Beitbridge hotel to house two banks

In line with international trends, the hotel will also be the first almost non-smoking hotel in the country.
“Provision has been made for two banks to offer a banking service within the  hotel.

“This should be of great benefit to guests, who will be able to change money and carry out other banking transactions without leaving the hotel,” said NSSA in a statement.
“Following international trends, the hotel will be the first almost totally non-smoking hotel in Zimbabwe.
“Smoking will not be permitted anywhere in the hotel, except in a single smoker’s lounge that will be air-conditioned to ensure the cigarette smoke does not go into other areas.”

The $17 million hotel is expected to be completed in the first half of 2012.
Although it will have a three-star rating, the hotel would be a luxury complex with outstanding facilities.

The two-storey hotel, which will be managed by Rainbow Tourism Group, will have 144 rooms, comprising single and double rooms as well as executive, diplomatic and presidential suites.

“The hotel will have a casino, as well as a gym and swimming pool.  Provision is being made for the casino to have a private section for the convenience of those who prefer to gamble discreetly, away from the public eye.”
The hotel design incorporates several courtyards to increase the flow of air in and out of the buildings, in view of the high temperatures usually experienced in Beitbridge.

“There will be four main structures — the main hotel building and three other buildings housing the hotel rooms. All these structures will be linked by elevated walkways.
“The main building will house the reception area, conference rooms, casino, banking halls, bars and gym. The swimming pool and gazebo will be located in a courtyard facing the three accommodation blocks,” said the authority.

According to NSSA, investment in the project in Beitbridge was the largest construction investment in the country since the introduction of a multi-currency system in February 2009.
The project started in 2008, and was initially targeted at visitors to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
However, because of financial, material and inflationary challenges prior to the liberalisation of the economy in 2009, efforts to complete construction work as envisaged failed.