POD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The usual inconveniences associated with loadshedding – a common occurrence in South Africa where electricity supply is intentionally shut off for a few hours at a time and multiple times per day according to a strict schedule so as to prevent the collapse of the power system – are now a thing of the past for guests at Pod Hotel. The lights stay on, the air conditioning runs, and all services are maintained seamlessly.

This is due to a newly installed state-of-the-art solar system that sets a benchmark in the hospitality industry. Over 400m2 of solar panelling, capable of producing 32,5kw of power per hour have been installed, far surpassing the hotels average requirements. It is a significant step forward in the hotel’s sustainability journey, reducing our carbon footprint while ensuring the comfort of our guests even during power outages.

The solar power system at Pod is not just a typical installation – it’s a state-of-the-art solution. The system is designed to harness the abundant sunlight of South Africa, converting it into electricity to power the entire hotel. It has significantly minimized the hotel’s reliance on the conventional grid, providing a sustainable and reliable power source.

Coupled with the solar system is a large battery array, capable of solely supplying the entire hotel for over 24 hours, this ensures that power is maintained even during cloudy days.

This energy solution doesn’t just keep the lights on. It also powers the hotel’s amenities, including our kitchen, heated pools, and fitness center. Guests can enjoy a warm meal, a refreshing swim, or a good workout, all powered by the sun.

Pod Hotel’s solar power system is a shining example of how businesses can incorporate sustainability into their operations. It demonstrates that environmental responsibility and customer service can go hand in hand. This investment in renewable energy is a beacon of hope during loadshedding, showing us all that there is a sustainable way forward.

Our check-in time is from 14H00 and our check-out time is at 11H00 on the day of departure. Should your room not be available for an early check-in or late check-out, we will gladly store your luggage and you may make use of our general facilities.

Breakfast is served daily between 07:00 and 11:00. Breakfast can be served either in the restaurant or as room service, breakfast is included in your package.

Our breakfast includes a selection of seasonal fruits, cold meats, cheeses, cereals, yoghurts, and fresh baked pastries on display, followed by a variety of cooked breakfast options to order. These are accompanied by warm beverages and freshly squeezed juice of the day.

POD Does not have a restaurant on site for lunch or dinner; however, we will gladly assist in ordering from the many restaurants around Cape Town. Should you wish, your order will be plated and served either in the main areas of the hotel or as room service.

Kindly note that we do have a child policy in place and welcome children over the age of 12 years. The reason for this is that our hotel’s design is not equipped for young children as there are no balustrades, no pool fence, and several sharp edges.

Kindly note that our Mountain room inter-leads with our Classic room through a partitioned passage.

Our main pool is heated during the summer months only and can reach a temperature of approximately 26˚C (79˚F).

Our Terrace Pool Rooms feature a warm pool, reaching a maximum temperature of approximately 28˚C (82.5˚F). Please note that this temperature varies depending on prevailing weather conditions.

Kindly note that the Terrace Pool Rooms are located on the ground floor of the hotel and the pool is therefore not completely private as it can be seen from the rooms above as well as the road.

Camps Bay beach is approximately 50m from the hotel and the Camps Bay restaurants start approximately 100m from the hotel and extend for approximately 500m along the beachfront.

We are located an estimated 30-minute drive from Cape Town Airport.

Should you require an airport transfer to POD, we would be happy to arrange this at R750.00 one-way / 1-2 persons. Extra persons will be charged at R150.00 per person. Kindly supply your flight details so that we may book this on your behalf. This will be added to your account and may be settled on departure.

The bathrooms throughout all rooms are open plan, however, the toilet cubicle is enclosed with smoked glass.

All room types except the Classic Rooms and Deluxe Suites can accommodate a twin bed set up.

All our rooms accommodate a maximum of 2 adults. Should you require a fold out bed option (Applicable to children aged 12 – 17 years), this will be charged at 25% of the daily room rate. Due to the size of the rooms, this option is only available in our Deluxe, Terrace Pool and Luxury Room categories.

Kindly note that our kitchen is not strictly Halaal, however we are Halaal friendly. Should you wish for strictly Halaal meals, these can be arranged at an extra cost with sufficient notice.
We do have Vegan / Vegetarian / Pescatarian options available on our breakfast menu.

Our standard minibar includes; Water, 2 x Fruit juice, 2 x Coca-Cola, 2 x Lemonade and a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc. This is complimentary and will be replenished daily.

Our non-alcoholic minibar includes; Water, 2 x fruit juice, 2 x Coca-Cola, 2 x Lemonade and 2 x Appletizer/Grapetizer. This is complimentary and will be replenished daily.

Should you wish to personalize your minibar we will gladly exchange any of the above items for sugar free/alternative options to a similar value and subject to availability.

For honeymooners we offer; a complimentary bottle of champagne with a rose petal turndown and gift-wrapped chocolates (Should you prefer, we can replace the champagne with a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine). For special occasions we offer; a complimentary bottle of champagne with gift wrapped chocolates (Should you prefer, we can replace the champagne with a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine).

We offer secure underground parking at POD. This does not need to be reserved.
We offer a valet parking service from 06H30 to 23H00 daily.

We offer complimentary uncapped and high-speed WI-FI throughout the hotel.

If there is anything that you wish to arrange that would make your stay more enjoyable, please contact our concierge team via stay@pod.co.za and we will gladly assist you with a quote.

Cancellation Policy:

• 11 Jan – 14 Dec; Cancellations within 30 days of arrival forfeit 100% of the accommodation charges
• 15 Dec – 10 Jan; Cancellations within 42 days of arrival forfeit 100% of the accommodation charges
• “No-show” or premature departures forfeit 100% of the accommodation total
• Our Terms & Conditions may vary over Peak periods 

Should you cancel due to a Covid-19 related occurrence, we will gladly offer you a rand value credit towards a future stay with us, valid for 2 years.
To qualify you would need to contact the hotel as soon as you become aware of being unable to travel and provide the necessary proof. Ts and Cs apply such as minimum stays/rate increases. If you have booked via a 3rd party, please contact them directly as their conditions may vary.

We have a small gym on-site with a selection of TechnoGym equipment covering an array of; basic cardio, weights and toning exercises. 

Rates include:

• Full breakfast
• Fully stocked mini bar
• Unlimited tea, coffee, mineral water
• Secure underground parking
• Unlimited Wi-Fi
• Movies/popcorn/snacks
• Beach service
• Early arrival/late departure lounge
• Fully equipped Technogym
• Booking fees, all taxes and VAT.

Rates exclude:

• Additional meals
• Main bar beverages
• Personal laundry
• Telephone calls
• Treatments and excursions

Our complimentary beach service includes; Waters, beach loungers, umbrellas, towels, a beach ball & bats.

All room types at POD are equipped with hot and cold climate control as well as underfloor heating.

South Africa uses a 3 pin Type “D” 230V plug and POD provides international adaptors for all of our in-house guests.