MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – Positive comments of guests visiting Inn on Louis Trichardt secured them an overall third place in the nationwide 2003 AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards in the category for Small Hotel/Inn. Inn on Louis Trichardt came third among 350 small hotels and inns countrywide. The first place in this category went to Mercure Inn in Midrand.

Finalists were selected for offering accommodation, facilities and service of the highest standard in South Africa. At the Awards Ceremony in Durban on May 4, convenor Vanessa Sand said that 22 000 consumer questionnaires had been received this year, giving information on approximately 800 accommodation establishments across the country. She said that it was a definite indication that guests were becoming more aware of the role they could play in maintaining and improving standards at accommodation establishments. Guests commented on aspects such as friendliness, service levels, cleanliness, décor and food. Many guests also commented on the quality of the service, the attention to detail and the beauty of the surroundings.

It certainly is beautiful, overlooking the majestic Soutpansberg Mountain, with a large garden laced with colourful roses, lilies and clivias and a serene pool. The tranquillity is part of the attraction of Inn on Louis Trichardt. The creation of a new image was important when the new management under the leadership of Mr Johan de Necker took over from the noisier Punch Bowl in 2001. Prior to being the Punch Bowl the accommodation was known as the New Gate Guest Farm. The building that houses the reception, lounges and dining room, used to be a farmhouse that dates back many decades. The Inn now has seven garden-wing suites, twelve suites with family rooms included, a dining room, two lounges, a bar and a conference room.

Gordon Addams, the chairman of the Inns of Zimbabwe, added Inn on Louis Trichardt to the chain of six hotels in Zimbabwe that are all on the route known as the Flame Lily Route in Zimbabwe's Eastern districts, including Juliasdale, Nyanga, Vumba, Chipinge and Masvingo.

Many guests making use of Inn on Louis Trichardt are on business trips on their way to or back from Zimbabwe. There is already a group of regulars who keep coming back. Besides for business travellers, the Inn is becoming an ideal venue for self-drive holidaymakers. They have a single rate structure for all guests inclusive of dinner, bed and breakfast. Candle-lit dinners are served in a dining room with golden chandeliers. There is a pleasant a la carte menu that changes every night.

The hard work and dedication of Mr Johan de Necker and his team even paid off last year when they received a certificate of membership of the AA Quality Assured Accommodation Programme. The Inn was admitted to this programme with the status "Highly recommended" in the Small Hotel/Inn category.

Following their 2003 AA Finalist award, Mr de Necker says, "This is good motivation for us to try and be first next year! We would like to keep up the good standard."