21/09/2022
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that we will be closing the doors to THE BLUE CRANE VILLA.
THE BLUE CRANE VILLA has built its reputation by offering privacy, tranquility, incredible service and above all we were always present on site and readily available 24/7 ensuring our Guests needs were being met at all times.
However, due to lack of control by management and violations of Estate rules made by visitors of other Guest Houses (Air B&B) in our Estate, residents of Westlake Country & Safari Estate proposed and voted against short-term rentals.
Visitors of these Establishments ignored Estate policies and showed no respect for its residents, security staff and/or management. Their visitors were regularly abusing alcohol, partying on common property, making excessive noise, putting our children and animals(game) in danger by speeding and driving recklessly and generally causing havoc until the early hours of the morning.
By ignoring calls to enlist with Air B&B, we were always in control of our visitors. THE BLUE CRANE VILLA is therefore proud to say that none of our loyal and graceful guests were ever involved in these incidents. Our guests respected our rules, and those of the Estate, and in almost 8 years of being in business, absolutely no complaints were ever lodged against THE BLUE CRANE VILLA.
We have decided not to fight this unfortunate decision: - Having barely survived the Covid lockdowns (and still dealing with its lingering affects) and despite working very hard to keep our doors open, we sadly also have to deal with the daunting small business survival statistics in South Africa: - Daily we are fighting against several grim factors such as unfavourable economic conditions, our energy crises (load shedding), increased costs of insurance, levies, commissions and increasing food prices, record electricity rate increases and fuel price hikes (trying to keep our three-phase 16 KVA diesel generator running for hours during load shedding is depleting our profits), short-notice cancellations due to strikes, riots, crime, blown-out tyres (potholes) and fraudulent credit card transactions - all of which contributed to subdued profits.
As the proud owner of THE BLUE CRANE VILLA, I wish to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful guests (many of whom have become friends) for your loyalty and incredible support. We appreciated your business and it truly has been an absolute pleasure to meet and serve you.
Because of you - our loyal guests - we received many acknowledgements and accolades during our 8 years in business, thank you!
- Award of excellence from TRIPADVISOR and HOTELS
COMBINED,
- Every year, our reviews were rated between 9.8 and 10 / 10 by
BOOKING.COM, TRIPADVISOR and AGODA
- Voted the best Hotel in South Africa by HOTELS COMBINED
(2018, 2019)
- Certificate of excellence for service from TRAVEL &
HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION (THA)
- Received numerous awards and accolades from various digital
Travel companies,
- In February 2020 we were invited by ID GROUP1 to the
International Arch of Europe Convention in Germany, to receive an acknowledgement of Innovation & Excellence,
- 9.9 / 10 rating with BOOKING.COM 2022,
- Voted “2022 Most Tranquil luxury Guest Accommodation” in
Gauteng by Resorts & Retreats England 2022
- Voted “2022 Best Hotel South Africa” by Kayak England.
A very special thanks to Olga Chauke, for her trusted and loyal service throughout all the ups and downs. Without her, none of our successes would’ve been possible. She has been an immeasurable asset to THE BLUE CRANE VILLA.
Thank you to all whom have been part of THE BLUE CRANE VILLA, we are going to miss you!
Gerda
