Cape Town - Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront will soon boast Africa’s first Radisson Red hotel. The hotel, which is expected to be opened later this year, will employ more than 100 people.
The development has been described as a welcome boost for the city’s job creation goals.
The Radisson Red hotel, part of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, is a unique structure inspired by art, music and fashion.
Curator Dale Simpson said the hotel would shake South Africa’s hospitality industry with its bold new philosophy.
Simpson said it would offer an exuberant and unique take on modern hospitality.
“We are excited to be situated in the wonderful city of Cape Town,” he said.
“As we build towards developing in September, we will very much engage with the local talent in Cape Town.”
Simpson said the hotel was built following studies which showed that travellers were looking for quality and genuine experiences.
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He said the desire to just see the big ticket items when visiting a destination was no longer the main attraction.
“Travellers want to explore the destination from a lifestyle point of view, they want to know where the best coffee is served, where the local food markets operate and where the most exciting restaurants in the neighbourhood are.
”The drive of localisation continues. At Radisson Red, we look forward to sharing all our knowledge and foraging all of our areas to offer guests that genuine quality experience in Cape Town.”
Simpson said the V&A Waterfront, together with leading architects, had transformed six grain silos into modern sustainable spaces.
“Radisson Red embraces freedom, flexibility, fun and will bring these elements to life through a whole new type of guest experience.
“We’re a city hotel for an ageless expressive crown, and by occupying Silo Six, we’re right in the heart of the bustling Waterfront, amidst the city’s vibrant nightlife, only 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport,and all the while boasting Instagram-worthy harbour and mountain views.”
He said the V&A development followed successful launches in Brussels and Minneapolis, with Campinas and Glasgow also expected to follow suit.
He said that adding to the buzz would be the highly-anticipated Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz Mocca), set to open in September.
“Art is always at the heart of Red and our dynamic design is both inspiring and functional.
"So it makes sense that we’d be neighbouring the world’s largest museum dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.”
Simpson added however, that beyond the hotel’s dynamic location that would prove attractive to guests, the hotel would also boast trends and lifestyle of the ageless millennial, tapping into modern, high-tech travellers.
“In addition to our 252 contemporary rooms and fully equipped gym, the hotel will house four events and games studios for up to 90 guests, ideal for hosting high-octane meetings and social occasions.
It probably goes without saying, but guests will be able to access super-fast free wi-fi and 24/7 entertainment tech throughout the property.
Additional good news for all animal-lovers is that all "fur babies" of 8kg or under are welcome to stay at the hotel too.”