InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town recently celebrated the official grand opening of its reimagined landmark hotel with an evening of elegance, culture and discovery. Aptly titled The Art of Arrival, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for one of South Africa’s most iconic hotels.
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Situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town is the city’s first InterContinental hotel and a distinguished addition to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global luxury portfolio.
Following a R1 billion redevelopment spanning 18 months, the landmark has been thoughtfully transformed while preserving the timeless character that has defined it for generations.
The redevelopment introduces a contemporary expression of luxury inspired by the meeting of ocean, mountain and city, creating interiors that feel unmistakably Cape Town while remaining true to the timeless elegance synonymous with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel now offers 306 beautifully appointed guestrooms, including 40 suites, each thoughtfully designed to maximise natural light, panoramic views and residential comfort. Club InterContinental provides an elevated experience with exclusive lounge access, personalised service and spectacular waterfront vistas.
Enhancing every stay are a state-of-the-art Fitness Studio, SPA InterContinental, an elevated pool terrace, beautifully reimagined public spaces and a refined collection of restaurants and bars.
Exceptional hospitality, unrivalled setting
At the opening event, guests were immersed in a carefully curated journey through the hotel’s rich heritage and inspired new identity, experiencing theatrical moments that celebrated Cape Town’s extraordinary natural beauty, including the sensation of walking through Table Mountain’s iconic cloud cover. A beautifully crafted travel dossier guided guests through the evening, revealing the stories, craftsmanship and thoughtful details behind the hotel’s transformation.
Originally opened by President Nelson Mandela in 1997, the hotel has long held a special place in the city’s history, renowned for its exceptional hospitality and unrivalled setting overlooking Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Table Bay and Robben Island.
As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, guests enjoy access to IHG One Rewards, connecting them to more than 160 million members across over 7,000 hotels in more than 100 countries.
World class hospitality – Commentary
Graham Wood, Chief Executive Officer, V&A Waterfront shared that, “The V&A Waterfront has always been about creating extraordinary experiences in one of the world’s most remarkable settings. 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.”
Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Haitham Mattar, said that, “The opening of InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town marks an important milestone as we continue to expand our luxury portfolio across the region. Bringing one of South Africa’s most iconic hotels under the InterContinental brand reflects our commitment to investing in exceptional destinations and strengthening our presence across Africa.
“With its rich heritage, world class location and outstanding hospitality, the hotel is perfectly positioned to welcome both international and domestic travellers while delivering the elevated experiences our guests expect from InterContinental.”
Other commentary came from Amith Khanna, Head of Franchise, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts: “Every InterContinental hotel is shaped by its destination, and InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town is no exception. From its thoughtfully reimagined interiors to its intuitive service and exceptional culinary offering, the hotel delivers the meaningful luxury experiences that today’s global traveller seeks.”
Ulrik Bengtsson, Chief Executive Officer of Sun International said: “This transformation reflects what can be achieved through a shared vision and strong partnership. Together with IHG Hotels & Resorts and the V&A Waterfront, we have reimagined one of South Africa’s most iconic hotels while preserving the warmth, authenticity and service excellence that have defined it for nearly three decades.”
General Manager Joanne Selby concluded: “This has never been simply about transforming a building. It has been about honouring the legacy of an iconic hotel while creating experiences that feel contemporary, personal and distinctly InterContinental. Although our surroundings have been beautifully reimagined, what remains unchanged is the genuine care of our people, whose warmth and intuitive hospitality continue to define every guest stay.”
A dining destination
At the heart of the hotel’s dining experience is Flint & Fennel, the signature restaurant celebrating seasonal cuisine, refined all-day dining and a distinctive afternoon tea inspired by the richness of the Cape.
Alongside it, Le Bistrot de JAN brings Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s celebrated French bistro concept to Cape Town, while The Botanist’s Table offers inventive cocktails inspired by the region’s botanical heritage and Solandra provides a sophisticated poolside setting for relaxed dining and drinks overlooking the Granger Bay Precinct.
Luxury defined by personal connection
Every touchpoint has been designed to deliver personalised luxury through thoughtful service, including Concierge Gallery expertise, Club InterContinental privileges, Planet Trekkers experiences and seamless access to the V&A Waterfront.
Sun International continues to operate the hotel on behalf of the V&A Waterfront.
