It’s been 23 years since Sun International first threw open the doors to GrandWest's Grand Hotel, the hugely popular overnight option at the heart of Cape Town’s largest casino and leisure complex.
That meant it was time for an upgrade, and Sun International recently unveiled a major overhaul – and R133-million upgrade – of this popular resort-style property set just 20 minutes from the centre of Cape Town.
The heart of the reinvention is a brand-new three-story extension to the hotel, which has added 68 rooms to take the property to a total of 103 rooms and suites; more than doubling the size of the original hotel.
‘To respect the existing architectural style the design was based on developing two identical three-story wings,’ explains Peter Stokes, partner at dhk Architects, adding: ‘[These were] positioned symmetrically on either side of the existing entrance and Porte Cochere, which we left largely unchanged, to form an appropriately proportioned entrance court consistent with the period architecture.’
The upgrade includes the addition of new presidential suites, standard suites, double and twin rooms, as well as inter-leading family rooms. The southern wing also now offers a gym, spa and swimming pool to complement the landscaped gardens and wetlands that surround the hotel and entertainment facilities.
Not that most punters come here for the great outdoors, of course.
GrandWest is most famous for its concert arena – recently hosting everyone from Dave Matthews to Trevor Noah – and the vast casino floors. But it’s also a firmly family-focused destination for locals and tourists, hosting the only permanent ice rink in Cape Town alongside a host of restaurants and kid-friendly attractions.
Indoors, the new-look hotel takes a modern approach to celebrating Cape heritage, with neoclassical styling offset by vibrant Cape-inspired colours.
'We wanted to respect the heritage and the old maritime theme that is continued throughout GrandWest,’ says Lisa Bridgeford, head of interior design at dhk. ‘But we also wanted to bring in crisp new colours that honour the landscape of the Western Cape region, such as deep burgundy which reflects vineyards and red wine.
That celebration of local colour extends to the artwork, with both local flora-inspired works alongside a remarkable collection of District Six imagery by celebrated photographer Cloete Breytenbach.
Whether you come for the gaming, the skating or the bright lights of this buzzy entertainment complex, GrandWest just got a whole lot grander.