Birchwood: The complete package
So often, we find ourselves at a venue or hotel, where there is just something missing. We often say, “It was great, but could have been better if…”
This recurring paradigm is what has led Birchwood to creating the unrivalled offering it has today. Celebrating 20 years in 2018, Birchwood’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and improve the property have reached a climactic point which has resulted in a hospitality hub with a service offering that will leave you wanting more, even though you have everything you need.
Birchwood’s prime location, being only 7km from OR Tambo International Airport, is only the beginning. Jumping on to their free shuttle, after enjoying a complimentary beverage at their Airport Waiting Lounge, gets you to a destination that is not just ready to accommodate you, but ready to create an experience.
Starting with accommodation, you are spoilt for choice with an ample 665 accommodation rooms on the property. These rooms are split into three sub-brands, varying in style and size. Silverbirch @ Birchwood, is an award-winning corporate offering comprising of 235 accommodation rooms (within the 665), targeting the modern business traveler and small corporate group. Upmarket and uniquely positioned in the secluded garden areas of Birchwood’s vast property, Silverbirch has its very own breakfast venue, conference facilities and fine-dining restaurant, The Grill @ OneTwenty. You will not find an accommodation offering more comfortable and inviting than Silverbirch.
The newest addition to the accommodation room offering and still within the 665 accommodation rooms on offer, ValuStay @ Birchwood has 96 completely renovated and upgraded rooms which are designed to exceed expectations, but not your budget. They are located near the main reception, and its adjacent informal restaurant, The BC Café, ideal for light meals, a quick drink or a small boardroom meeting.
Despite the benefits of a lower rate, ValuStay guests still have access to great facilities that the hotel has to offer including the on-site Mangwanani Boutique Spa, pool, gym and dining options. The remaining rooms are strategically located in an around the various conferencing and event venues around the property, to ensure a seamless journey from your event to your accommodation room.
Conferencing and events form the core products on offer at Birchwood with a rich variety of what is possible, both in terms of size as well as complexity. Offering over 60 venues on the property – these comprehensive and all-encompassing venues are well-equipped to accommodate delegations and audiences of any number between two to 3 000 guests under one roof.
Intimate boardrooms all the way up to a 3000 square meter exhibition hall are at your disposal to make your vision, a reality.
“Having this incredible variety only enhances your conference experience and capabilities as you can enjoy multiple breakaway rooms in addition to your plenary venue,” said general manager Bradley Partridge.
Adding to the notion of a complete package, and one-stop-shop environment, a dedicated event co-ordination team, on-site audio-visual and IT technicians and dedicated décor specialists all form part of the package available to you, as a valued Birchwood guest. The requirement of having to locate external service providers, to correctly create your concept is completely removed. When it comes to banqueting, Birchwood has you covered! The complicated separation of costings, such as venue-hire, meals and décor, is no longer a concern with Birchwood’s broad banquet packages on offer, which have a per-person cost and include a wealth of items including your three-course meal.
The development of all the above facilities was largely based on the mindset of creating an offering which can handle the most complex of requirements, filtering down to the simplest. It was this in mind though, that made Birchwood continue to grow. The trend of the same breakfast, lunch and dinner venue during each day of your stay was one which was to be avoided by Birchwood.
The first step was to develop various venues all offering something completely different from the other, including ambiance, menu and environment. Birchwood’s brand new Boma is evidence of this. A semi-outdoor and tranquil setting including a tapas menu and proudly African feel, located adjacent to the already popular, Phomolong Restaurant.
“Boma, Phomolong, The Grill @ OneTwenty and our other dining options, are there purely to augment the guest experience, where every night is different to the last,” said Kevin Clarence, owner and founder of Birchwood.
That awkward time period between the end of your conference and dinner is also taken care of. The relaunch of Birchwood’s in-house residents bar, The Hotspot is the perfect venue to spend this time. Open from 4pm and housing a plethora of screens, semi-private booths and ice-cold drinks – you will struggle to leave despite the superb dinner awaiting you!
A complete upgrade of Birchwood Wi-Fi system adds to this mix of features and one can look forward to a more efficient, fast and reliable system perfect for the individual and conference group alike.
“We recognize the increasing trend of conferences and events relying on an online platform, which is why we are pursuing the best possible option,” said Clarence.
Ample wording, numerous awards and the best photography simply cannot do justice to the outstanding and unrivalled offering currently awaiting you, at Birchwood. Ensure you take a turn to the property and meet one of the smiling faces ready to host you!
To vote for The Birchwood Hotel in the Best of Ekurhuleni Readers’ Choice Awards click here.
