14 May 2010
Hospitality group Newmark has acquired sought-after space within Cape Town’s world-famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to launch a new five-star luxury hotel, The Queen Victoria.
Opening in March 2011, this small luxury hotel will be located at what was until recently the management offices of the V&A Waterfront Company. Newmark will transform these current administration offices into a “super luxurious city haven” at a cost of R56-million.
Top global destination
“We are fortunate to have acquired a long lease agreement from the V&A Waterfront management for the QV development,” Newmark MD Neil Markovitz said in a statement last week.
“Together with our Victoria & Alfred Hotel and Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa assets, our third hotel offering within the Waterfront precinct now cements our interests and commitment to this top global destination.”
The Queen Victoria will offer 38 rooms and suites including an expansive penthouse suite overlooking Cape Town’s picturesque harbour. A 30-seater restaurant offering elegant dining as well as a stylish bar will both also offer bay views.
Peerutin Architects and Francois Du Plessis Interiors are tasked with creating an ambience that is contemporary and exudes an air of pure style and panache, in keeping with the world’s most refined boutique hotel properties.
Across the courtyard from Dock House, guests at The Queen Victoria will have use of the Elements Spa @ Dock House as well as its designer pool and spacious gardens overlooking the harbour.
Attracting corporate trend-setters
At the same time, Newmark has acquired a 30% stake in the art deco-styled La Splendida Hotel located in Mouille Point for R28-million. It also has a management contract to operate the hotel from 1 June onwards.
The iconic hotel on Cape Town’s “platinum mile” currently offers 24 rooms and suites, as well as the popular Cafe Splendida restaurant. An initial upgrade project of R4-million has been allocated to transform the property into a “funky yet functional” destination.
“The new La Spendida will be an affordable-chic hotel and hip restaurant that will appeal to South Africa’s corporate trend-setters and the lucrative film production industry,” said Newmark Hotels’ operations director, Andy Nold. “She’s going to be a great asset to Cape Town.”
Newmark, a management and marketing hospitality company, also operates the recently re-styled Ambassador Hotel in Bantry Bay, which includes the popular Salt Restaurant & Bar and the new Salt Deli & Vodka Bar.
SAinfo reporter
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