Radisson Blu, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

BACKGROUND Radisson Blu Port Elizabeth, South Africa, was purposebuilt for the 2010 World Cup, but has since evolved into a sought-after seafront hotel that’s popular with the corporate, government and leisure markets. For the third year running it has received certification from the global SafeHotels programme, which benchmarks security standards in the hospitality industry. The entire property is non-smoking.

WHERE IS IT? In the upmarket suburb of Summerstrand, a 10-minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport and a similar distance to the central business district. It’s also close to the N2 freeway for travellers heading into the Eastern Cape and a short walk from some of the city’s best beaches.

ROOMS There are 173 rooms across 18 floors, with upper floor rooms offering superb ocean views. The ‘Superior Rooms’ – with or without a direct ocean view and king or twin bed options – are well-suited to corporate travellers and feature a desk, coffee-making facilities and complimentary high-speed internet access. Junior Suites are a significant step up, offering nearly double the space and a separate lounge area. My Junior Suite had superb sea views from the bedroom and lounge (even the desk was sea-facing) plus large flat-screen TVs ls in both areas. The bathrooms are modern and spacious with a bath and shower, but are rather open-plan to the bedroom – worth remembering if you plan on upgrading to share with a colleague.

FOOD AND DRINK There’s one all-day dining outlet – the Tabú Grill, Bar and Lounge overlooking the pool terrace – which serves a generous buffetstyle breakfast. A buffet is also offered at dinnertime, but the à la carte menu is a better choice with a good range of South African and international dishes, including generously sized steaks. Tabú Grill is a good option for after-work dinners and colleague catchups, but for celebratory client dinners it’s perhaps a little low-key.

MEETINGS The hotel’s spacious conference facilities, which span an entire floor covering 680 sqm, range from private meeting rooms to larger function spaces.

The multi-functional Bay Suite space can accommodate between 42 and 180 guests with a dedicated bar and catering area on hand. The conference floor has separate access lifts for delegates. There’s a small business centre on the ground floor and the friendly concierge team can help with airport transfers and other requests.

Tabú Grill is certainly a good option for after-work dinners and catching up with colleagues

LEISURE