At Aerotel we say crew, not staff. A small team looks after the two Boeing aircraft, the pool, the kitchen and the front desk, and most guests end up knowing everyone by first name before they leave. Here is who you will meet, and who you will hear from before you arrive.
Your ground crew
Aerotel is a small, owner-run aircraft hotel in Hoedspruit, so there is no anonymous call centre between you and the people who run the place. Whether you phone, WhatsApp or email, you reach the same short list of people.
Mike Lawrie, captain
Mike owns Aerotel and sets the direction for everything from how the Boeing 737 cabins are laid out to how the Runway restaurant is run. He also builds websites for safari and tourism businesses, which is why Aerotel pays unusual attention to being easy to find and easy to book. You can read more about Mike.
Nesta, operations manager
Nesta runs daily operations: housekeeping, getting every cabin ready before check-in, and making sure the details are right. If a cabin is spotless and the air-con is already on when you walk in, that is Nesta's department.
Betty, reservations manager
Betty looks after reservations and is usually your first point of contact. She answers questions about the aircraft, checks availability, and helps you fit Aerotel into a wider trip. If you want to know which cabin suits your group, ask her.
Selby, reception
Selby welcomes you at reception when you arrive and is the person to ask about check-in, directions and anything you need during your stay.
What the crew will help you with
- Choosing an aircraft. The Boeing 737-200 has private cabins for couples and small groups. The Boeing 727-100 Presidential Jet can be booked for exclusive use by 4 to 6 guests, which suits families. See our cabins and rates.
- Planning Kruger. Orpen Gate is about an hour away (64 km). The crew can point you to game drives, Panorama Route tours and other activities. Our 3-day safari weekend itinerary shows how a trip can fit together.
- Eating well. The Runway restaurant is open seven days a week from 07:00 to 20:00 for hotel guests and the public, and walk-ins are welcome.
- Bringing the family. Children of all ages are welcome. Tell us who is travelling and we will help you choose the right cabin.
What guests say about the crew
Guests mention the staff more than almost anything else in their reviews. On Tripadvisor, Aerotel is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 27 reviews. A few of their words:
"The planes are tastefully and creatively designed. The staff were amazing."
K5092CDpetere, Tripadvisor, June 2026
"A night on the Presidential 727, cared for by superb staff could not have been bettered."
PaulLondon1, London, Tripadvisor, March 2026
"I really liked the ambiance of the hotel. The staff was cooperative."
Muhammad Ovais Fazal, Karachi, Tripadvisor, July 2026
You can read every review on our Tripadvisor page.
Say hello before you arrive
The quickest way to meet the crew is to message them. Call +27 87 655 6737, WhatsApp us, or email reservations@aerotel.co.za, or use the contact page. When you are ready, check availability for your dates.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Aerotel Hoedspruit?
Aerotel is owner-run by Mike Lawrie, with a small team covering operations, reservations and guest experience.
How do I contact the Aerotel team?
Phone +27 87 655 6737, WhatsApp, or email reservations@aerotel.co.za. The contact page lists the full details.
Are children welcome at Aerotel?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome.
Can the public eat at the Runway restaurant?
Yes. It is open to hotel guests and the public every day from 07:00 to 20:00, and walk-ins are welcome.
