15.2 Boutique Guest House

OUT OF OFFICE | White Pearl Resorts

by Andrew Ngozo

The Angels Place Boutique Guest House offers Sublime Experience

A sweet scent greets me as I step into the breakfast room of Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House in Pretoria. It is not the cloying smell of strong perfume. It reminds me of flowers, except that I am not in a garden. Rosemarie van Staden, homemaker extraordinaire/founder/owner of Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House, leads the way to a patio. The chairs and couches are sprayed gold, reminiscent of ornate French period style furniture.

Van Staden has none of the stuffiness that goes with that era. She has a flamboyant personality and a keen understanding of what guests require: being treated as if they were in heaven. Even interviewing her is a sublime experience.

A warm hand towel is brought to me to ‘freshen up,’ before I indulge in Earl Grey tea, poured from a silver teapot into a dainty cup and saucer. It is easy to see why guests enjoy staying at Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House. The staff care. Van Staden is creative and ran a small clothing factory for many years prior to opening the boutique guest house five years ago, which is managed by her charming daughter, Martilize Claassens.

Van Staden won the national lottery 13 years ago with a quick pick ticket. Her good fortune didn’t change her much. “I am an entrepreneur. I believe we need to work,” she confides. Of her interest in angels she says, “I am eccentric.” She is a respected leader in tourism and is the vice chair of the National Accommodation Association. “The important thing is the legacy which we leave behind,” says Van Staden. “Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House offers a unique experience.”

One of her favourite past-times is gathering guests for dinner and visiting local restaurants in Pretoria to experience different types of cuisine. Breakfasts at Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House are an occasion. The attentive staff wear white gloves and serve tea and coffee from a silver pot. The koi pond off The Breakfast Room is a flash of colour and a glorious way to greet the day.

Special Touches Make Guests feel Pampered When guests check in they are asked, ‘What side of the bed do you sleep on?’ This prompts them to sleep on that side, providing a sense of familiarity. The high quality beds offer five-star comfort. Guest comments on Trip Advisor remark on a good night’s sleep and wish they could stay longer. Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House attracts many regulars, mostly business people.

All 12 bedrooms are decorated in an angel theme, each with a different arch angel mural. All guests - whether business people or holiday travellers - appreciate the niceties extended to them. These include a ‘sweet dreams’ turn down service, silk gown and complimentary slippers, silver tea sets in the bedrooms, complementary water and a sherry. “We are the only guesthouse in South Africa as far as I am aware that offers a prayer mat for Muslim guests,” says van Staden. When guests depart they are given an organza bag with rose quartz. All these little touches add up to something different. The guesthouse is conveniently located, with secure parking and conference facilities for up to 40 people. Intimate wedding parties are welcome.

Consider treating yourself or a loved one to a stay at Angel’s Place Boutique Guest House. Experience the beauty and artistry of the angel murals which adorn the walls and ceiling throughout the hotel. There is no need to go on an art tour to Italy. The tranquil beauty of the surroundings is balm to the soul.

Contact Martilize or Rosemarie on E-mail: info@theangelsplace.com or www. theangelsplace.com