Having established itself as one of the top overnight destinations on Route 62, the Barrydale Karoo Boutique Hotel recently took a bold leap of faith by acquiring the services of two individuals who have already made a significant impact on the day-to-day running of the establishment.
Charl Coetzee and Anneke Marais were handed the keys to this castle in August and, within weeks, the hotel’s online platforms started buzzing with beautiful guest reviews.
What has made the appointment of this dynamic duo such a stroke of genius is the fact that they share a vision that not only entails creating memorable experiences for their patrons, but is also rooted in the role they want to play in celebrating Barrydale’s vibrant community.
“We would like nothing more than to play a more active role in the community,” Anneke told News62.
“I think it is a case of ensuring that every tourist gets to experience the best Barrydale has to offer, and for that, teamwork within the business community in particular is so vital.”
Charl, a self-confessed people pleaser, takes great pride in ensuring that each guest is treated like royalty. Equally, he is making an effort to get to know the locals who can often be seen basking in the sun on the hotel stoep.
“I’ve only been in Barrydale a short while, but I must say that I’ve noticed that most people here are very friendly and welcoming, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better,” said Charl.
“Working in the hospitality industry is something I really enjoy, and I trust that my experience will assist in making this hotel an even greater one.”
Hailing from Gauteng, Charl previously managed a five-star boutique hotel, 1945 on Kloof, and was also manager at African Sky Guest House in Johannesburg. He is an avid gardener and a keen handyman, one of those guys who just has to keep his hands busy at all times.
In another life, he was a property rental manager, but anyone who meets him will agree that his contagious laugh is best suited to the role he now has in the Klein Karoo.
Anneke cooking up a storm
While her strong administrative skills and passion for tourism are perhaps the main reasons why Anneke joined the Barrydale Karoo Boutique Hotel team, she is at her happiest when she gets to create something new and exciting in the kitchen.
She took it upon herself to introduce a few new items to The Vintage Car Restaurant’s in-house menu, and we might even see her prepare a recipe or two from her recently published cookbook.
You can order a copy of her book here: The Kitchen Doesn’t Bite
Between Anneke and Charl, there is never a dull moment. They have already developed a number of inside jokes and, as a team, they are constantly looking at ways to improve the various offerings at the hotel.
“Charl can be a bit OCD at times, but it is an absolute pleasure to work with him,” Anneke noted, and her statement rang true as, during this interview, he stepped away for two seconds to fix the chair he was sitting on.
In summary, if the exquisite rooms, delicious food and cosy bar, let’s not forget the impressive wine shop, are not reason enough for you to visit the Barrydale Karoo Boutique Hotel, then simply pop in for a chat with this dynamic duo. Laughs guaranteed.
