The TGCSA Star Grading is an independent quality assessment and official ranking system recognised around the world that assists customers realise the overall quality of the establishment and the kind of facilities and standards they can expect. Director of Hotel and Catering Services, Mr Tenson Nkosana, says the 4-star grading has put the Tfokomala Hotel among the top tier of quality accommodation providers in Mbombela.
Grading is an excellent way to maintain standards as well as giving establishments the chance to aim for a higher grading or for under-delivering places to be downgraded. Every facet and feature of an establishment gets taken into account – from the appearance of buildings, gardens and grounds to furniture and fittings, appliances, soft furnishings, public areas, ramps and access, dining areas, concierge and room service, housekeeping, and responsible and sustainable business practices.
According to the grading standards, the 4-star rating the Tfokomala received means that it offers superior (excellent) comfort and quality. It also has a high standard of furnishings, services, and guest care.
Mr Nkosana says: “The grading is very important for us because star ratings are indicators used to classify hotels according to their quality. For customers, they can lead the decision-making process – this means that we are more likely to be chosen by clients due to our stars (service quality). For staff, they can help to define best practices and guidelines for superior standards, as well as helping to attract customers in a competitive market where every other hotel is aiming to outshine the competition."
He adds that the grading was a rigorous process. “For Tfokomala we developed a décor concept for all the rooms, public areas of the hotel, holding rooms in the conference centre as well as our restaurants and reception. We aligned the soft furnishings, décor, linen, furniture and our service quality to bring about the prerequisite 4-star ambience in the hotel,” he adds.
“As for the actual process, we had our pre-grading assessment early in 2020, which highlighted areas we needed to work on to bring Tfokomala up to 4-star standards. The hotel launched in the middle of a pandemic and unfortunately Covid-19 disruptions led to the suspension of the process. We only resumed this year once we had put all the requirements in place."
Stylish yet comfortable rooms cater for both business and leisure travellers.
Unique offering
Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre features 25 tastefully designed luxury rooms, Egumeni Restaurant – an esteemed fine dining eatery, a 250-seater conference centre and restaurant, as well as an in-house wellness centre with seasoned instructors.
“It is envisioned as a “hotel with a purpose” for teaching and learning – committed to providing uncompromised hospitality through personalised service in all our operational areas. It has a unique offering since it provides practical exposure to UMP hospitality students, and generates income for the university as one of its strategic business units," says Mr Nkosana.
"The environment we are located in is also unique, coupled with our student training concept. It is very rare to find a fully functional 4-star hotel, balancing between training students and generating revenue for the university. We are so privileged to be pioneers and part of this wonderful enterprise."
Covid-19 was a two-year disruptor, and Tfokomala Hotel was not spared from the severe impacts of the pandemic and the subsequent shutdowns.
“The pandemic came at a time when we wanted to do a ‘soft opening’. In between we managed to have bookings and as the outlook changed, popularity increased and we started doing functions and more bookings.
The hotel is open but will officially launch in April. So far, the soft opening has been received well and we have already started getting regulars who come for long stays. We are doing well with big functions from government departments and corporates as well.”
@ Story Lisa Thabethe. Pictures Supplied.