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In trying economic times, players in the hospitality industry can transform their establishments from mediocre to fabulous with just a little ingenuity. This can clearly been seen in DStv’s new lifestyle magazine programme, ’n Ster vir my Bed (A Star for my Bed), in which the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa’s Chief Quality Assurance Officer, Darryl Erasmus, shows guesthouses, lodges and game farms how to spruce up to improve their star grading.
The series (which airs on Afrikaans lifestyle channel Via on Mondays at 5pm) was sparked by the realisation that so many accommodation establishments in South Africa like to see an extra star underneath their name plates – but they simply don’t know how to go about earning one.
For those industry players who would like to gain a little more prestige, it’s comforting to know that adding just a little touch here or there could make all the difference. Often, it’s not a major overhaul that’s required – simply an upgrading of the facilities already in place.
The team from Idees magazine lends a dash of panache and flair to the project: drawing on their experience as décor and design tastemakers, they reveal how with just a little input, a room can go from blah to brilliant; how the addition of just one accessory can create a homely haven.
The series kicks off in the quaint Gauteng tourist hamlet of Cullinan, where Acorn House receives new-look bedrooms and Destiny Lodge is advised on how to update its foyer for a fresh image. Then it’s on to the Premier Game Farm, where a remodelled patio creates a more inviting outdoor space.
Oak House gets a makeover, while Somabula Lodge’s ossewas are updated to make its authentic and novel experience that much more memorable. At Dolphin Whisper, apart from structural adjustments to the patio, a new take on the breakfasts served daily is all it takes to catapult the establishment to new heights, while Dina Stene’s kitchen makeover makes her offerings more attractive. The final venue to benefit from the team’s expertise is Yesterday’s Dream, where guests in the honeymoon suite are set to receive a (pleasant) surprise, thanks to an updated look.
The series is hosted by Jan Harm, the much-loved presenter of kykNet’s Ontbytsake and the business brain behind Cullinan’s iconic Jan Harmsgat Guesthouse.His lively and interesting discussions with Darryl – who has to decide whether each establishment’s improvements merit a higher TGCSA star rating – are certain to captivate those with a love of travel, or who simply have a passion for design.
Watch out for the next episode of ’n Ster vir my Bed on Via (DStv channel 147) to pick up small but impactful tips on how to increase the star count beneath the plaque on your door.