One of Cape Town's most recognisable luxury hotels has officially reopened following an 18-month, R1 billion redevelopment, marking a new chapter for the former Table Bay Hotel as it joins the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Located at the V&A Waterfront, the iconic hotel officially celebrated its reopening on Wednesday, August 5, after reimagining the property and preserving the heritage of the hotel first opened by former President Nelson Mandela in 1997.
Luxury rooms, suites and upgraded guest experiences
The hotel now offers 306 guestrooms, including 40 suites, alongside a new Club InterContinental lounge, spa, fitness studio, pool terrace and refreshed public spaces inspired by Table Mountain, the ocean and city landscapes.
"The V&A Waterfront has always been about creating extraordinary experiences in one of the world's most remarkable settings," said Graham Wood, chief executive officer of the V&A Waterfront.
"The transformation of InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town reinforces our commitment to investing in world-class hospitality and further strengthens Cape Town's position as a leading global destination."
A new era for IHG Hotels & Resorts and Table Bay Hotel
The reopening also marks an expansion of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury presence in Africa, as it continues to expand its luxury portfolio across the region, said Haitham Mattar, managing director for India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
"Bringing one of South Africa's most iconic hotels under the InterContinental brand reflects our commitment to investing in exceptional destinations and strengthening our presence across Africa."
Guests can expect a refreshed culinary offering, including signature restaurant Flint & Fennel, Le Bistrot de JAN by Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, The Botanist's Table cocktail bar and the poolside venue Solandra.
Preserving the legacy of the original Table Bay Hotel
For General Manager Joanne Selby, the redevelopment was about more than updating the building.
"This has never been simply about transforming a building. It has been about honouring the legacy of an iconic hotel while creating experiences that feel contemporary, personal and distinctly InterContinental," she said.
"Although our surroundings have been beautifully reimagined, what remains unchanged is the genuine care of our people, whose warmth and intuitive hospitality continue to define every guest stay."
Some of the hotel's iconic fixtures remain, including Oscar the Seal, the Table Bay's mascot statue, which has returned to its spot; the hotel's exterior; and the walkway along the historic breakwater wall.
Ms Selby previously told Capetowner that Table Bay Hotel's valuable artwork, furniture, and some pieces from before the refurbishment were redistributed among Sun International's other properties. “It may be a shiny new jewel, but key elements were preserved. The most precious of these is our team. All staff have been retained, and we look forward to delivering elevated hospitality with the familiar faces our guests know,” she added.
Sun International continues to operate the hotel on behalf of the V&A Waterfront. Additional information by Tamlynne Thompson.
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