When City Lodge Hotel Group found out what a keen traveller Hildegarde Koen, the voice behind the Suzy Q-Tip blog, was we quickly reached out to her to join in our City Escapes campaign.
“I have always loved exploring small towns and as well as big cities. When my husband (then boyfriend) and I were at university we would always go away on camping holidays and explore parts of South Africa. I was super excited when City Lodge Hotel Group contacted me* and asked if I would like to be a tourist in my own city.”
What we didn’t know when we sent her to Courtyard Hotel Arcadia for the weekend, was that upon moving to Pretoria East four years ago, it was one of the areas she had been warned against. So in actual fact, she had never explored this great area within her own city! We were happy to help.
“As I live in Pretoria East, City Lodge sent me to the Courtyard Hotel Arcadia and I have to admit, I had my doubts. Moving to Pretoria four years ago, there were a few areas that I was told to avoid. Arcadia and Sunnyside were two of those… It’s funny, and actually very terrible, how stigmas can influence your thoughts and views. While driving there everything looked safe and clean, and the hotel is situated in a quiet area dubbed “Embassy row” because of all the foreign embassies located close to it.”
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
“The main building of the Courtyard Hotel Arcadia is a renovated manor house and is absolutely exquisite. From the moment we drove through the gate we felt welcome and at ease. There was no awkward standing around or wondering where to go or what to do. The security guards told us where to park and even asked if they could wash our car! The lovely Ayanda at reception quickly checked us in and explained everything without me having to ask (take note, European hotels!).”
We also managed to further impress Hildegarde with the room we put her up in, “The room wasn’t a room, but rather a small flat! There was a reception area leading into the sitting area with a couch, coffee table, and a TV, and that was separated from the bedroom with sliding doors. The suite had an en suite bathroom with the usual amenities and also a large freestanding shower. There was also a second TV in the bedroom.”
HILDEGARDE’S TOP ATTRACTIONS?
During her City Escape with us, Hildegarde made the most of her mini holiday, and from her tourist-inspired travels around Pretoria, she recommends the following:
- Union Buildings (2.6km from Courtyard Arcadia)
“There is no entrance fee for visiting the grounds of the Union Buildings and the newly erected Nelson Mandela statue. Entry into the Union Buildings itself is however permitted as it is a fully functioning government building by day. You can pack a picnic basket and sit on the grass in front of the building and enjoy the view, but it can get busy on weekends as it is a popular spot for wedding photographs.”
- Voortrekker Monument (10km from Courtyard Arcadia)
“This historic landmark is well worth the R65 entrance fee (there are different price options, go check out the website), as there is a lot to look at, and you can go really high up in the monument which makes for breathtaking photos. Top tip: use the elevator!”
- Hazel Food Market (4.9km from Courtyard Arcadia)
“Every Saturday you can find this market at the Greenlyn Village Centre in Pretoria East. It’s a small market in comparison to some other markets, but it is well worth getting up early-ish on a Saturday morning for. The market is very popular so get there early to get a parking spot and a table under one of the big trees. You can get anything from stroopwafels to curries, meringues, slushies, smoothies, and cappuccinos.”
Thanks to Hildegarde from Suzy Q-Tip for joining us on a City Escape! For more from the lovely Hildegarde, you can find her online here: