TOURISM GRADING COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA – RATING FOR HILLSCAPES LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN PORT ALFRED
We are delighted to announce that we have just received our four-star grading from the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, which was very professionally executed by Sharon Angileri representing the Council and who is one of their top consultants.
Please see below exerts from the executive summary produced by the Tourism Grading Council, which we wanted to share with our friends and potentially new customers both nationally and internationally. Please enjoy together with photographs. We are delighted to have achieved our four-star rating.
Summary
Hillscapes is a newly-established four-star quality guest house situated close to the famous St Andrews Golf Club in the popular coastal town of Port Alfred on the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast.
The hospitable owners go out of their way to ensure that their guests have a great holiday, and accompany them on excursions including boat rides and fishing trips.
The property is very well situated and offers 360-degree sea views from the shared areas. The garden is beautifully landscaped, using indigenous plantings where possible. Being a new property, everything is in immaculate condition and the rooms are attractively furnished. The shared areas include a TV lounge and a separate reading room with a well-stocked library.
The property is very well situated and offers 360-degree sea views from the shared areas. The garden is beautifully landscaped, using indigenous plantings where possible. Being a new property, everything is in immaculate condition and the rooms are attractively furnished. The shared areas include a TV lounge and a separate reading room with a well-stocked library.
Guests are encouraged to use the spacious open-plan kitchen and participate in the preparation of the evening meal if they so wish. One of the outdoor entertainment area boasts an inviting furnished area around the swimming pool.
Building Exterior: Strengths
The property is exceptionally well-maintained, with all roofing, guttering, woodwork and paving spick and span. The property is well secured, with a full alarm system and security beams. There is a secure brick-paved parking area. The focal point of the garden is a pretty pond with aquatic plants. The signage is clear and easily visible and the property is well lit at night.Bedrooms: Strengths
There are three bedrooms, each of which has its own private entrance. Ceiling fans, air
conditioners and heaters are provided, and the owners are in 
the process of replacing all the bed linen with crisp white sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers. A full DSTV bouquet is provided, and each room has a digital safe fitted in the spacious cupboards. The bedrooms are carpeted throughout. Plenty of extra comforts are offered – including a turn-down service in the evenings.
the process of replacing all the bed linen with crisp white sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers. A full DSTV bouquet is provided, and each room has a digital safe fitted in the spacious cupboards. The bedrooms are carpeted throughout. Plenty of extra comforts are offered – including a turn-down service in the evenings.Bathrooms: Strengths
Two of the bathrooms are fitted with large showers, and the third has a shower and a 
bath. All fixtures and fittings are in immaculate condition and the water pressure is consistent. Free-standing basins are set into a cupboard with a large framed mirror above the basin. The ventilation and lighting is excellent. High quality towels are provided, together with a range of high quality guest amenities.
bath. All fixtures and fittings are in immaculate condition and the water pressure is consistent. Free-standing basins are set into a cupboard with a large framed mirror above the basin. The ventilation and lighting is excellent. High quality towels are provided, together with a range of high quality guest amenities.Shared Areas: Strengths
The open-plan living areas are open to the guests and areas are very spacious, bright, airy and attractively furnished. 
Guests also have access to the open-plan kitchen, and can participate in meal preparation.
Guests also have access to the open-plan kitchen, and can participate in meal preparation.General Facilities: Strengths
Well-equipped tea and coffee stations are provided. Travel flasks are also provided to enable guests to take a hot drink with them on excursions.
Dining Facilities: Strengths
The open-plan dining room is furnished with a large 16 seater dining room table around which guests can gather at breakfast. The rate is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. 
Guests can cook for themselves, or have the hostess cook for them. High quality cutlery is used, and the table is attractively set at meal times.
Guests can cook for themselves, or have the hostess cook for them. High quality cutlery is used, and the table is attractively set at meal times.General Services & Service: Strengths
The establishment has a computerised booking system which is linked to several on-line booking portals. As it is a new enterprise the owners are still in the process of setting up their back office systems. Guests are welcomed as friends would be into a family home and a variety of excursions are available.
Housekeeping Service: Strengths
The guest house is owner-managed with assistance from live-in staff members who make sure that the rooms are serviced daily. A daily linen change is also available if required. The entire establishment is excellently kept, and spotlessly clean.
Additional Facilities & Services: Strengths
There is a swimming pool with a wooden deck in the garden, furnished with pool loungers and large umbrellas. There is also an indoor gas braai for guests’ use.
Responsible Environmental & Business Practices: Strengths
The owners are environmentally aware, and there are water tanks in the garden, as well as a water filtration system. Hot water is generated by solar panels and there is a generator available in the event of a power outage.
