A Close Look at Sun International and the new Sun Venture

Sun International is one of the largest gaming groups in Africa and since its conception it has grown so much so that it reached the stock exchange many years ago. Sol Kerzner was the pioneer and the group has had its ups and downs but in the long run it has always been known for its tremendous gaming facilities as well as the entertainment for the entire family. The luxury hotels and the incredible food and beverage section is what has interested me the most but as time has gone by disappointment seems to be the flavour of the day. I think that Tsogo has a share in Sun International and it shows a little within the group as there are many changes that have the Tsogo stamp on it. Each place that I have been to recently appears to be trying to save desperately on food costs, maintenance and housekeeping which has jeopardised the group because people are still paying the prices for accommodation and food but are getting way less for their money. I have done a review on the group in general and it started with the WILD Coast Sun which has had a renovation in some parts, giving the rooms an uplift and the Water World is something to take the kids to explore but for adult entertainment it appears to be a little poor with gaming that has never been updated and food and beverage departments that have become a complete let down. Sun City was once my favourite place to be and it is still lovely to go to because you do feel as though you have escaped to another place entirely but if you are looking for a great place to eat then this entire complex is a no go because each and every place that I reviewed came up with disappointment. Perhaps conferencing might be the option as they seem to have expanded their interests in that sector with a large facility for it but for the holiday maker wanting to take their family out for a good meal, it is best to book into the timeshare and either cook your own foods or have a braai because that would be the most satisfying taste experience you will get to have there. Gaming at the complex is terrible because there is not many options and you have to play an entire week before you are able to walk away with your money back or less. I think that they could do with an upgrade in that area and if you are not into gambling then other adult entertainment includes a karaoke and pool bar, nightclub and a Review Bar for adult male entertainment. The complex has a cinema and the New "Hall of Fame" which has an entrance fee of R100 per adult and I cannot understand why anyone would want to pay that to go through this room lacking something. Times Square is a new and happening casino which is a must do for the gambler because they have the latest gaming technology with 3D Game of Thrones as well as many other options that are new and fresh. The complex does not have too much to offer in food and beverage but they are still in the process of building and I think this one might be an asset to the group. Carnival City is a little dull and the casino floor is huge with a great atmosphere but good luck in getting into the hotel because it is always fully booked. On the whole Sun International has gone down and if food is what you are looking for as an experience on your holiday then you will be highly disappointed and you will also see the embarrassingly obvious food cost savings that are angering many an old patron. MVG specials have become a little silly and it is not worth being an MVG unless you have a discounted room but once they lure you in, there is absolutely nothing but disappointment coming your way. Hopefully Sun International will rise again and their cost cutting days will not last too long but in the meantime I have left the building and I am now exploring places like Emperors Palace and Monte Casino as they have improved their standards as well as given the public numerous options for places to eat and their accommodation seems to have a close to top star quality.

Take a look at the reviews on the restaurants at the Sun International resorts.

Tribes Restaurant Emperors Palace Casino

I was told that this is one of the best places to go to by a number of people and I decided to give it a try.
The host was friendly and she seated us in the outside area because the inside, although lovely with the décor that is warm and welcoming was a bit too noisy.
Obviously steaks are recommended and I went for a rump steak rare with a blue cheese sauce. One of the other meals ordered was a T. bone steak and a Sirloin both done medium rare.
We were not told what goes with the steaks and we were also not asked how we would like the steaks cooked which is a little unnerving when you are ordering in a steakhouse.
The music was at a decent level and our waitress was a little slow with bringing and offering drinks as well as informing us about the meals.  My food arrived cold and the steak was not cooked the way that I asked for it, it was medium rare and cold along with the vegetables which were also cold, almost s if they had just been taken out of a fridge.  The blue cheese sauce was thick and obviously had not been warmed enough as chunky flour was all that I could taste.
I naturally sent my food back and a few minutes later a chef came out to inform me that firstly; a rare steak cannot be served warm and secondly; he checked the steak and it was perfectly rare. Thirdly; he said that he would give me another steak but there was nothing wrong with the first meal that was sent.  I then told him to forget about the meal as I was no longer interested in having it. The T.bone was tough and full of sinew and the Sirloin was actually a rump steak also not medium rare but rare.
Another plate of food came out to me but I told the waitress to tell the chef that he could shove it as he had such a bad and aggressive attitude without knowing his product.
The manager then came out to apologise for the chef and the steak but by then our party were ready to leave and had no interest in staying there.
I thought the host was friendly and seated us quickly, the cleanliness of the restaurant was not great and the service was bad.
The chef needs some training as well as the waitress and as for the management, well unfortunately if you do not know how to solve a problem then this business will eat you alive.
The venue itself is a great concept and the menu has an interesting variety with prices that are not too bad but I would not recommend this one.