Blog | Hotel News | Media

Keeping you informed on all our GOOD news.

Stay up to date with all our GOOD news and what Guy Stehlik says in his blog. You’ll find all our press releases, articles and blog posts below.

Extend those long weekends to stay and play for longer

Let’s face it — networking and relationship-building are best done in person. There is no substitute for the organic magic that happens when you get together with people in real life, but it has almost become a long-lost art

February 23, 2023

Couples who play together, stay together.

Do you remember when Valentine’s Day used to be fun? With plenty of light-hearted shenanigans to make you smile, like roses exchanged at school (red for love, yellow or white for friendship), handwritten cards popped into post boxes, unexpected bouquets, picnics, sundowners, and more chocolate than you could shake a stick at.

February 13, 2023

Teambuilding is Fun and Face-to-Face in 2023

February 6, 2023

Domestic tourism to stabilise, a bumpy international ride and a bullish outlook for BON Hotels

Domestic tourism in South- and Southern Africa looks set to stabilise in 2023 to pre-2019 levels, after pent-up demand helped the sector recover and grow, and gave rise to trends such as backyard travelling, “workactions” and longer stays.

February 1, 2023

Do you speak “millennial’?

The tech revolution sweeping through the global hotel industry seems fuelled by the post-pandemic zeitgeist of ‘life’s too short’.

September 12, 2022

BON Hotel takes over Cape Town’s Grand Daddy

BON Hotels, the South African-based hospitality management group, has recently joined hands with the iconic Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel in Long Street.

September 1, 2022

The way to success for your hotel? Own the relationship with your client

Throughout my career and particularly through the legendary Arthur Gillis of Protea Hotels, I learned the concept of the "Lifetime Value of Returning Guests".

August 23, 2022

Four easy ways to make the most of your loyalty programme

If possible, loyalty programmes today are more important than ever before as the hospitality industry is trying to recuperate the losses incurred over the past two years as a result of COVID-19.

July 8, 2022

BON Hotels expands into Eswatini with the signing of the Mountain View International Hotels

BON Hotels has expanded its African footprint into Eswatini by taking over the management of the popular and renowned Mountain View International Hotel from 01 July 2022.

July 8, 2022

BON Hotels signs the Queens’s Hotel in Oudtshoorn

The team at BON Hotels has taken over the management of the Queen’s Hotel in Oudtshoorn, with CEO and founder of BON Hotels Guy Stehlik saying it’s a new and exciting chapter for the group

May 29, 2022

Moms at BON : Great Ideas for Mother’s Day !

While it’s not always easy to find her the perfect gift, you might be surprised to discover that what she really wants is to spend quality time with you.

May 6, 2022

Gen Z is (Almost) All Grown Up and Taking Over Travel!

Gen Z is (almost) all grown up and slowly stepping into the spotlight within the travel realm, demonstrating notable purchasing power (both directly and indirectly) despite only being 8 – 24 years old.

April 28, 2022

Outdoor Fun for Families this Easter

Easter is a wonderful time to head outdoors and explore. And with two handy public holidays in the mix, it’s an even better time to bring the kids. But where to go?

April 5, 2022

Family fun to be found across South Africa this Easter

Whether you celebrate Easter religiously or simply enjoy it as a wonderful excuse for a long weekend, there’s one common theme that always carries through during this local holiday – and that’s family.

April 5, 2022

The Ultimate KwaZulu-Natal Road Trip

School's out! Pack the bags and pile the family into the car for the ultimate road trip. The 200 km long, sun‑splashed KZN coastline has attracted generations of families for good reason.

March 28, 2022

It’s good to be back! Musings from this week’s Meetings Africa and beyond

t’s good to be back. That was my overarching thought during this past week’s Meetings Africa – the first time in a long time we were able to interact face-to-face as an industry and the start of the trade show season.

March 7, 2022

Prominent hotel group BON Hotels celebrates the new year by taking over two iconic KwaZulu-Natal Hotels

South African based hotel group, BON Hotels, celebrates the start of 2022 on a high note as it continues to grow its portfolio with the addition of two iconic hospitality establishments located in the best place to see hippos whilst in South Africa, or better yet Africa, namely Saint Lucia, Kwa-Zulu Natal

January 8, 2022

BON Hotels adds the Royal Palm Hotel in Umhlanga to its growing portfolio.

BON Hotels is proud to announce the addition of its latest property to their portfolio, The Royal Palm Hotel and Apartments by BON Hotels, located in upscale Umhlanga Ridge Kwa Zulu Natal

November 8, 2021

BON gets vaxxed

“There is light at the end of the tunnel.” A reiterated message I’ve been sharing with our team and stakeholders as our organisation forges ahead facing what appears to be a never-ending barrage of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

August 29, 2021

The digital face of a hotel guest experience

Now more than ever before hotel guests find themselves with even more need of human connection and interaction than ever before.

July 5, 2021

Feel at home with BON Hotels

Founded in 2013 by hotelier and businessman, Guy Stehlik and his management team with a collective 127 years in hospitality, BON Hotels is a South African based hotel company that manages, markets, administrates and owns hotels, lodges and resorts

June 3, 2021

Lastminute.com at a SPRINT

Picture this – you head out for a spontaneous road trip along the Garden route, decide during your drive to spend the night or turn your planned three day trip into four days, what do you do?

May 17, 2021

Break away and travel solo

In the world according to ME, Earth can be carved up into two categories of travellers: 1) Someone [like me] who thrives on travelling solo as it provides more freedom to pick up-and-go at any given moment and 2) People who just cannot bear the prospect of travelling alone;

April 13, 2021

Why you want value for money

From the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, good value (for money) is described as “something that is good value, is not expensive, or is worth what you pay for it”.

March 17, 2021

BON Hotels welcomes Africlassic Rivonia by BON Hotels to its fold

BON Hotels is proud to announce the addition of their brand new property, Africlassic Rivonia by BON Hotels, from 1 September 2020.

September 2, 2020

How hotel management companies should prepare hotel owners for crises

The hospitality industry is no stranger to hardships. We are often first to feel the impact of any global or local crisis. When a situation impacts the lives of the consumers we deal with daily, we are directly affected.

June 23, 2020

The Good News Edition 5

We ended the year on a high note with the announcement of our acquisition by ONOMO Hotels, and look forward to even more growth over the next few months, including the opening of over 20 new properties in Nigeria

March 19, 2020

Intra-Africa Travel

As the CEO of an African hospitality group, I spend a fairly big chunk of my time travelling across the continent.

February 16, 2020

It’s all in the numbers…or is it?

Every year, at about this time, the hospitality industry goes into a flurry of activity getting together reports about the industry’s performance during the busy end-of-year season.

January 30, 2020

The economic rise of Richards Bay

Three new projects have been announced for the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), the largest of which is a Saudi-SA R147-billion oil refinery set for 2028.

December 10, 2019

New SA hotel to open up in Ethiopia

After decades of being plagued by famine and civil war, Ethiopia’s success story has attracted international attention.

December 7, 2019

SA’s tourism industry is cruising

I read with great interest this month that ground was broken on the construction of a new cruise liner passenger terminal in Durban.

November 29, 2019

The delights of the 2019 Dorp van die Jaar

In an annual competition looking at Southern Africa’s top towns in the categories of culture, activities, landscape, tourism and heritage, thousands of viewers of M-Net’s Kwela voted the Namibian town of Swakopmund as 2019’s Dorp van die Jaar (Town of the Year).

November 27, 2019

Dramatic changes on the cards of Nigeria’s developing hospitality industry

New hotel developments are set for major city routes, the Northern regions and the old Trade Route in the South.

November 24, 2019

Explore Owerri , Nigeria’s undiscovered gem

Situated in Eastern Nigeria, Owerri is the capital of Imo state and home to the Igbo people.

November 21, 2019

These are the top Muslim-friendly places to travel to in South Africa

In the last ten years, Muslim travel across the globe has seen significant increases. As one of the fastest-growing tourism segments, Muslim travel spend is set to rise to US$300 billion by 2026. And South Africa can most definitely benefit from this.

November 21, 2019

Are relaxed visa regulations enough to turn the tourism industry around?

It’s no secret that in light of the current South African climate in general, there are serious commitments needed from our government to turn around not only the nation’s perception of South Africa, but the world’s.

November 2, 2019

African should support, not fight, Africa in propelling the continent forward

Not too long ago, the outside world referred to Africa as ‘the dark continent’, a region plagued by conflict, famine, dictatorships, corruption, failing economies, and a massive infrastructure gap - to name but a few challenges

October 1, 2019

Leopard Sand River Lodge by Bon Hotels set to launch near the borders of the world renowned Kruger National Park

Overlooking the Sabi River, Leopard Sands River Lodge by BON Hotels is set to launch in the latter part of 2019. The lodge is bordering and overlooking the world renowned Kruger National Park, only minutes from the Kruger Gate entrance.

July 31, 2019

BON Hotels expands its footprint in the Kruger National Park

Buckler’s Africa Lodge is one of three properties in the Kruger National Park area to be managed by BON Hotels, and will be launching in September 2019.

July 11, 2019

Stop shopping around

Anyone who has experienced booking a hotel room online will be aware of the perplexity of options, pop-ups, terms and conditions and ‘bait’ offered via a plethora of online accommodation booking portals.

July 8, 2019

BON Hotels expands footprint throughout Namibia

Through an alliance with the Theart family in Namibia, well-known in business circles and with a great deal of experience in the hospitality industry, BON Hotels will now expand its footprint across the country.

June 30, 2019

Top international HR events announces awards finalists

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central has achieved finalist status in the preliminary stages of the 2019 Future of HR Awards.

June 6, 2019

South 32 learners with disabilities gain work experience at BON Hotel Empangeni

Young adults in South Africa with intellectual disabilities and learning impairments are the most marginalised group of persons living with a disability

June 4, 2019

Wild about White River

This beautiful, rural countryside of White River in Mpumalanga is peppered with scenic waterfalls, magnificent mountains, lush valleys and the many animals that call this home.

May 7, 2019

Kempton Park gets a boost to its Destiny

Construction is well underway for a further 246-roomed hotel at Destiny Hotel and Convention Centre operated by BON in Kempton Park.

April 30, 2019

BON Hotels Launches Partnership with the Sunflower Fund

BON Hotels is the brainchild of Guy Stehlik, built on the ethos of good people, good thinking and good feeling.

April 26, 2019

The Good News

We’ve enjoyed an incredibly exciting time at BON Hotels over the last few months, the December break serving us well at head office as we arrived back in the saddle with renewed vigour.

April 16, 2019

New appointment

BON Hotels has appointed Rudlyn Barnes-Rossouw as Group Human Capital Director to oversee the transformation of its Human Resources strategy

April 7, 2019

There’s a KwaZulu op my stoep

You may be forgiven for having Richards Bay off your radar when it comes to domestic travel but rest assured there is plenty to do, see, taste, tempt and tantalise.

April 4, 2019

BON Hotels acquires 4-star boutique hotel, Die Kliphuis in Standerton

On Wednesday, 25 March, 2019, BON Hotels announced the acquisition of Die Kliphuis, a boutique hotel located in Standerton, to augment the group’s fast-growing portfolio.

March 26, 2019

It takes a village

The 4-star Shishangeni by BON Hotels located on a private concession within the Kruger National Park has added Village Tours to their list of things to do

March 25, 2019

Living with High Hopes

In the years preceding the resignation of Jacob Zuma, we were experiencing a living nightmare. As I think back on the mayhem that surrounded us each and every day, I wonder how we survived

March 19, 2019

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central – an empowerment success story

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central has recently been hailed by the industry as an example of successful transformation.

March 4, 2019

Stay in your lane

2018 brought plenty of hours of spring cleaning at BON Hotels: we cleared out the cobwebs and passed on projects, properties and relationships that, like outdated clothing, no longer fit us nicely.

March 2, 2019

Looking good!

The reception, bar, smoking lounge, restaurant, pool deck and façade at BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay have a new look

February 24, 2019

New Appointment

Shaun Boyd has been appointed Sales Executive for the STO market at BON Hotels – to oversee market growth and brand development in the sector.

February 18, 2019

Hostage Negotiation – The He(art) of Designing

It is not often you meet someone who has 32 years’ experience in the hospitality industry who, with a boyish grin, introduces himself as a hostage negotiator, but that is exactly how Grant regards himself.

February 14, 2019

BON Hotels trailblazes into DRC

South African-based hotel management company, BON Hotels have extended their African presence with the addition of BON Hotel Karibu Kolwezi

December 12, 2018

BON Hotels International West Africa announce plans for a hotel school in Nigeria

BON Hotels International West Africa will collaborate with Dewdrop Institute and Regent Hill Hospitality Limited, the owners of BON Hotel Abuja, as their strategic partners to set up the Hospitality Training Institute in Abuja, where Dewdrop Institute operates a City & Guilds-approved centre.

October 29, 2018

Off the grid

Should conference delegates be able to use their personal digital devices during meetings or is it just plain rude?

October 18, 2018

BON Hotels adds third East African property

South African- based hotel management company; BON Hotels have extended their Ethiopian presence by adding BON Hotel German Square in Addis Ababa to their East African collection, making it their third property in the capital.

October 3, 2018

A chef wears many hats

When you hear ‘Executive Chef’ the likes of celebrity chef Pete Goffe-Wood or the renowned Jamie Oliver spring to mind but this title, certainly at hotel level, whilst essential, is a rather unobtrusive, often thankless job that comes with very little celebrity status.

October 1, 2018

It’s a nice day for a White (River) wedding

A recent trend that seems to be gaining its place in the sun is that of bushveld weddings as the romance of a bushveld sunset

September 13, 2018

Siyanda Zindela heads up camp at Shishangeni by BON Hotels

BON Hotels has announced the appointment of Siyanda Zindela as General Manager at their Kruger National Park property

September 13, 2018

BONfire Braai Masters 2018

On Saturday 22 September, BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central will host the 3rd edition of the BONfire Braai Masters competition in support of Heritage Day and to celebrate our diverse cultures and heritage.

September 11, 2018

Break the shackles

In the start-up stages of BON Hotels, very eager (as are most hotel management companies) to get our portfolio numbers up, we were sucked into the proverbial question of ‘how many hotels have you got in your group?'

September 2, 2018

BON Hotels hosts Travel With Flair

Some 500 guests were treated to gourmet-style boerewors rolls prepared by Chef Duncan Wales and for those who couldn’t make it in person, BON Hotels took the party to them.

August 21, 2018

Take a walk on the wild side

The 4-star Shishangeni by BON Hotels located on a private concession within the Kruger National Park has added Shishangeni Bush Walks to their list of things to do.

August 14, 2018

BON Hotels boosts home-grown skills in the Nigerian hospitality sector

The directors of BON Hotels have emphasized their strategy of local skills and training in the Nigerian hospitality sector.

August 6, 2018

Women2women

An average of 2 million schoolgirls miss 60 days of school each year because they cannot afford sanitary wear

July 26, 2018

BON Hotels takes on two new hotels in Kwazulu Natal

Looking to further cement their presence in Kwazulu Natal and following their recent acquisition of Hotel 64 on Gordon in Durban

July 26, 2018

New Appointments

Mike Jameson has been appointed General Manager at Destiny Hotel & Convention Centre by BON Hotels

July 17, 2018

BON Hotels announces their Kwazulu Natal arrival

BON Hotels have extended their South African footprint into Kwazulu Natal with the takeover of the well-known 64 on Gordon Hotel.

May 31, 2018

New Appointments

Dawie de la Guerre has been promoted to Group Financial Director at BON Hotels.

May 29, 2018

Property developers should seek early professional advice when embarking on hotel projects

An African awakening in the hotel development arena might be an understatement as hotel projects, contracts and deals are concluded at a rapid pace in many well-disposed countries across the continent.

May 24, 2018

BON Hotels’ portfolio links strategic centres across Nigeria, creating important tourism circuits

BON Hotels’ growth in Nigeria has been prodigious and continues to flourish with the more recent acquisitions of 11 additional hotels in the region bringing their portfolio in West Africa up to 25 hotels across 14 cities

May 22, 2018

Please Mr Hotel Developer

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks, doing deals, learning about and discovering more of Africa. My recent expeditions have taken me to Namibia, Angola, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique and Nairobi.

May 22, 2018

The big “Little 5”

You would be forgiven for assuming that nothing much exists in this land of sand when in fact the ‘Little 5’, as they are affectionately called by the locals, make their home there

May 7, 2018

Not on my watch

I’m deeply disappointed by an awful incident at one of our hotels last week.

May 7, 2018

From the original to the outrageous; guest requests and delegate demands

For some, conferences are a great idea, an opportunity to get out of the office – a room jam-packed full of like-minded (and not so like-minded) people, coming together with a common goal to share ideas and get motivated.

March 29, 2018

New appointments

Born and bred Namibian Conni Lyners always knew she wanted to work in hospitality and on completing her matric

March 27, 2018

BON Hotels launches revamped BON Hotel Abuja

BON Hotels launched their revamped BON Hotel Abuja at an event attended by media guests and VIPs on 20 March 2018.

March 26, 2018

Ten take-aways from an (almost) grizzled hotelier

Maturity brings acceptance of one’s flaws. Although this flaw is something I am not proud of, it is something I must constantly work on: my (sometimes) arrogant approach to authority.

March 21, 2018

BON Hotel Sunshine Enugu opens its doors

BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, has added BON Hotel Sunshine Enugu to their Nigerian portfolio

March 20, 2018

BON Hotels adds Nelspruit to its growing portfolio

BON Hotels has announced its recent addition of Destiny Lodge Nelspruit by BON Hotels into their portfolio.

March 16, 2018

The Art of War: Part 2

Some time ago, I was directed by a business coach to the collection of Sun Tzu’s strategic advice - The Art of War.

February 28, 2018

BONangels water drive

We all know that the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape have been hit hard with a severe drought and are currently on level 6b water restrictions.

February 10, 2018

BON Hotels signs on new hotel in Kempton Park, Johannesburg

BON Hotels has added Destiny Exclusive Hotel, Wellness Spa & Conference Centre in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, to its South African portfoli

February 1, 2018

People on the move

Charl van Wyk takes on the role of Group Operations Director to Group Commercial Director at BON Hotels.

January 24, 2018

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central BONhomie competition winners enjoy a night with Lerato Manjiya & DJ Pop

n Friday, 8 December 2017 BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central reunited their BONhomie winners and welcomed new ‘homies’ to the group.

January 16, 2018

Paying it forward; in water.

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central is donating 5 litres of water to all guests passing through on their way to Cape Town

November 30, 2017

First management trainee graduates from Learnership Programme at BON Hotels

The In-service traineeship Programme is geared towards school leavers wanting to pursue a career in hospitality.

November 26, 2017

Top things to do in Swakopmund over the Festive Season

It’s no secret that Swakopmund in December (or any month for that matter) is a magnificent place to be, the influx of familiar visitor number-plates a dead give- away as holiday-makers descend upon this desert oasis.

November 22, 2017

BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal Hotel BONhomie competition winners enjoy a night with ProVerb

On Wednesday 6 December 2017 BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal reunited their BONhomie winners and welcomed new winners to the group.

October 11, 2017

Developing local talent

Tourism is one of the world’s biggest employers and the hotel industry recognises the benefit of investing in, recruiting and developing local talent in the communities

October 9, 2017

BON Hotels continues to show phenomenal growth in Nigeria

BON Hotels continues its dominance in the Nigerian hotel space with the recent acquisition of an additional four properties, bringing the total up to sixteen hotels under management agreements within only 18 months.

October 4, 2017

BON Hotels CEO calls for SA Hotel Management companies to consolidate

“There’s not enough room at the Inn.” That’s according to Guy Stehlik, CEO of South African-based hotel management company BON Hotels.

September 11, 2017

Size Matters

It’s a fact that we are living in what I call the ‘Age of Consolidation’, the ‘sharing economy’ as it’s coined by others.

September 11, 2017

4th annual Vaal Whisky Festival at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal adds Gin to the mix

BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal will be hosting the 4th annual Vaal Whisky Festival, but this year with a twist, adding Gin to the mix.

August 26, 2017

Horses for Courses

As much as people do business with like-minded people, businesses do business with like-minded businesses. There certainly needs to be some sort of a match.

August 22, 2017

Wonder Women

The hotel and hospitality business is a tough one; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

August 8, 2017

What’s on – BONfire Braai Masters 2017

Twenty corporate teams will compete against one another in the 2nd edition of the BONfire Braai Masters competition on Saturday, 23 September

August 1, 2017

A mix of marriages

Weddings are one of the most universal traditions on the planet yet they are celebrated differently by everyone.

July 28, 2017

New appointment

The board of BON Hotels is delighted to welcome Paul Umoh, who has been appointed Executive Director of Operations at BON Hotels International West Africa

July 11, 2017

BON Hotels sign 12th hotel in Nigeria

BON Hotels announced the signing of its 12th hotel in Nigeria, further increasing the company’s presence and footprint in West Africa

June 26, 2017

BON Hotels bids farewell to industry icon and hospitality stalwart, Pieter Bekker

Pieter Bekker brought decades of experience to the industry, spanning some 40 years – thirteen of those in West African hospitality; his commitment to Nigeria was unparallelled.

June 26, 2017

Ahhh, the luxury…

I remember the days when we hoteliers had the luxury of daydreaming of ways to delight our guests, conjuring up new ideas, even improving things that seemed to be working.

June 21, 2017

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central Wedding Showcase

Bloemfontein’s most loved wedding venue, BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central, will be hosting a two day Wedding Showcase from 4 – 5 August.

June 1, 2017

What’s On: Vaal River Meander Wine Route, 24 June – 30 July 2017

The Vaal River Meander is celebrating its 14th year and visitors to the area can indulge in SIX weeks of weekend wine tasting!

May 30, 2017

Refurbishments underway at BON Hotel Delta and BON Hotel Abuja, Nigeria

The first phase is underway with the replacement of flooring, lighting and various areas of the kitchen, along with installing new air conditioners.

May 23, 2017

Desert Rose

The world is large and your choice of honeymoon destinations is endless but with its magnificent location, accessibility and affordability you would be remiss not to consider Namibia for your honeymoon or wedding ceremony

May 22, 2017

The perfect match

As much as people ‘do business’ with like-minded people, businesses ‘do business’ with like-minded businesses. There certainly needs to be some sort of a match.

April 18, 2017

Say ‘I Do’ in the city

Couples often agonise over choosing the perfect venue for their wedding. The location of the reception has an effect on every element of the big day, from the choice of suppliers to the number of guests who can attend

April 9, 2017

Comfy in the middle

While this might sound fallacious, it is actually founded in truth. Travelling abroad will make any South African hotel guest realise that our ‘3-star’ market boxes way above its weight.

March 16, 2017

The worst hotel in the world

My recent blog on the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at got me thinking of the contrary. What is the WORST hotel I have ever stayed at?

February 22, 2017

Chef Khumalo Hotel School opens at BON Hotel Midrand

Celebrity Chef Citrum Khumalo and the BON Hotel Group have announced that their new venture, Asidle Culinary Kitchen and The Black Pepper Bar, is officially open.

February 20, 2017

BON Hotels launches 10th property in Nigeria

BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, has added a tenth property to their Nigerian portfolio

February 13, 2017

The way you make me feel

At a recent hotel industry function, I was asked which was THE best hotel I have ever stayed at. This has been a common question over the years and one that has an easy answer.

January 30, 2017

Camp Shawu at Shishangeni, by BON Hotels lights up the African sky with a new look

Shishangeni, operated by BON Hotels, has re-opened Camp Shawu, following a mini-renovation.

January 16, 2017

The Rise of the Old School General Manager

There’s been something fundamental missing in this last decade of hotel management: the unflashy, workaholic general managers, those who started their careers waiting tables, scrubbing kitchen counters and floors, climbing the ladder, slowly learning ALL of the necessary skills to eventually become THE General Manager.

January 2, 2017

BON Hotels launches CSR platform, BONangels, in Africa

BON Hotels, a South African-based hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, has expanded on its CSR initiatives with the introduction of BONangels,

December 1, 2016

Be water wise this summer

Dotted along the banks of the Vaal River you will find hotels, ‘watering holes’, restaurants, campsites and houses to rent – a picture-perfect place for your end-of-year holiday with plenty of activities to keep mom, dad, gran, the dog and the kids entertained.

December 1, 2016

Hats

There’s a terrible misconception by hotel management companies that hotel owners are interfering, ill-informed nuisances who should leave hotel management companies to do what they do

November 9, 2016

Get a kick out of this

The second hosting of the Safland Sevens tournament taking place in the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund on 12 and 13 November 2016 will see world-class Sevens outfits in action

October 27, 2016

BON Hotels hosts official launch in Nigeria, showcasing nine hotels across five cities

BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, hosted their official launch in Nigeria, at BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro in Abuja, on 27 October

October 27, 2016

Namibia – single, available and exotic

The recent currency roller- coaster, expensive travel visas and fears of terrorism across Europe and the East have left African business and holiday travellers searching locally for their travel, meetings and conference options.

October 12, 2016

Cricket packages at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central

Summer is rapidly upon us and that means only one thing for any fan of the bat and ball. Cricket Season!

October 11, 2016

The Grand Old Lady Turns Ninety

After three marriages, a few flings and a divorce or two, BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal celebrates her ninetieth birthday this year and the hotel seems to be enjoying a new lease on life.

September 15, 2016

Sharing is caring

BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central initiates staff share trust fund

Earlier this year the owners of BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central officially put their good idea to paper by creating a staff share trust fund which, come October 2016

September 13, 2016

BON Hotels takes on second property in East Africa

This is the latest addition to the BON stable and forms an integral part of the group’s expansion plans into Africa.

September 6, 2016

Disserving the service industry

As the large hotel groups also focussed on training industry ‘wannabees’, I would estimate that collectively our industry trained and placed 180 hotel school graduates annually.

August 31, 2016

BON Hotels’ launch Heritage Day Braai-off

Twenty corporate teams will compete against one another in the ultimate urban braai-off, The BONfire Braai Masters competition, to be held on the roof-top at BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central

August 26, 2016

The race for the rave review

Following the recent success of our athletes in Rio at the Olympic Games, it is well worth noting that preparation is key for success and much like a runner gets ready for a race

August 26, 2016

BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal hosts 3rd annual Vaal Whiskey Festival

Back by popular demand, BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal will be hosting the 3rd annual Vaal Whiskey Festival, taking place over two days on 21 and 22 October

August 26, 2016

BON Hotels extends their African footprint into Ethiopia

BON Hotels, a hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, has added yet another property to their ever-growing stabl

August 10, 2016

Third party politics – owning the client

I often come across hotel owners who insist that their hotel is performing well and as such, they see no need for a marketing strategy or a dedicated sales effort.

July 25, 2016

Let the son shine

We occasionally need a life-changing event to remind us to be grateful. In tough circumstances, we so easily get caught up in the darkness that we cannot see the wood for the trees.

July 7, 2016

BON Hotels moves into Bloemfontein

BON Hotels, who own, operate and manage hotels throughout Africa, have added BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central to their South African portfolio.

June 27, 2016

Leading horses to water

Start-up. Sounds like an exciting journey, doesn’t it? I have to say, exciting is true in every way, but the realities of a start-up can be challenging in many regards as well, not the least of which is staff turnover.

June 13, 2016

Tips for hosting a big event

If you are planning any big event such as a conference, a wedding, an awards ceremony, a product launch, a cocktail party or whatever else it may be, you may be wondering where to begin.

June 2, 2016

The value of trade shows

We’ve just seen the back-end of the trade show season in the hospitality industry. Current conversation concerns the present value of participating in industry trade shows

May 26, 2016

Game for anything – BON Hotels adds Shishangeni Private Game Lodge to their portfolio

Ever on the lookout for new opportunities in Africa, BON Hotels, after lengthy negotiations, has taken over Shishangeni Private Game Lodge.

May 23, 2016

Refurbishments and rebranding underway at BON Hotels’ Nigerian properties

The refurbishment at BON Hotel Stratton Asokoro is in progress with minimum inconvenience to guests.

May 1, 2016

BON Hotels launches new loyalty programme, BONami

The hotel industry is a competitive one and guests will easily switch from one hotel to another chasing a better deal, better service or an incentive to stay.

April 16, 2016

West Coast Heritage – Not just a bunch of fossils

Heritage is not just about history, bygone eras, traditions and old bones – it does embody those very things but it is also about people, cultures and communities that make a place special

April 14, 2016

How many people does it take to change a light bulb?

Case in point: I was hosted at a four-star luxury 80 room, full-service hotel in Paris. The hotel had only nine permanent staff. I kid you not!

April 4, 2016

BON Hotels launches CSR platform, BONangels

BON Hotels, a South African-based hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, have expanded on their CSR initiatives with the introduction of BONangels

March 23, 2016

Keep your foot in the door

Most of us have worked in a sales department at some point in our career. I certainly have. In fact, a substantial part of my role at BON Hotels requires sales skills.

March 9, 2016

Colouring in between the lines

My jaw dropped when I recently heard that the Department of Home Affairs announced quite audaciously that inbound tourism numbers climbed between 4 and 7% during the last quarter of 2015.

February 24, 2016

For the greater good – CSR in Hospitality

Forget about brownie points, bottom lines or BEE ratings – corporate social responsibility for any business should be about giving back and doing good

February 22, 2016

Seeing STARS

I am learning that to successfully build any business, it is best to nurture your own people, instil your own systems and develop your own culture.

February 2, 2016

Pooling expertise – BON Hotels adopts the Casual Pool Initiative

With the significant shortage of skilled labour in South Africa, especially within the hospitality sector, BON Hotels has adopted a unique approach to filling vacant positions at their hotels

January 25, 2016

Destination Swakopmund

BON Hotel Swakopmund opened its doors to the public on 7 December 2015 to a full house! Situated alongside the coastline, just minutes from the CBD, the hotel has much to offer on site and in the area

January 18, 2016

Started from the bottom, no we are here: Lessons from 2015

Naturally, this time of the year forces one to reflect on the past twelve months. In doing so, I cannot remember ever having a tougher year than this one.

January 7, 2016

Out and about in Midrand

Whether you are staying at a hotel for a few days or just for a night, it’s good to know what your options are in terms of things to do at and around the hotel.

December 11, 2015

Long distance relationships

ternational hotel management companies have had their fair share of the South African hotel management contract pie for more than a decade.

November 30, 2015

Changing lanes

The board at BON Hotel International West Africa now boasts another formidable team member, namely Pieter Bekker, who brings decades of experience in the industry spanning some 40 years

October 31, 2015

Africa – the land of opportunity

My recent travels to Zambia and Namibia have confirmed; our long-term strategic plan of focusing on the larger Africa is a good one.

October 28, 2015

BON Hotels Swakopmund opens its doors in December 2015

BON Hotel Swakopmund, a new offering from BON Hotels, will open its doors to the public in December 2015. This latest addition to the BON Hotels’ stable is a 34-roomed, 4-star hotel situated on Namibia’s coastline

October 13, 2015

BON Hotels Representing!!

BON Hotels, a South African-based hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels throughout Africa, have recently taken on representation of the five-star Andros Deluxe Boutique Hotel in Claremont, Cape Town, adding to their steadily growing stable of properties.

October 9, 2015

Do they know something we don’t?

We are all well aware of the adverse effect on the inbound tourism industry due to new Home Affairs legislation. Fortunately (in a twisted way) the rand is coming to our rescue, its poor performance making South Africa an enticing destination of choice for international holiday

September 8, 2015

Business as usual at BON Hotel Shelley Point

Recent concerns over the operation and management of BON Hotel Shelley Point have been addressed at a meeting held in Cape Town this week.

September 4, 2015

Ringing the bell

We’ve put a bell in our office. Slap bang in the middle of everything and everyone. For the sole purpose of celebrating achievements.

August 26, 2015

Stehlik, Gillis form new generation partnership

If collaboration truly is the next megatrend, the hospitality industry certainly has something to look forward to. Guy Stehlik, CEO and founder of BON Hotels, and Grant Gillis of Delta International Design Studio

August 12, 2015

Budgets – who’s driving the bus

I’ve learned that financial statements tell a story, a movie recapping all that has happened in terms of trading over a period of time.

August 5, 2015

People on the move

Bernard Cassar joins BON Hotels International West Africa as Executive Director.

July 28, 2015

Hello Africa, tell me how you are doing

I was scrolling through my recent blog posts musing that there has certainly been a lot to complain about lately!

July 20, 2015

Scents and sensibility

Go on, admit it, you have checked out of your hotel room with a little something tucked away under your favourite pair of jeans in your suitcase – the slippers, a gown, a tube of shower gel, the mini shampoo and conditioner bottle or a branded pen?

July 1, 2015

Get the balance right

Don't turn this way Don't turn that way Straight down the middle until next Thursday

June 23, 2015

2015 Vaal Whiskey Festival

Following its success in 2014, Vereeniging will once again be showcasing rare, premium whiskey brands at the Vaal Whiskey Festival at BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal.

June 19, 2015

Thee Wise Men: watch and learn

Wow! We have received such a hearty and warm response from media and industry personnel with regard to my father, Otto Stehlik, joining us at BON Hotels.

June 9, 2015

BON Hotels places strong footprint into Nigeria

Cape Town-based hospitality company BON Hotels has taken over management, sales and marketing of four Protea hotels in Nigeria.

May 31, 2015

Making conferencing WORK for you!

Thoughts of putting together a conference can be frustrating when we are faced with uninspired feelings of “here we go, same old, same old”.

May 21, 2015

BON appoints a new Group Operations Director

BON Hotels appointed Charl van Wyk as Group Operations Director on 9 February 2015.

May 12, 2015

Rock Bottom

I simply cannot avoid a topic that’s been weighing heavily on all of us these past few weeks. I’ve noticed a profound change in our demeanor: we as a nation are down, depressed, and dragging our heels and our hearts through this very tough time.

May 12, 2015

Who knew there was so much to do in Vereeniging?

The Vaal Dam, built during the Great Depression some 77 years ago, over the decades has ebbed and flowed as a popular destination for holiday-makers, conference delegates and pleasure-seekers.

May 11, 2015

Otto Stehlik joins BON Hotels

Otto Stehlik, hospitality industry icon, founder and former Chairman of Protea Hotels, has joined his son Guy Stehlik at BON Hotels, a South African-based company which is gaining ground in the hospitality space.

May 4, 2015

BON Hotels launch BONNY

With the recent launch of phase one of BON Hotels’ web-based application for mobile devices, “app-tly” named BONNY, the guest experience at any of their properties has just been upgraded.

April 23, 2015

Game Changer

A major challenge has been keeping me awake at night, one that I have warned others about and yet one that has, quite frankly, landed us on the brink as a start-up

April 8, 2015

We kid you not!

School’s out and hotels across the country are rallying to get the ‘house in order’ to welcome the droves of holidaymakers making the most of their time off and the last rays of summer.

March 31, 2015

Dean van Rooyen appointed General Manager at BON Hotel Swakopmund

Dean van Rooyen, recently appointed General Manager at the new BON Hotel Swakopmund, boasts an impressive CV with a career spanning 25 years.

March 29, 2015

Reviewing the review

Most hoteliers would know of the legendary hotelier, Rocco Forte. Apparently Mr Forte, famous for The Savoy Hotel and The Forte Group, held a morning meeting with his staff every day, boardroom style.

March 27, 2015

The revolving door

I’ve been a little concerned lately with the turnover of people in our new company. We’ve experienced a number of people starting with us and within a few weeks – or even days!

March 17, 2015

What to expect from your wedding provider

Given that when you are planning your special day you will be spending an inordinate amount of time with your wedding provider, it is highly recommended that you do some research and are confident about firstly where you get married and secondly who you will be dealing with.

March 10, 2015

The West Coast – No longer the best-kept secret

For those of us who used to consider the West Coast “our little secret”, this is no longer the case as hotels, B&Bs, game lodges will testify.

March 8, 2015

Hotel food and beverage offerings – in-house or out-source?

A recent look at “mega trends” affecting the hotel industry draws some attention to food and beverage offerings and, more importantly, what guests are expecting from a hotel from these departments

February 25, 2015

The Art of War

I was fortunate enough at an early stage in my career to find myself at an industry event, sitting next to a very well-known psychoanalyst.

February 25, 2015

Upping the ante on staff well being in the hospitality sector

BON Hotels, who have made a name for themselves in resuscitating hotels have introduced HR policies that are aimed at getting staff more involved in decision making as well as boosting morale.

February 3, 2015

Rats, gems and elephants

I’m not sure if it’s just the time of the year for new beginnings, or if BON Hotels has captured the attention of tons of job-seekers in the hospitality industry.

January 27, 2015

BON Hotel Midrand – Cleaning up

Since new management moved in at BON Hotel Midrand at the beginning of December, the team at BON Hotels has been ‘cleaning up’

January 15, 2015

Dropping the ball

My team and I have recently undergone a truly humbling experience at BON Hotels

January 9, 2015

Bring on the Gramadoelas

There’s something very special about being the ‘small guy’. I mean, though we of course aspire to box in the heavyweight division, at the moment, the featherweight ring is where the exciting stuff is happening!

December 5, 2014

BON Hotels takes on Constantia Hotel, Midrand

1 December saw BON Hotels, a South African based hospitality company that owns, manages and markets hotels, take on ownership and management of the hotel business at the 49-room Constantia Hotel in Midrand

November 28, 2014

The value of PR

Being a start-up organisation, we are fairly constrained by slim marketing budgets.

November 25, 2014

People on the move

Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels, a South African based company that owns, manages and markets hotels’, first priority on taking over Shelley Point Hotel in October was to appoint a new General Manger, that of Emile Roworth.

November 17, 2014

New Appointment

Having recently relocated to Cape Town from Johannesburg Martie is excited at the prospect of new opportunities and challenges at BON Hotels.

November 14, 2014

Keep on trucking

As fledglings in the hospitality industry, my team has travelled the road (or ridden the rollercoaster, I might say!)

November 5, 2014

Rubbing shoulders

Networking has not been one of my priorities. I confess it is something I shy away from - I prefer to connect with people one-on-one.

October 14, 2014

Getting the basics right

As passionate hoteliers, we find ourselves in a difficult situation. Banks are slowly starting to warm to hotel projects - this time around less lenient, and on their own terms

October 1, 2014