star lodge and revamped it completely.
The business offers a concise brand promise – the fun and adventurous qualities synonymous with a backpackers lodge, together with the cleanliness, safety, centrality and efficiency of a modern hotel.
Owing to innovative and creative business and marketing strategies that Whitaker has fast implemented, the establishment has managed to increase occupancy rates from 32 to 80 percent in the short space of 12 months.
The establishment is now recognised as a four-star establishment in the backpacking category by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
Rooms range from four-sleeper dorms (with bathroom, lockers, reading lamps and universal chargers) to normal rooms with the amenities of a 3-star hotel.
Wi-fi and breakfast-on-the-go are provided in the price.
The reception is open 24 hours a day, and friendly staff will help organise activities and outings around Cape Town.
The lively in-house bar is open until 11pm.
You can grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe, Yours Truly, or dine at the nearby Mitico pizzeria or Hudsons burger joint.
For the cash-strapped, there is a self-catering kitchen.
For more information, visit www.onceincapetown.co.za
Sunday Independent