A place to stay

Finding a place to stay while still paying in South African Rand is difficult. The exchange rate means accommodations at $200 per night adds up to R1400+ per night. If you have to wait for a week or more to find a place, it can cost you up to R10 000. The fact of the matter is that you will have to stay somewhere.

There are a few options. Without being area specific I would like to give you a few pointers. Driving round in Melbourne, we came across a lot of Motels and furnished apartments. That could be your starting point. Motels range from $95 per night up to $500 per night. If you do not have an idea where you will be living, make sure that you rather go for cheaper accommodation outside the city centre. You may find cheap accommodation in the centre of town but have a think about parking etc.

We are living in the eastern suburbs about 15 - 20 minutes by car to the city, and most of the Northern suburb areas. There are a lot of Motels in the area. Thanks to Google, you can find a lot of listed Motels or Motor Inns. Research the accommodation and area with Google Earth if you are not sure. If you choose the Eastern suburb Motels you will find you will get value for your money. Do not expect five star luxury. It is a comfortable place to sleep, not a resort. When you have decided on your accommodation try and negotiate long stay rates. If it is out of school holidays you will get good rates.

Do not book your first night at the Motel. The long flight, the unknown and trying to find your place can be daunting. Try and sleep near the airport on the first night. It will make it easier to have a rest and then move to your temporary accommodation the next day. You can have your breakfast and do not have to buy groceries to carry around all day.

You can also have a look at furnished apartments, there are an array of them and also will provide good value for money. We found them more expensive than Motor Inns. Some people try to find a holiday home to rent, that can be less expensive if there is out of season.

Research is the best weapon. One tends to think that if a place is cheap it is not of very high standard. Most of the accommodation in the Eastern Suburbs are of very high standard, where you get what you pay for. A clean room, bedding etc. When you negotiate with the place, find out as much as you can. Look at the photos and ask for references from previous guest. I would not worry too much about the standard and the choice in the area, because it will only be temporary.

You can also contact me if you need someone to inspect it for you. I am in the process to negotiate a good rate etc with a few of the places and will publish it as soon as I have more info.