Landmarks in their own right, South Africa’s most recognisable hotels are a mix of living history and architectural brilliance. Here are 5 of our favourite iconic hotels.
To choose the five most iconic hotels in South Africa, Getaway polled travel gurus and readers and asked them to nominate those places that have stood the test of time (the Mount Nelson is more than 100 years old and the remaining four are all older than 25). Enduring respect from travellers and locals was also considered, as was architectural significance. The skylines of our cities wouldn’t be the same without each of these grand buildings.
Hotels not in your budget? Get a taste of the high life with these top spots for high tea across South Africa.
Five iconic hotels in South Africa
1. Beacon Island Resort, Plettenberg Bay
Beacon Island Resort in Plettenberg Bay
The setting
A symbol of the Garden Route situated on a rocky headland at the eastern end of Robberg Beach. Surrounded by crashing surf, reef and beach sand, it’s just about a private island of sorts.
The vibe
A relaxed Garden Route rhythm meets luxurious comfort – you can wear flip-flops to breakfast, and dress shoes to dinner. The staff are all smiles, content perhaps in the knowledge they work in one of the finest locations in Africa.
The crowd
You’ll share an elevator with a European tourist in the latest golfing garb, a world-travelling retiree and a glowing local couple on honeymoon.
The rooms
The hotel has 200 rooms. The eight sea-facing suites (each with a separate lounge, dressing room and balcony) feel more private and looking out over Robberg is spectacular. The others feature all the mod cons (air-con, DStv and a small lounge) and look onto the pool.
The food
The in-house restaurants offer a variety of fare, from global gourmet at The Coral Reef, to well-priced steaks, seafood and pizzas at Indigo Bay, and sandwiches and the like at Cafe’ Estoril in the lobby.
Highlights
An unusual combination of idyllic location, extraordinary views and family-friendly holiday ambience.
Need to know
Plett can get rather loud and crowded in season and as the hotel is in the thick of it on the main beach, it’s impossible to escape the hordes. Go midweek in March or April when it’s quieter, but still warm.
Contact
Tel: 044 533 1120
Beacon Island Resort
2. Beverley Hills Hotel, Umhlanga
Beverley Hills Hotel in Umhlanga
The setting
The Bev, as regulars fondly refer to KZN’s first five-star beach hotel, stands like a sensuously curved pink shell above the unspoiled sweep of Umhlanga Beach where Sol ‘Sun King’ Kerzner first sat dreaming of building it.
The vibe
Warm and gracious. Named for Kerzner’s daughter Beverly, it’s celebrating its 50th year. Furnishings have been lavishly updated using generously oversized proportions (you’ll never want to leave the sofas) and historic local photos.
The crowd
Local and international holidaymakers, captains of industry, and a galaxy of stars from Chris Brown to the Springboks and the Kaiser Chiefs.
The rooms
All 88 rooms have sweeping sea views, but most sought after are the deluxe cabana suites beside the pool (request number 10), and two vast presidential suites. Sumptuously furnished, and even subtly fragranced, all rooms offer free Wi-Fi and refreshment facilities.
The food
Dine in the Sugar Club under white orchids and chandeliers and feast on duck breast with berry compote or a custom-created vegetarian platter (order ahead). Chic Elements Cafe’ Bar offers lighter fare, from fishcakes to pizzas; halfportions are available, as is Moёt by the glass.
Highlights
Breakfast on The Bev’s famous home-made muesli with fresh berries on the pool terrace, then stroll the secure promenade to Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, stopping to dip and to spot dolphins. Return for a Beverly Hills 90210 cocktail at Elements, and a poolside spa treat.
Need to know
You need a pilot’s licence to operate the sophisticated lighting system in some suites – ask your friendly porter to explain it.
Contact
Tel: 031 561 2211
Beverley Hills Hotel
3. Sandton Sun, Johannesburg
Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg
The setting
Built in 1984, adjacent to Sandton City, it’s been a steadfast silhouette amid perpetual construction in Africa’s economic heart and one of its most affluent districts.
The vibe
Designed in the era of shoulder pads but thoroughly modernised, you still feel the brash opulence of that decade at its core. With gilded fixtures and a conspicuously affluent clientele, this is where the city’s nick-name Egoli (Place of Gold) truly resonates.
The crowd
Foreign and local business people and British Airways flight crews chill on the pool deck, crawl the mall for designer threads or toast successful deals with expensive tipple.
The rooms
There are 334 rooms in six categories, with warm green, golden and wood finishings. All rooms, even the first tier, are decked out with docking stations, Nespresso machines, large desks, king (or twin) beds and complimentary mini-bar.
The food
The restaurant deck is a chic spot for sipping cocktails and people-watching. The food is impeccably presented and thoughtfully paired, like a Waldorf salsa with your pork belly. But it’s a tad pricey.
Highlights
Excellent service and friendly, efficient attention from staff in all areas. Tsogo Sun regulars can check in via the Business Suite. Plus, complimentary shuttle to the Gautrain.
Need to know
The Skywalk bridge gives direct access to the Sandton Convention Centre and The Intercontinental Johannesburg Sandton Towers Hotel, where you can dine in its restaurant but charge it to your room. Guests also get 750 MB complimentary Wi-Fi a day.
Contact
Tel: 011 780 5000
Sandton Sun
4. Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town
The setting
Set in verdant gardens, close enough to Cape Town’s famous Long Street that you feel the city’s edginess, but far enough away so you’re not ‘urban drowning’.
The vibe
It’s never just another day. It’s relaxed and sophisticated but there’s always someone celebrating something intimate and special in the background.
The crowd
Warty foreigners wearing outlandish baggies, local hipsters sipping champers by the glass and elegant old ladies in panama hats having tea.
The rooms
Sumptuously elegant decor meets stupendously king-sized beds and the best block-out curtains you can get in all 198 rooms. Pick a mountain view. Garden cottages are nice for families.
The food
Don’t venture too far. The Planet restaurant is superb and you won’t regret taking the ‘culinary journey’. Alternatively try Chef Pon’s Asian Kitchen (021-465-5846) and Societi Bistro (021-424-2100), both nearby.
Highlights
The classic paintings and prints that grace the corridors – wander the floors and enjoy depictions of the Nellie’s naval heritage, old views of Cape Town, early South Africa and more.
Need to know
The levels of service are superb – if you want to know what real customer service is, drop in for High Tea (R240) and see for yourself. (See our other top spots for high tea across South Africa here.)
Contact
Tel: 021 483 1000
Mount Nelson Hotel
5. Sun City Hotel, Pilanesberg
Sun City Hotel in Pilanesberg
The setting
Just under two hours from Joburg, surrounded by lush bushveld, lined by the beautifully tended Gary Player golf course and built above one of the country’s oldest casino complexes, this is South Africa’s little Las Vegas without the sleaze.
The vibe
The lobby is an explosion of neon noise, jungle decor, dim lights and frenzied fervour as you enter the casino floor. In stark contrast to the hectic interior, a peaceful pool waits outside.
The crowd
Gamblers, golfers and gratification-seekers. The four-star Sun City hotel is for those seeking convenient luxury – bar, casino, pool and lodging, all in one place.
The rooms
Clean, simple and comfortable, the rooms are spacious with a considerable bathroom and an attractive view of the rolling golfing greens through the sliding doors.
The food
Breakfast is served on the patios, which have leafy views. Skip the fast-food courts at the resort and opt for a lunchtime sarmie at the Pool Bar. For dinner, you’ll find affordable Chinese fare such as jasmine-smoked duck pancakes at The Orchid.
Highlights
Swimming in the gorgeous turquoise pool and ordering pina coladas without getting out thanks to the in-water bar stools – see what we mean about convenient luxury?
Need to know
If you’re thinking of bringing the family, keep in mind kids will have to skirt the casino in the lobby, but they’ll have a fabulous day out at the legendary Valley of the Waves, with tubing tunnels, a wave pool and steep slides for daring little adventurers.
Contact
Tel: 011 780 7810
Sun City Hotel
Photos by Jazz Kuschke, Glynis Horning, Kate Ferreira, Cameron Ewart-Smith and Melanie van Zyl. This story first appeared in the April 2014 issue of Getaway Magazine.
