Pretoria, or Jacaranda city as it is known for reasons that become obvious in October, is a quiet, sedate town compared to its more boisterous neighbour Johannesburg. It serves as one of three capital cities in South Africa and a large proportion of the people living there work in some capacity for the Government. The pace of life is slow and the peace and tranquillity of the city have attracted a lot of Johannesburg natives who have decided to settle down and enjoy life away from the rat race. Despite its sleepy ambience, there’s lots to do in Pretoria, and it’s a lovely place to visit, if you enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of a city by strolling through the streets, visiting museums and enjoying leisurely meals. Nobody will rush you along in Pretoria, that’s for sure! Some of the main attractions in the city include The Transvaal Museum, where you can see the australopithicene fossil found at the Cradle of Mankind, affectionately known as Mrs. Ples. If you’re interested in the long history of this city, then the Cultural History Museum is well worth visiting, as are the stunning botanical gardens, the Union Buildings and many of the museums and galleries dotted along its leafy streets.
The nearest major airport is O.R. Tambo International airport in Johannesburg, which is 48km from Pretoria’s city centre and is South Africa’s busiest airport. Domestic airports nearby include Wonderboom and Quonset State airport which are 6km and 14 km from the city centre, respectively.
Pretoria hotels range from luxurious five star country estates to more modest accommodation for those on a more restricted budget, so with a little time spent hunting around you’ll find the perfect hotel to suit your style and pocket. At the top end of the scale is the fabulous five star Coral Tree Inn just twenty minutes drive from the centre of Pretoria. This magnificent guest house is located in the quiet suburb of Waterkloof overlooking a natural park. It has six luxurious suites, each with its own lounge area and private balcony overlooking the park. The dining room serves formal dinners in the evening, but if you fancy something a little more relaxed you can eat in the cosier Cigar Lounge. Breakfasts and light lunches are served on the wooden deck and on warm summer evenings a traditional African BBQ or braai is served on the verandah. There is a wonderfully warm atmosphere at Coral Tree Inn and all guests are welcomed as members of the family. It should definitely be on your list of top Pretoria hotels!
If your budget is a little tighter, but you would still like a hotel that offers comfort and good service, then check out The Hotel 224 which is very central and overlooks the impressive Union Buildings. It’s one of the better budget hotels in Pretoria and offers real value for money. The hotel has a relaxing bar where you can sample the local beer, an excellent restaurant, and serves a huge buffet breakfast with lots of choice to suit every palate. All in all, a good, clean, comfortable hotel with great service in an excellent location.
If you’d prefer a more tranquil location and would like to pamper yourself in a beautiful environment, then take a look at Kievits Kroon country estate, just outside Pretoria. This award-winning country retreat is one of Pretoria’s finest hotels and is perfect for a weekend getaway with your other half. It is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, exquisite food and attention to detail. The wellness spa offers a range of treatments to help relax and revitalise the body and it also boasts one of Guateng province’s best thermae treatment facilities.
Pretoria may not be as bustling as its nearest big city neighbour, but it certainly has a charm and personality all of its own that makes it well worth a visit. Why not book your hotel now at www.rooms.co.za