Some accommodation suggestions for those planning to spend the December holiday season in Cape Town or Durban
As we hurtle towards the end of another year, we are all looking forward to some rest and relaxation. Here are some accessible accommodation establishments you may find useful if you have not made holiday plans yet.
Heidi’s B&B – Tableview, Cape Town
While in Cape Town, I usually try to stay at Heidi and Russell Vollmer’s bed and breakfast in Tableview. Two blocks from the Bayside Mall and a block from the M14 and a MyCiTi bus route, this converted suite, which is listed on Airbnb, is situated above the garage and accessed through a private entrance in the covered courtyard and up a paved ramp.
The suite consists of a bedroom and a bathroom with a roll-in shower and grabrails at the toilet. There is ample cupboard space. The unit is equipped with all the necessities (and a few extras) required for a bed and breakfast.
The property is not marketed as an accessible accommodation option, as the owners feel it doesn’t meet all the universal accessible standards yet. However, if you can manage in smaller space, this is the place for you!
Breakfast is served in the main house and residents have access to the beautiful garden, which includes wheelchair access to the pool. There is a ramp along the side that allows level transfer to the paving around the pool.
You must love dogs if you’d like to stay here, as there are two service animals who are very keen to assist if you arrive in a wheelchair, as well as the boisterous and loving Kimmi. They are one of the reasons why I absolutely love visiting here, as I’m unable to keep pets in my apartment. I get my dose of unconditional love from the furry Vollmer trio. For more information, visit the Airbnb website and select the Heidi’s@home property, or contact the owners at heidivollmer@iafrica.com.
Onomo Hotel – Durban
I’ve found a gem in this upmarket hotel, which is part of a chain that offers great facilities at a reasonable price within the business districts of many cities on the African continent. The name was chosen as a tribute to the mythology of the Dogon culture found in Mali, West Africa: the son of the sky goddess Ama, Onomo is responsible for creating harmony on earth.
The Onomo Hotel Durban is situated near the Durban International Convention Centre, behind the North Beach hotels. It offers a 24-hour reception desk within an relaxed, open-plan entrance space, which also includes a bar, a lounge and dining facilities
The hotel has 160 rooms in total, of which seven are accessible. The rooms are all well appointed and spacious, and include a workspace and a small couch each.
There are conference rooms, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The underground parking garage includes two accessible parking bays. An airport shuttle service completes the offering. Visit the website for more information on this hotel and others within the group: www.onomohotel.com.
Whatever your plans for the festive season – whether you’ll be chilling at one destination or travelling to many – please travel safely!
Mandy Latimore is a consultant in the disability sector in the fields of travel and access. email: mandy@noveltravel.co.za
