When it comes to holidays and occasional travel, the City Lodge Group not only compete with other hotel chains and Airbnb – they compete with the homes

of friends and family.

The truth is, in tight-fisted economic times, many of us end up choosing the “free” option.

But how free is it really? Finances aside, there are some undeniable emotional and (sometimes) physical costs to staying with the people you love. Looking after your aging, haggard childhood pets, the constant, unrequited company – too much information about your parents’ sexual renaissance.

When you weigh up the real cost of staying with the family, staying at a City Lodge hotel is better than free, actually.

Cape Town is a gorgeous coastal city on the west coast of South Africa, known for its natural beauty and chilled vibes.

VO 1: So, you’re heading home to Cape Town for the holidays.

You get to see Maggie.

Chorus: And it’s free!

VO 1: Yes, Maggie. Your deaf, cataracty Maltese poodle with renal failure and her own miniature dialysis machine.

Chorus: You get to stay for free!

VO1: You get to stay in your old room.

Chorus: For free!

VO 1: The room that seems to bear the brunt of Maggie’s incurable irritable bowel syndrome.

Chorus: Scoop-a-da-poop, it’s free!

VO 1: Well, there’s always the guestroom… now known as the Pleasure Cave, after your parents’ tantric sex workshop with a kaftan-clad hippy named Jill.

Chorus: Namaste for free!

VO 1: What about your uncle? Your uncle Gavin, who insists you call him Uncy Gavvy. Like you used to. When you were four.

Chorus: Deal with Gavvy, ‘cause it’s for free!

VO 1: Just stay at Town Lodge. A room with a door that locks, from only 680 per night. It’s better than free, actually.

Chorus: Less dodgy, more lodgy!