Nearly a century after its original construction, The Winchester Hotel reopened its doors to the public following an extensive R90-million renovation.

• Previously known as The Winchester Mansions, the hotel reopened under the expert management of Newmark Hotels, Reserves, Lodges, and Residences.
• In a travel world measured by ‘Instagramability’, The Winchester Hotel certainly does not fall short.
• The Winchester Hotel maintains its timeless charm while catering to the needs of modern travellers.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

With the arrival of the warmer months, Cape Town, South Africa’s most cherished destination, welcomes both local and international travellers again. Voted the Greatest City on Earth in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards, Cape Town offers everything from fine dining establishments to luxurious accommodation.

Eager to unveil the city’s essential attractions, The Sandton Times undertook an insightful journey, made seamlessly possible by LIFT airlines, renowned for offering up to 10 flights daily to the Mother City. This exceptional frequency, coupled with unparalleled flexibility and onboard service, provided us the golden opportunity to embark on an exploration that promised to unfurl the vibrant tapestry of Cape Town’s allure.

Perched along Cape Town’s picturesque Sea Point promenade, The Winchester Hotel, a much-loved seafront hotel, has undergone a remarkable transformation, poised to reaffirm its status as one of Cape Town’s most sought-after addresses.

Mardré Meyer, Creative Director at SOURCE Interior Architecture, masterminded the refurbishment and rebranding process, aiming to create a more contemporary experience that aligns with the desires of today’s global traveller while respecting the building’s heritage.

Upon entering the hotel, we were greeted by a sleek steel and glass roof, a striking replacement for the vintage canvas awning. Inside, the public spaces exude elegance, boasting an eye-catching monochromatic color scheme with richly-detailed black-and-white tiles, enhanced by signature chandeliers and pops of color that pay homage to the hotel’s history.

The iconic central courtyard has undergone a rejuvenation with new tiling, landscaping, and a refreshed signature fountain whilst retaining the decades old bougainvillea creepers which make the courtyard so iconic. The Constance Room, a boutique conferencing facility, overlooks the revamped pool terrace adorned with bold black-and-white striped sun loungers and new landscaping, and whilst a bit nippy to swim in during the winter months, summer tourists will certainly make the best of a refreshing dip.

The refurbishment also enhanced the sea-facing rooms’ views across the Atlantic Ocean to Robben Island. To capitalize on these breath-taking vistas, the sought-after rooms have been reconfigured into spacious sea-facing suites, including a signature Executive Suite with a private ocean-facing terrace. Selected Loft Suites now feature private balconies overlooking the scenic Sea Point promenade.

The dining experience at The Winchester Hotel is also memorable. While retaining the hotel’s charm, the dining destination appeals not only to hotel residents but also to local Sea Point residents and visitors from across Cape Town. Cooking with charcoal, wood, and open flame forms the foundation of the contemporary menu, bringing out the best flavors in dishes. With a great buffet and a la carte breakfast offering, the hotel stay has a great start to the morning, every day.

Harvey’s Bar, a beloved feature of the hotel, has undergone updates for a more contemporary bar experience. However, the iconic streetside terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town’s renowned seafront Promenade remains unchanged, maintaining its allure for patrons.

This reinvention of The Winchester Hotel artfully blends its timeless character with modern amenities and experiences, appealing to contemporary travellers seeking a perfect fusion of tradition and luxury. As this Cape icon re-emerges for a new era of global travel, it stands proudly as a testament to the enduring allure of South Africa’s enchanting Cape Town.

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