click here for the 2018 Pesach Retreat at Velmore Hotel & Spa
Frequently Asked Questions
We will attempt to answer all questions and update this page as more questions are asked.
Q: How far is the Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal from Johannesburg?
A: The hotel is located at the Vaal River, about a 45 minutes drive from Johannesburg.
Q:What is the closest airport to the hotel?
A: Johannesburg's OR Tambo Intl Airpot is about a 45 minute drive from the hotel.
Q: Is there available transportation to and from the airport?
A: Yes. There are taxis available at any time of day or night. You can also hire a rental car from the many car rental companies in the airport. there's also a Bidvest Car Rental at the hotel so you can pickup in the airport and drop off at the hotel saving on the cost of car hire for during Yom Tov.
Q: Are you able to provide us with transportation form the airport to the hotel?
A: We can also organize your transfer, at a competitive price, in partnership with a specialized service provider. In addition, the representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to the hotel quickly and safely. Please inquire with us once your Pesach reservation is finalized.
Q: I have young children. Have you planned a babysitting option for day and night?
A: Yes. We are arranging babysitters, experienced and available to the requests of our Pesach guests at competitive prices. To ensure that a babysitter is available to you at any time of day or night, please make sure to request when making your booking.
Q: Will there be a Kid's Club?
A: Yes. There will be a special Kids program during Yom Tov with supervision, activities, lessons and games available on site for children from 3 to 12 years. Children under age 3 must always e accompanied with an adult. You can arrange a babysitter for younger kids.
Q: Is there a laundry service?
A: Yes, we have arranged a laundry service with unbeatable prices so you can pack light. Dry cleaning is directly available through the hotel.
Q: How is the price so low?
A: Our aim is to provide an affordable Pesach Retreat. While we keep the price low, we don't offer the same amenities as you may encounter at costly 5* Pesach getaways. We pride ourselves for providing a great programme at a great price.
Q: Is it possible to have a fridge in our room?
A: Yes. Each room has a mini refrigerator for your convenience.
Q: Some family members are allergic to certain foods. What arrangements can be taken to meet their needs?
A: We take food allergies seriously. Kindly inform us of any allergy problems in advance, and we will try to arrange food available for you and your family, that is adequate and delicious.
Q: Will the meals be served plated or buffet style?
A: Some meals will be served regally to your table while others will be buffet style.
Q: If we want to go outside the hotel, are there any shuttles or taxis available?
A: There is a Bidvest Car Rental station located inside the hotel where you can book a car when necessary. If you want a specific transport, the concierge is at your disposal to organize your outing or tours at preferential rates.
Q: We have family and friends in the region. Can we invite them to join us for a meal?
A: Yes. if you want to have guests, please let us know in advance to make arrangements in our restaurants. Please see the rates page for the day-visitors options. Please note that this must be prearranged as for security reasons we will not allow any visitors on to the premises.
Q: We live in SA. Can we come to visit just for the day?
A: Yes. Please see our rates page for day-visitor info, including the option of staying overnight as well as just enjoying meals and the program.
Q: What is provided between meals?
A: We will have available complementary hot tea and coffee as well as snacks at certain times. There will be an Afternoon Tea with extra refreshments too.
Q: Will soda/cold drinks be available?
A: Yes, at certain meals we provide kosher l'Pesach soda and other cold drinks
. At breakfast, we generally serve juices, at lunch we offer a variety of cordials and sodas during supper.
Q: During Passover, one of our family members has a birthday, can we get a cake?
A: Yes, simply inform us in advance, we will be happy to offer them a personalized cake.
Q: Will there be a Community Seder available on both nights if we choose not to make our own?
A: Yes. There will be a Community Seder, led by the rabbis, cantor and other inspiring personalities for both nights. We also propose, semi private Sedarim in private adjoining rooms.
There will also be an exclusive all-ladies Seder led by world renowned speaker, Mrs Bronya Shaffer.
Q: Our family would like to have a private Seder, away from the other guests. Is that an option?
A: Yes. However there are only a few private rooms available. Please request this option in advance as it'll be available on a first come, first served basis. There is an additional cost for Private Seder rooms.
Q: Will there be activities and entertainment for adults?
A: In addition to the vast opportunities in the region, there will be a full program of events, lectures and activities for our guests.
Q: Will you provide Shmura Matza or should we bring our own?
A: Round hand-made Shmura Matza as well as square machine Matzas will be available throughout the Yom Tov. If you have your own preference of Matza, please feel free to bring your own with (provided it has a SABD approved hechsher).
Q: Can we bring our wine if there is something specific that we prefer?
A: We will offer basic wines, which will be available during Yom Tov meals. However, you can bring your own kosher l'Pesach wine or spirits that you prefer. The corkage fee is included in the booking package. Other fine wines may be available to purchase.
Important Notes: Rates are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single occupancy supplement is 60%. Kids under age 3 pay 10% of adult rate (sharing with minimum of 2 adults). Kids 3–11 pay 50% of adult rate (sharing with 2 adults). Children staying in their own room pay full adult’s price. Full payments are due at time of booking and reservation is not guaranteed until full payment is received. Rates are quoted in South African Rands. Intl. guests pay exchange rate on the day of payment. Price includes accommodation, meals and some activities for guests quoted. Some activities and premium wines are additional cost. All meal bookings for non-staying guests must be made in advance, we're unable to accommodate any walk-ins. Non-guests have to present receipt and meal voucher to gain access to any dining facilities for the specific meals pre-booked. No refunds. If guest cannot come, only approved substitutes will be allowed. Check-in is at 2:00pm. Check-out is at 10:00am. Gratuities are at your discretion. Please ensure to add tips for your staff: Waiters, Housekeepers, Bellmen etc.
Terms and conditions: Indicated rates concern the specified period. Price includes all meals, selected wines, matza and whatever specifically indicated on our website. The reservation is confirmed only with the return of the completed signed application form you receive when making your booking, as well as full payment of total price. We are not responsible for stolen or lost money or valuable goods. Every adult Guest travelling with a minor uest, shall be responsible for the conduct of such minor guest. The adult Guest shall indemnify the hotel in respect of all liabilities and amounts payable in respect of such minor Guest in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. If before the departure, the organisation of Pesach at Bon Hotel, and/or the Bon Hotel Riviera on Vaal decide to cancel purely and simply the stay for unintentional reasons, the total of the amounts paid will be reimbursed with no other indemnity or compensation.
The Pesach Retreat acts only as agents for the various companies or contractors providing accommodations and other services. All arrangements for any transportation are the sole responsibility of the guest. Participation in the programme shall be deemed to be consent to the further conditions that The Pesach Retreat shall not be held responsible in any way for injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, theft or irregularity as a result of the acts or defaults of the hotel owner and/or proprietor or its agents, servants, employees, food purveyor, or any personnel in connection therewith. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the guests. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the programme at any time. Kashrut Supervision is provided only during our Pesach Programme stay.
Cancellation policy: Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. If a cancellation is made less than 30 days prior to arrival no refund will be given. Cancellations made 31-59 days prior to arrival will receive a 50% refund. If a cancellation is made more than 60 days before your arrival date a full refund will be issued. Cancellations must be made by calling or emailing our office directly.
Q: Can you provide a map, directing me to the hotel?
A: Getting to the hotel is fairly simple. Please follow the Google Map or print the directions from below.
Directions
FROM JOHANNESBURG:
From JNB Intl: Take the R24 to Johannesburg (keep right).
(From Johannesburg, drive in direction of airport)
At the N3 intersection keep left and follow the N3 to Durban/Kimberley.
At the N3/M2 intersection keep right, following the N3 to Durban/Kimberley.
At N3/N12 intersection keep right into N12 following N12 to Bloemfontein, Vereeniging & Kimberley.
At N12/R59 intersection keep left onto R59 following R59 to Johannesburg, Alberton (south) and Vereeniging.
Keep left on R59 south to Alberton/Vereeniging.
Drive approx. 50 Km's and take the Voortrekker St off-ramp in Vereeniging.
Go through 3 traffic lights. At the 4th traffic light, after passing under a railway bridge, turn left into De Villiers Ave.
Follow the road to the next traffic light.
At this traffic light turn left and go under the subway bridge.
At the next traffic light turn right into Mario Milani Drive.
BON Hotel Riviera on Vaal will be on your left hand side.
Organizers Contact Info
Batya Kievman
+27-72-801-7491
[email protected]
Rabbi Ari Kievman
[email protected]
SA+27(0)79 434 1293
USA+1 347 724 9955
Hotel Info
Phone: +27(0)16 420 1300
Address: Mario Milani Drive, Vereeniging, 1930
Gauteng, South Africa
