The Western Cape Suites Hotel, South Africa

The Hotel’s amenities include:

• 2 Bars

• 2 Restaurants

• 2 Swimming pools with sun-decks

• 24-hour Reception

• Conference centre

• Secure on-site parking

• Fully equipped kitchen in all suites

• Air-conditioning in all suites

• Suites serviced daily

• Laundromat

• Games room

• Television with M-Net in all suites

• Baby-sitting service

• Beach umbrella and towel hire

• Picnic baskets available

• BBQ facilities

• Pet friendly rooms available

• Free shuttle service to city and V&A Waterfront 07:00 – 22:00

• Free airport transfers available 07:00 – 22:00

• 24-hour Internet access & Wi-fi hotspot

The following suites are available at the hotel:

• Studio Suites - 31

• 1 Bedroom Suites - 25

• 2 Bedroom Suites - 57

• 3 Bedroom Suites - 10 

Fries adds that the property, owned by Kuwaiti Refad Hotels and Resorts, was aiming for "the very sophisticated, well-travelled clientele with a high expectation of service". Strolling into the grandiose lobby yields an enticing vision of glass and mahogany, which certainly lends a majestic air to the entire property on 33 floors. Both a business hotel and an urban city leisure enclave, the business facilities are world class. With a dedicated centre that has 13 meeting rooms, two boardrooms, an open-plan business area, separate offices and conference butlers, as well as high-speed wireless Internet and the latest audio-visual conference aids too, it's obvious as to why the Monarch Dubai is attracting the hallowed level of clientele and repeat clients that it does. In his view, this is necessary. "Whereas other properties have the support of a brand which is already established, we do not, so we have to establish the brand first, which makes it all the more interesting and all the more challenging for us to come into the competitive market of Dubai with a brand that is quite unknown." With a second hotel of the newly founded group known as 'The Square' in Dubai Media City, Fries is building a team that is service focussed, well trained and committed to the hotel.

With Teutonic precision, every step of the hospitality experience unfurls seamlessly. From the dinner at the soon to be opened Empire uber luxe restaurant presided over by the ebullient Chef Axel, to the Indonesian spa experience to rival Dubai's more established global players, the Monarch Dubai is conquering with its understated class. "The trend towards themed or celebrity associated hotels and partnering up with brands is an attempt at differentiation and a passing fad" he says, "One that we do not feel the need to capitulate to." Small touches like 'lift-boys' evokes a yearning for service one seldom sees anymore, as hoteliers becomes slaves to the dreaded 'Return On Investment' strictures. "Our principals take a long term view on their investments which is a good thing, as getting it right takes time. Only then it will make money for its shareholders", he concludes.