Nearly three decades after it was officially opened by former president Nelson Mandela, Cape Town’s iconic Table Bay hotel is entering a new chapter with the unveiling of its latest transformation and new birth as the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town.
The hotel has become a landmark in the city since Mandela opened it on May 30, 1997, recognized for its distinctive architecture, luxury hospitality and prominent position overlooking Table Mountain, Table Bay, Robben Island and the V&A Waterfront.
Glitz, glamour and all things African set the tone as the newly reimagined InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town was officially unveiled at the V&A Waterfront.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, joined tourism leaders, hospitality executives and invited guests for the grand opening.
Situated in the heart of the Waterfront, the property is Cape Town’s first InterContinental hotel and forms part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global luxury portfolio
Its redevelopment took 18 months and cost more than 1 billion rands, with the project aimed at modernising the hotel while protecting the character and heritage that have defined it for generations.
The redesigned hotel now has 306 rooms, including 40 suites.
Before the redevelopment, it had 329 rooms, of which only 18 were suites.
The transformation also includes a new reception area, upgraded public and event spaces, a spa, fitness centre, elevated pool terrace and the exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge.
The celebration, titled The Art of Arrival, showcased a blend of African culture, fashion, music and contemporary hospitality while marking the beginning of a new era for one of South Africa’s most recognisable hotels.
Guests were taken on a carefully curated journey through the hotel’s heritage and new identity, with theatrical moments inspired by Cape Town’s natural beauty.
One of the experiences recreated the sensation of walking through the famous cloud cover over Table Mountain, while a specially designed travel dossier guided guests through the stories, craftsmanship and details behind the hotel’s transformation.
V&A Waterfront chief executive Graham Wood said the redevelopment strengthened Cape Town’s position as a leading international destination.
“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,” Wood said.
IHG Hotels & Resorts managing director for India, the Middle East and Africa, Haitham Mattar, said the opening was an important milestone in the group’s expansion across Africa.
He said the hotel’s rich heritage, location and hospitality offering positioned it to welcome both international and domestic travellers.
Sun International chief executive Ulrik Bengtsson said the transformation was made possible through a shared vision and partnership between Sun International, IHG Hotels & Resorts and the V&A Waterfront.
He said the partners had reimagined one of South Africa’s most iconic hotels while preserving the warmth, authenticity and service excellence for which it had become known.
General manager Joanne Selby said the redevelopment had been about more than transforming a building.
“It has been about honouring the legacy of an iconic hotel while creating experiences that feel contemporary, personal and distinctly InterContinental,” Selby said.
The hotel’s new dining offering includes Flint & Fennel, its signature restaurant, as well as Le Bistrot de JAN, which brings Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s French bistro concept to Cape Town.
The Botanist’s Table offers cocktails inspired by the Cape’s botanical heritage, while Solandra provides poolside dining and views across the Granger Bay precinct.
African identity remained at the centre of the opening, with the hotel’s interiors and launch experience drawing inspiration from the meeting of mountain, ocean and city.
The property remains owned by the V&A Waterfront and is operated by Sun International under the InterContinental brand.