Uresha from Fonts & Frosting recently joined the City Lodge City Escape bus and took us up on a staycation at Courtyard Hotel Sandton.
“As we walked into the reception area at the Courtyard Hotel Sandton, we were greeted by warm smiles and a friendly hello.
“Would you like something to drink?” A pitcher of lemonade stood enticingly to our left.
After our bustling morning, we were delighted at the offer. Mr C was eager to get to our room so I had to down my glass and follow suit. Once inside, we were taken aback at the size of the room. It was much larger than some of the hotels we’ve stayed in. The giant private balcony made complete with a wrought iron table and two chairs made me wish I had brought a book.”
A LIFE OF LUXURY ON YOUR DOORSTEP
“I unpacked my stuff only to realise that I had forgotten to pack body wash & shampoo. Last time I forgot the toothpaste. (I really should keep an overnight bag ready to go with all these items.) Thankfully the hotel had travel sized versions of these items, along with an array of other stuff (lotion, shower cap etc.). Furnished with more than just the bare essentials it truly was a home away from home. The hidey-hole kitchen even had a toaster!”
Travelling should be about fun and adventure – not having to remember all the little things! Wanting to take full advantage of their City Escape, Uresha and her husband didn’t just stay in their room all evening. They wanted to see their city through new eyes!
AN EVENING ON THE TOWN
After a quick nap and refresh, they ventured forth to check out the nightlife.
“When the king finally roused from his slumber (lol) it was time to get ready and head to the Theatre on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square to see BASH, a production that had an excellent run at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival this year.
With our scheduled trip to London this Christmas, we’ve been holding on really tight to the purse strings so a sit down dinner was not an option. Instead we got a slice of veggie pizza for each of us and an Appletiser to share, found a seat outside and wolfed it down before heading into the theatre. I must admit to feeling like a tourist at this point.”
Tight purse strings didn’t stop the couple from enjoying themselves thoroughly though!
“We emerged from the theatre to find that a storm had hit while we were inside. Even though it was a little cold by then, that didn’t stop us from ending the night with…ice-cream! It was my first taste of Baglios ice cream and definitely won’t be the last…all I can say is yummmm.”
A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
“There’s just something about hotel beds that make you feel as though you’re sleeping on clouds. Or feathers. We both wished we didn’t have to go back to our lumpy bed later. We could have stayed under the covers but the day held a new adventure – plus we couldn’t miss breakfast. We weren’t sure what breakfast would hold since we were in the midst of a religious fast where we abstain from all kinds of meat. Breakfast was so good that Mr C didn’t even complain about having to miss out on the bacon & eggs!
Service at The Courtyard Sandton was unlike anywhere else we’ve stayed. Initially, we thought maybe it was because maybe they somehow knew we were going to blog about our stay but at breakfast we noticed that everyone around us received the same exceptional 5 star treatment. The staff were genuinely welcoming that we did not feel like we were in a hotel but instead visiting with friends. I’m sure we will be dropping by again.”
A DAY OF ADVENTURE
“After breakfast it was time to head to the train station for our first ride on the Gautrain. We were psyched to finally strike this of our to-do list. It reminded us both of our time spent abroad, the days when taking the train was a part of our everyday life. Gold cards in hand, we boarded the train to Rosebank. The only strange part of the experience was being told by a guard that I was not allowed to drink my water. Mr C and I both looked at each other puzzled but I complied anyway.”
Uresha and her husband made the most of their day out, taking the Gautrain to the Rosebank Mall and checking out the Sunday Craft Market.
“It was mostly things we’ve seen before but I’m sure any visitor to our wonderful country would be in awe of the collection of South African crafts. We did find one item particularly intriguing – a springbok head (antlers and all) made out of coke cans.”
We’re so glad that we could be part of the happy couple’s anniversary month this year! These two are real travelers, having gone far and wide – that’s why we were keen for them to join in the City Escape idea.
“Another weekend of adventure and fun, September turned out to be an unforgettable anniversary month! I wonder how we’re going to top it next year.”