Johannesburg's Westcliff hotel celebrates its second birthday with pasta at the pool.

J

ohannesburg's luxury Westcliff hotel turns two this year, in the wake of last year's centenary celebrations of its sister hotel, the Mount Nelson, in Cape Town.

Fondly referred to as "the grand old dame of Cape Town" or "the Nellie", the Mount Nelson also forms part of the exclusive Orient Express Hotel's African Collection. This includes Gametrackers in Botswana and a host of other properties in Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia.

As part of the Westcliff's birthday celebrations, the food and beverage team at the hotel has introduced an al fresco pasta lunch promotion on the scenic pool terrace. The luncheon is served on the pool terrace from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, seven days a week.

The brainchild of the hotel's executive chef, Gaetano Scroi, the R95 buffet menu offers a choice of four fresh pastas and four authentic Italian sauces, as well as antipasti, salads and a selection of desserts.

According to Scroi, the pasta promotion is the first of many to be hosted by the hotel during the course of the year. A celebration of local cuisine, dubbed "City of Gold", is next.

Built on a hillside in the style of a Mediterranean village, the 120-suite Westcliff has a spectacular view of Johannesburg's zoological gardens. Each room has a digital safe, VCR player, dedicated computer and fax line and butler station with mini-bar.

The hotel has various facilities to keep guests entertained: one can bask in the sun at the hotel's two large heated swimming pools, take a courtesy bus to shopping malls in Sandton or Rosebank, or pamper oneself at the on-site beauty centre.

A limo service is also available to whisk guests to the airport or to Rovos Rail and Blue Train embarkation points.

The Westcliff hotel is situated in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. For reservations call (011) 646-2400

-- The Mail & Guardian.