#PlacesOfFilm: Part 1

They say that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. We prefer taking a salty shot of tequila to be quite honest, and if there is any industry that is well deserving of a few good shots, it’s our travel and tourism industry. COVID-19 has not been kind to any of us, despite all the amazing progress made to get film productions up and running again. Hotels and restaurants provide a quintessential service to our industry and form part of our greater film economy. 

Part of a great production experience are the places that become our clients’ “home away from home” for sometimes 3 to 4 weeks at a time. Orchestrating an unforgettable impression about shooting in Cape Town includes finding production friendly accommodation, wining and dining at world class eateries, discovering the Penguins on Boulders Beach and exploring our amazing Cape culture. What production would be complete without walk up Lions Head or a tipsy day trip to one of the many wineries Cape Town has to offer. 

There’s a very good reason why South Africa is one of the best shooting destinations in the world, which is why we’re taking a hot minute to celebrate the gradual reopening of hotels and restaurants in our gorgeous Mother City #PlacesOfFilm. We are a long shot away from “business as usual” and quite frankly, normal as we know it may be gone forever. What we do have is the ability to adapt and salvage some of the magic in this strange, new world.     

The Taj Hotel:

Location: 1 Wale Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town

Safety Protocols: At Taj Cape Town, practicing safety and hygiene is not an added effort, but a natural way of  doing things. Associates are extensively trained on safety, hygiene and physical distancing norms to ensure guests’ well-being. Technology will be used for seamless, yet personalized check-ins, check-outs and dining experiences. Suites and rooms are rested after check-out, before reoccupation and health declarations are required prior to check in. All touch points, surfaces, linen and laundry are disinfected at regular intervals or upon every use. Layouts and movement guidelines across common areas, restaurants, and service areas have been altered to allow for physical distancing.

Why we love it: The Taj was once The South African Reserve Bank making it one of the most historic buildings in the city. Conveniently located in the vibrant center of Cape Town within walking distance of many tourist attractions and historic points of interest, immersed in the trendy retail and café culture. The Taj Cape Town boasts exquisite architecture and spacious rooms with either City or iconic Table Mountain views. They offer complimentary high speed internet access, parking for chaperones and have several well equipped venues for castings and ad hoc meetings. 

Website: The Taj Hotel Cape Town

The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront:

Location: Beach Road, Granger Bay Waterfront, Cape Town

Safety Protocols: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront are committed to delivering a clean and safe environment through health and safety protocols. One of their highest priorities is the health, safety, and security of guests, team members, and business partners. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way we live, and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront are adjusting their daily operations to fit within the new normal. Together with a team of experts, they’ve reviewed existing health and safety processes developing a new safety protocol. This in-depth cleanliness and disinfection protocol was created in partnership with SGS and is designed to ensure safety and peace of mind from check-in to check-out. 

Why we love it: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront has always been welcoming and inviting to film production crews with great amenities such as Amani Spa and Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace, boasting 177 spacious and luxurious rooms! Located on the water’s edge of the Atlantic Ocean (a stone’s throw away from the V&A Waterfront) The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront aims to create delightful and memorable experiences for every single one of their guests.

Website: The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront

The Radisson Red: 

Location: No. 6 Silo, Silo Square, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Cape Town

Safety Protocols: The Radisson RED’s new safety protocol strictly adheres to the South African government’s regulations and upholds the highest global standard of COVID-19 hygiene practice. Social distancing will be a top priority. RED will also conduct daily temperature checks on both staff and guests and document results so that they can monitor symptoms. Housekeeping protocol for the hotel will see thorough cleaning of rooms with very specific cleaning products, and sanitisation stations will be available in rooms and throughout the hotel. Guests can also expect cash-free payment options.

Why we love it: Staying at RED means experiencing local art, music, fashion and design while chilling in super cozy rooms with no fuss but lots of important frills. Super-fast Wifi, Rain Showers and views of Table mountain. Personalised meet and greets on the RED Roof terrace for sundowners while enjoying live music or enjoying local gin-blend experiences at their OUIbar. RED is not about any stay, it’s about an experience and a feeling that you’ll remember.

Website: Radisson Red Hotel 

While travel is still restricted to domestic business travel, we encourage you to support local hotels and restaurants wherever you can! Keep an eye out on our blog for Part 2 and 3 of this trilogy. For more information about our support initiative, follow #PlacesOfFilm on Facebook and Instagram @mrfilmsa.