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The expression “a leopard never changes its spots” can be a death knell for the hospitality industry.
In a city that depends on tourism, change is never permanent. It determines whether an establishment remains open for the foreseeable future. No other hotel has embraced change quite like The President.
One of the Mother City’s independently owned hotels has redefined change over and over again. The luxury resort-style residence features prominently on the Atlantic Seaboard; its white multi-storied building commands the Bantry Bay escarpment.
Yes, the views from the hotel deck are breathtaking. The decor is equally impressive, but how a hotel managed to reach its 260-year milestone is etched in the people who have made it home for thousands of guests.
260 years in existence. Now that’s worth celebrating. And celebrate, The President did. On a balmy Tuesday evening, as the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean, MC Rachel Kolisi honoured the auspicious occasion with a toast to 260 years in the business. The Barracudas performed a sunset swim. A seasonal harvest table fed guests while DJ Ra provided the music and vibes.
According to Hospitality Net, Cape Town’s hospitality boom has reinforced the city’s status as one of Africa’s premier tourism and investment destinations. In June this year, we hosted the Hotel and Hospitality Expo Africa.
The industry employs more than 100,000 employees and generated R24,5 billion in direct tourism spend last year.
“Travellers today are more discerning than ever before. Increasingly, visitors are choosing places that demonstrate care for people, communities and the planet,” the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said in his opening address.
Watch this space
The President’s success is built on the ethos that its staff are integral to ensuring everyone who walks through its doors gets five-star treatment. And hotel GM Nikki Vardan emphasises this approach.
Speaking with Time Out, Nikki said, “The thing that makes The President special is definitely its people. We have a team with the biggest hearts for hospitality, and when we recruit team members, that’s the one thing we do focus on.”
Nikki is equally excited about the hotel’s upcoming projects. During the ceremony, she mentioned that The President has collaborated with local fashion designer Sindiso Khumalo to launch Souvenir. The capsule clothing collection draws inspiration from the historic botanical gardens of Botany Bay, Bantry Bay’s original name.
Most notably, the hotel has introduced newly designed suites just in time for peak season, as part of a property-wide upgrade. And it isn’t stopping there. Nikki says over the next several years, the entire property will undergo an extensive renovation.
This comes following an extensive renovation of the outdoor pool and social hub. Reimagined by landscape designer Josephine Noyce, the space integrates flowing curves, sunken lounges, and raised platforms.
The President connection
The President’s story is one steeped in heritage, history and pride. For 120 years, the hotel called the Bantry Bay site home. It was once called Society House.
In 1998, President Nelson Mandela officially opened the newly rebuilt, 351-room hotel. Construction commenced in August 1996, taking 18 months to complete.
Today, The President is South Africa’s largest independent hotel, which puts its guests at the centre of every experience. And that, right there, is the reason why it’s managed to sustain 260 years in the business.
More info:
- Address: 4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay
- Rates starting at R4,000 per night per person sharing
- Visit The President’s website for more details
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