When I was told that I and other colleagues were booked at a new Chinese hotel (Golden Peacock Villa Hotel) in Mutare for a board meeting, I was rather sceptical.
Report by Ropafadzo Mapimhidze
This is because Zimbabweans generally have a wrong perception about Chinese workmanship which has been described as shoddy.
We are, however, yet to see how this hotel progresses as it is still fairly new. But I was surprised when I arrived to discover that it was actually a very attractive and cosy hotel.
Commissioned in July 2012, Golden Peacock Villa Hotel is located about three kilometres from Mutare city centre.
It competes favourably with international standards of comfort, service and facilities. It is securely located in a tranquil environment that overlooks the Natvest Industrial Site.
The hotel has 83 luxurious en-suite rooms ranging from standard rooms, deluxe rooms, villas and executive suites.
All rooms have air conditioners, complementary Internet and wi-fi, LCD televisions sets, DStv, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bars, bottled water, special imported linen, ceramic tiles and turn-down service.
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Golden Peacock Villa Hotel has a spacious restaurant that accommodates 150 diners, and private dining halls convenient for breakfast/lunch or dinner meetings.
The private halls have different capacities as follows: the Golden Peacock Hall which accommodates 20 people, the Great Hall 10 and the Huangshan Mount Hall also 10.
The hotel also boasts of the widest menu options ranging from French, English, African and Chinese cuisines, complemented with the Zimbabwean traditional dishes.
I personally enjoyed eating sweet potatoes and yam (aka madima and magogoya in Manicaland) for breakfast.
Included on the menu are matemba (kapenta), madora (caterpillars), Nyanga trout fish and Kariba bream.
The hotel also serves madhumbe (yam), mazondo (cattle hooves) and various types of game meat.
The local dishes are served in combination with international dishes.
In store are local and Chinese wines, a wide selection of imported beverages from other parts of the world, and a variety of Chinese teas.
“Our trained and experienced chefs are constantly seeking new ways to satisfy the tastes of our guests, offering mouth-watering meals to our valued guests and ensuring that their dietary requirements are met,” said Matthew Takura, the sales and marketing manager at the hotel.
Golden Peacock Villa Hotel also has a state-of-the-art conference centre with various sitting capacities, with the biggest conference room accommodating 400 delegates, which is ideal for workshops, meetings, conventions, exhibitions and weddings.
“When you choose the Golden Peacock for special celebrations, you are assured of quality and exceptional service,” Takura said.
“The hotel also offers quality outside catering services at a venue of your choice.”
Takura added: “Our outside catering service will not only take care of the food and beverages for your event, but will also ensure that you get timely and exceptional service from our trained staff. Our catering services can accommodate a maximum number of your choice. Golden Peacock Villa Hotel can create the right ambiance for your special event and make your day a memorable one.”
Workers who spoke to this writer expressed gratitude at this project by Anjin Investments, which has created employment for people from Dangamvura, Chikanga and Hobhouse high-density areas.
“I actually walk to work from home in Chikanga,” a porter, who assisted me carry my baggage to my room, said.
The hotel also has a beautiful swimming pool in the garden facing the reception area and car parking areas just outside the rooms.
Picture compilation by Tinotenda Samukange
