Bulawayo’s Cresta Churchill Hotel is nearing the completion of a major refurbishment programme, due to be finished by year-end, that will involve all 50 bedrooms and suites.
The new-look hotel marks its 50th anniversary this year.
Cresta Churchill is part of the Cresta Hotels group – a regional brand with hotels in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa – which operates the Cresta Lodge, Cresta Oasis and Cresta Jameson in Harare, Cresta Churchill and also Cresta Sprayview in the resort town of Victoria Falls.
It is a proud landmark in the country’s second city, aptly known as the City of Kings and Queens, for its noticeable modern Elizabethan architecture. It is a popular destination for business and leisure travellers, but also welcomes seasonal delegations to the city which was once Zimbabwe’s major industrial hub.
Refurbishment activity included replacement of soft and hard furnishings and improvements to bathrooms, involving all suites and bedrooms in the two-storey hotel.
On its ground floor, the hotel has two main conference rooms and a popular restaurant and cocktail bar, The Inglenook, while a swimming pool for hotel residents is sited in an attractive courtyard setting.
Cresta Hotels’ managing director for Zimbabwe, Rutendo Badenhorst, said the refurbishment programme started in April this year, with work now completed in the 46 bedrooms and soon-to-be-completed in the four suites.
“This programme is aimed at maintaining leading-edge status for the hotel, which is one of the most important hospitality operations in Bulawayo,” Badenhorst said.
“Our last refurbishment programme at Cresta Churchill was completed in 2017 and it is our policy to maintain standards of operation that meet the highest expectations of guests, as well as ensure that our accommodation offering is stylish, attractive and user-friendly at all times.”
Cresta Churchill opened its doors in 1974 and has for 50 years hosted leisure and business travellers from international, regional and domestic markets, as well as providing a venue for a wide range of conferencing, banqueting and social activities.
It was conveniently positioned on the main road into the Matobo Hills– some 40km from Bulawayo – offering quick access into the World Heritage Site. It also provides service, facilities and amenities in Bulawayo’s industrial, commercial as well as surrounding residential areas.
“It is essential for a hotel at the top end of the market to ensure that its facilities and amenities not only match and exceed expectations of guests, but also utilise contemporary design and layout ideas that enhance its attractiveness and comfort for guests,” Badenhorst said.
“We look forward to welcoming new guests as well as our many loyal regulars to experience our refurbished rooms. Our confidence in Bulawayo is stronger than ever and this work will match our plans to continue promotion of this important destination.”
As with all hospitality operators in Bulawayo, peak seasons at Cresta Churchill include the periods surrounding three major annual events hosted in the city: the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair; tourism fair and exhibition, Sanganayi/Hlanganani and mining conference, Mine Entra.