In an era where South Africans are seeking affordable vacation options without compromising comfort, innovative hotel chain Sleepover is transforming the landscape of budget accommodation across the country with its distinctive purple and yellow branded properties.
Edward Tshikane, representing Sleepover, recently revealed during a radio interview that the company has strategically positioned 12 properties across South Africa since launching in 2019, with seven located near the iconic Kruger National Park gates - one of the country's most visited tourist destinations.
Breaking the Traditional Hotel Model
"The room were so nice, clean and comfortable, even the yard outside was beautiful. The prices for the room was so affordable," noted a recent guest review on TripAdvisor, reflecting the company's commitment to accessible travel.
"Sleepover is not your conventional brick and mortar structure," Tshikane explained. "We use modular parcel packed structures, and that's why we are able to deploy in all these remote places that even you won't even find your traditional hotels there."
The innovative approach allows the company to establish accommodations in strategic locations including border crossings, airport proximities, and near major attractions while maintaining significantly lower operational costs than traditional hotels.
Pricing Strategy That Challenges Industry Norms
What sets Sleepover apart is its pricing model. Unlike conventional hotels that charge per person, Sleepover charges per room, making it particularly attractive for families and groups.
"The beautiful thing about sleepover is we do not charge per person. We charge per room rate," Tshikane emphasized. "A family room is able to sleep four people - two adults and two kids under the age of 12."
Guest reviews consistently highlight the value proposition, with one TripAdvisor reviewer describing their experience as "Great stopover on the way to Kruger North, secluded location with great staff, comfortable beds and nice and clean bathroom."
Strategic Locations Drive Growth
The company's current portfolio includes seven properties around Kruger National Park, four in Limpopo near the ZCC church at Moria, and one in Upington for travelers heading to Augrabies Falls and Namibia. Two properties serve major airports - one at Lanseria and another at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).
"If you are flying in or out of Lanseria Airport, we are literally there. If you are flying in or out of KMIA, we are there. You are looking to cross the border into Zimbabwe, we are literally there by the border," Tshikane detailed.
Located just "3281 feet from Lanseria International Airport," the Lanseria property offers particular convenience for air travelers, with express check-in services and shuttle options.
Amenities That Matter
Each Sleepover property features essential amenities including air conditioning, private bathrooms, workstations, coffee stations, bar fridges, and braai (barbecue) facilities - recognizing the South African cultural importance of outdoor cooking.
"Every room has your air condition, your bar fridge, your workstation. For those people that want to travel and work in a different environment, they can go and work at a sleepover," Tshikane noted, highlighting the properties' appeal to remote workers and business travelers.
Environmental and Community Focus
The modular construction approach aligns with environmental consciousness, as Tshikane explained: "We're very environmentally friendly. We leave a very light footprint, and that's why we're able to deploy these anywhere."
The company also emphasizes community investment, employing local residents and creating economic opportunities in the areas where they establish properties.
Expansion Plans Across Africa
Despite launching just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sleepover demonstrated resilience by continuing construction during lockdowns. The company now has ambitious plans for continental expansion.
"We are confident to now roll it out into the neighboring countries - Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Nigeria, and The DRC," Tshikane revealed, citing the product's proven success in South Africa as validation for international growth.
Market Positioning
Sleepover positions itself as "a solution to the traveler," focusing on three core principles: safe, comfortable, and affordable accommodation. This positioning directly addresses a gap in the South African market where traditional hotel accommodation often proves prohibitively expensive for domestic travelers.
"If you don't find yourself at a sleepover, believe you me, you are doing vacation incorrectly," Tshikane confidently stated. "This product is future proof. This product has been tested."
The company's growth trajectory and customer satisfaction ratings suggest that Sleepover's innovative approach to budget accommodation is resonating with South African travelers seeking authentic experiences without financial strain.
For bookings and information, travelers can visit sleepover.travel or follow the company on social media platforms Facebook (sleepover za) and Instagram (@sleepover).