There aren’t too many hotels that share mortar with 380 stores, 38 restaurants, more than a dozen cinemas, a science fair, a funfair, an art gallery, a fantasy forest, a theatre, a rock-climbing wall, a sports arena and the biggest man-made stationary wave in the world.
The new Gateway Hotel, attached to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, has that and more. With instant access to Gateway, the hotel is ideal for holidaymakers looking to keep their children occupied regardless of the weather. For business folk there are five conference venues in the Ficus Suites, and free wireless internet connection in public areas.
The Gateway Hotel has 146 rooms, including 40 deluxe rooms, three junior suites, two paraplegic rooms and 12 sets of interleading rooms. You can also relax in the hotel’s rooftop pool, at the well-stocked bar alongside, or partake of fine cuisine at the Wild Olive restaurant, named to honour the “green” and energy-efficient policies of the hotel. Run by chef Darshan Chetty, the décor is minimalistic, bistro-styled – all of which is reflected in the menu. You can also create your own platter from a list of individually priced items – something that applies to room service as well.
“Although the location and style of the hotel are beautiful, we are most proud of its green and energy-efficient policies,” says Michael Lambert, chief executive of the hotel’s management company, Three Cities Group.
The efficient lighting solutions are not just about using low-energy bulbs. Atrium light wells facilitate natural light penetration. This, combined with a thermal-performance glass, ensures that air conditioning loads are kept as low as possible, since direct heat-energy transmission through the glass is controlled.
To stop rooms overheating, which would prompt guests to turn on air conditioners, external shading devices have also been used. The iconic “leafy” screen surrounding the hotel is a particularly efficient shading technique that ensures solar shielding of the northern facades of the building.
Where possible, effective and approved replacements for standard construction materials were used. Three Cities Group engineer Murray Burger said: “All aspects of the development, construction and operating processes result in the lowest overall environmental impact.
“The benefits of working with a professional design team encouraged to follow green energy principles are not easily quantified. However, this development is undoubtedly an achievement of environmentally conscious design techniques.”
Some of the other green features include regeneration-drive lift systems, heat-pump technology, variable-speed drive installations that optimise motor systems, and an ozone water-treatment system that reduces the need for chlorine.
For further information, or to make reservations, contact Three Cities Group at 086 1000 333 or 031 310 3333. - Saturday Star