The open plan, design for living lobby blends reception, lounge, eateries and chill out spaces.
BANGKOK – AVANI Gaborone Resort & Casino, the business and social hub of Botswana’s capital, is celebrating the completion of an extensive renovation, representing an investment of USD 7.5 million by Minor Hotels, the parent company.
All 156 guest rooms and public spaces including the main entrance and porte cochere have been renovated with the aim of introducing AVANI’s signature design hallmarks. The new contemporary design and technological enhancements make for a modern, functional and relaxing experience.
Situated in the heart of Gaborone’s business district, home to The Botswana Stock Exchange, Debswana Diamond Company, the Southern African Development Community headquarters and financial institutions, AVANI Gaborone is ideally located for leisure and business travellers and local residents’ seeking great food and a variety of entertainment options.
The open plan, design for living lobby blends reception, lounge, eateries and chill out spaces. The interior is spacious and natural light has been used to great effect, allowing for a communal space where guests can relax, meet and eat. The Pantry offers fresh, quick bites for life on the move, comfort food, fresh fruit juices, barista coffees and more.
The Conservatory, located in the centre of the lobby, provides an informal, communal eatery. Design elements include a leafy graphic design wall, ceiling punkah fans, wicker seating and parquet flooring. The menu features sandwiches, hamburgers, salads and pasta dishes and delivers on AVANI’s promise of honest food, using freshly sourced local ingredients as well as naturally raised poultry and sustainable meat and seafood.
Guests also have the option of two other great restaurants, Savuti Grill and Mahogany. Set within lush gardens is a swimming pool and pool bar.
The layout of the guest bedrooms and bathrooms has been redesigned to ensure the best use of space. The design is functional, modern and comfortable. Room features and amenities include free WiFi, dedicated work station with media hub, LCD television with satellite news, sport and movie channels and a rain shower.
The conference centre offers an impressive setting for business and social events in Gaborone with a main conference room accommodating up to 500 guests and five private Seminar Rooms which will enrich any meeting. The new Peo Business Lounge inside the hotel offers three small private meeting rooms and the common area is able to accommodate six to eight people around the main table plus an additional three desks for individual use.
Alejandro Bernabe, Vice President of Operations of AVANI Hotels & Resorts said: “The focus of the renovation has been to enhance the guest experience in all areas of the hotel. We are confident our guests will enjoy the updated look and substantive business and leisure improvements.”
City highlights in Gaborone include Botswana Craft store which offers authentic African art and basket-ware, The Three Dikgosi monument in Gaborone’s business district, which features the statues of the chiefs responsible for Botswana’s independence and the Riverwalk Mall. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Tour offered by tour operator, Africa Insight is highly recommended. The tour takes in many of the sites referenced in Alexander McCall Smith’s No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ series including Zebra Way (Zebra Road in the books) where the fictional main character, Mma Ramotswe lives, The University of Botswana, the rural village of Mochudi and the car yard and workshop that Speedy Motors was modelled on. At each location the guide vividly brings to life the characters from the books with additional interesting information about Botswana’s history and culture.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
