Review of BON Hotel 64 On Gordon

This month I was invited to review the BON Hotel 64 on Gordon in Durban.

This hotel is part of the BON Hotels group. As the name states 64 on Gordon is situated at number 64 Gordon Road in Durban. This is quite centrally situated close to Florida Road and also Windermere Centre. If you like walking you should easily be able to do the walk to Moses Mabhida Stadium, Suncoast Casino and of course Durban Beachfront. From there you can grab a People Mover to get to Ushaka Marine World.

If you need to get to the ICC or Musgrave Centre you can grab a Uber or get a Mynah bus which you can catch near Windermere Centre or in Florida Road.

If you like the night life then head on over to Florida Road which has a variety of restaurants, clubs and entertainment. For coffee lovers Starbucks is also in Florida Road. Just saying.

Now that you know what is nearby I’m sure you want to know about the hotel.

The hotel features that old world charm and you will quickly fall in love with it. Featuring bright red steps and red doors you cannot miss it.  The staff are friendly and happy to assist with any queries.

The hotel room we stayed in was clean and fresh. It features a comfortable double bed with enough room for 5 people. Soft pillows, air conditioning, tea and coffee station, bathroom with all that is needed. A refreshing shower when you need it. The hotel room also has a work station which is great for those business travellers. If you need a break you can always step out on to the balcony and sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Due to the huge amount of trees around the hotel you can be assured of a rich supply of oxygen.

The room also features a TV with DSTV and for tech lovers you will be happy to know that the hotel features complementary WIFI. Just ask the receptionist for your pin.

PL8 is the hotel restaurant and this is the place to go for some tasty food. Breakfast is served from 6h30 – 10h30. Lunch is served from 12h00 – 16h00. Dinner is served from 18h00 – 21h00.

The night we stayed there I had the Sirloin Steak with chips and salad for dinner. It really was well cooked and tasted delicious.

My partner had the hake fillet with chips and salad. I had a bite and it melts in your mouth. A feast for your tastebuds.

For breakfast the next day we had a selection of their fruit salads, yoghurts, cereal and their omelette which features a variety of fillings. We had onion, cheese, bacon, mushroom which tasted amazing together. Compliments to the Chef on the mushrooms they tasted great. Various fruit juices are on offer and of course bottomless coffee. 

The hotel also features a conference room which can have up to 30 people for a small conference or meeting. They have some great specials at the moment for conferences. 

The hotel also has a loyalty programme called BONami. You get 20% off of nominal rates and 5% off at special rates as well as up to 50% dining discounts at most of their hotels. You also get a voucher booklet worth R16000 in free accommodation and meal vouchers and more for a once-off payment of R600. Now that is what I call value for money. You can sign up at reception.

Useful Info:

Address: 64 Gordon Road, Morningside, Durban.

Telephone: +27(0)313128907 or Central Reservations: 0861 266 222

Email: reception@hotel64ongordon.co.za

Website: www.bonhotels.com/64ongordon

Look out for their specials at: https://www.bonhotels.com/64ongordon/specials

For those of you that can’t get to Durban the Bon Hotel Group also has hotels countrywide and even in Africa.

Rating: Highly recommended

Review and Photography by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Review of Ellie and the book of Rebus

This week I was invited to review the new book ‘Ellie and the book of Rebus’ a fantasy book which explores the world of Ellie a princess from the past.

She meets magical friends and is destined for great things. Look out for witches, ancient beings, powerful legends and much more.

Author Christine Clarence

It’s written by Durban Author Christine Clarence. This is her first novel and is part of the Axillion series. So look out for more books on the way soon.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised and the book certainly takes you on a journey. Before long you will have lost yourself in the world of Ellie and her adventures.

If you love books like ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Dark Tower’ you will love this magical journey.

The book is on special for #BlackFriday and it’s also the perfect Christmas gift for that someone special.

It’s available at the KZNSA in Bulwer Road, Durban and at Ike’s Books and Collectibles, 48a in Florida Road, Durban.

If you prefer the online route you can also grab it on Amazon or find it on Gumroad at http://gum.co/ellieandthebookofrebus

Like the Author’s Facebook page on www.facebook.com/ChristineClarenceAuthor

Let me know what you think of it by posting on social media using the hashtag #EllieAndTheBookOfRebus

This review by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Highlights From ESET Security Day Breakfast Durban

Last week the ESET Security Day Breakfast was held in Durban and I was lucky enough to attend this informative event which covered security topics and of course the subject that is on everyone’s mind, The POPI Act. The packed out event was held in the Maharani Hotel in Durban.

Here are some of the highlights from the event:

Ransomware and Cybercrime Trends Report

Robert Lipovsky sharing his insight

We heard a fantastic report from ESET Global Senior Researcher, Robert Lipovsky. He shared some key insights into security, ransomware, malware, viruses and analysis.

He did let us know that sometimes even Hackers leave you a nice message within malware.

Mr Lipovsky also shared insight from around the world of key attacks and noted that when the Durex site gets hit you know nobody is safe.

He also warned that sometimes malware can even steal some of the most important information such as admin details and passwords.

‘Espionage is used before destructive attacks,’ noted Mr Lipovsky.

The POPI Act and the Road to Compliance

Drew van Vuuren explains the POPI Act

Drew van Vuuren of iDataSec gave a very interesting report on what we can expect from the POPI Act. ‘Business and Organisations are going to have to change the way they do business,’ warned Mr van Vuuren. He noted that the biggest impact will be on DMO (Direct Marketing Organisations).

He also let people know that the POPI act also applies to local government. He also suggested that business take reasonable steps to comply with POPI.

ESET Tips 

Adrian Stanford shares security tips

Adrian Stanford a Business Analyst from ESET gave us some key insights into POPI and even shared a useful microsite that ESET has setup to help companies deal with POPI act.

You can get free information on POPI and your requirements at this microsite.

The site can be found here: https://encryption.eset.com/za/what-is-popia/

He warned companies to keep things secure and use encryption, especially endpoint encryption. He recommended as many different layers of security as possible and suggested companies use 2-factor authentication such as banks require. So not only do you have a password but you can add in 1 time pins sent to your mobile phone to add layers of security. Avoid using easy passwords and avoid posting secure details on social media where they can be easily seen by just about anyone.

The POPI Assessment Tool

Steve Flynn reveals details of the POPI Assessment Tool 

Steve Flynn the ESET Director of Sales and Marketing also shared with us more details on the POPI Assessment Tool and how ESET can help you deal with the POPI act. There is also the option for companies that take up this offer to resell the product to their clients.

For more info on these offerings from ESET visit: www.eset.co.za

Twitter: @eset_sa

Facebook: @ESET.SA

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton 

Images courtesy ESET 

Free breakfast or burger meal at any Wimpy Engen 1 Stop via the FNB App

South African road trips have become synonymous with Wimpy.

Travel itineraries for many families undoubtably include a stop at a Wimpy store to refuel and refresh – and with almost 50 Engen 1Stop forecourts with Wimpy restaurants countrywide filling up, in more ways than one, is definitely a little easier and convenient.

To help South Africans to love the journey just a little more, Wimpy has partnered with FNB. The introduction of FNB On The Go, will enable customers on eBucks level 2 or higher to redeem a breakfast or burger meal at any Wimpy Engen 1Stop outlet across South Africa via the FNB APP.

“A partnership with FNB on this initiative is a strategic move for Wimpy. Our wide footprint, deliciously affordable food and friendly table service paired with FNB’s solid background and extensive reach means we’ll be able to bring more families together to share special moments while they travel across the country and we are always happy to welcome new families into our Wimpy family,” says Jacques Cronje.

FNB On The Go is live on the FNB banking APP since Monday, 15 October 2018 and all eBucks Rewards clients that are on reward level 2 and above will automatically receive their very first Wimpy voucher which they can redeem at any Wimpy based in an Engen 1Stop along the country’s major transit routes. These Wimpy vouchers that are exclusively available on the FNB banking APP are valid for three months only and will expire every time a new voucher is issued.

Wimpy is looking forward to a successful rollout of the FNB On The Go initiative, positive uptake of Wimpy vouchers and welcoming FNB customers’ families into the Wimpy family, and helping them to create moments that are worth sharing while they trek across the country.

*Wimpy vouchers issued on the FNB banking App only valid for sit-down orders.

You can download the FNB banking App on the App Store or Play Store.

This edition by Fred Felton | Twitter @fredfelton