Press Press Releases - 2011 Protea Hotels Refurbishment Programme
Protea Hotels Refurbishment Programme |
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The Protea Hospitality Group and its respective hotel owner partners are in the midst of the largest refurbishment programme ever undertaken across its network in South Africa and in Zambia. Africa’s largest and leading hotel group, which includes more than 120 hotels in eight African countries, has approximately 90 properties in South Africa ranging from mid-up market to the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels collection. Protea Hospitality Group CEO Arthur Gillis says the upgrade programme reflects not only the need to stay current in a competitive market, but also confidence in South Africa as regional travel hub. “The modern traveller, be it for business or pleasure, rightly has exacting expectations and we are committed to ensuring that our GUESTS enjoy outstanding service and comfort in modern and fresh hotels. And while the industry as a whole has experienced difficult trading conditions due to the global recession, we are seeing positive signs of increased activity across our network, particularly in the corporate and conferencing market.” Twelve Protea Hotels – five in the Western Cape, three in KwaZulu Natal, two in Gauteng, one in the Eastern Cape and one in Zambia – have recently completed refurbishments or are in the midst of them this year. Two of the most ambitious refurbishments are the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge in Cape Town and the Protea Hotel Marine in Port Elizabeth at costs of R50m and R30m respectively. While the Protea Hotel Marine has been completed in a classic palette of neutrals and dark mahogany, work on the Protea Hotel Breakwater Lodge in the historic former prison in the world-renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is likely to take several more months. At the urban chic Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town, 12 new semi self-catering loft-style executive suites have been added, as well as a spa. Another stylish addition to the Protea Hospitality Group is the Southern Belle, a luxurious floating hotel and conference centre on Lake Kariba in Zambia. The steamboat-styled ship underwent extensive refurbishment last year and now features 22 luxurious en-suite cabins that have remained sympathetic to the classic design elements. The Protea Hotel Southern Belle also features a multi-use conference room for up to 40 people, a boutique, restaurant and bar, swimming pool and a top deck with comfortable lounges and a bar. The other hotels in the refurbishment programme are: • The historic Protea Hotel Hilton in the KwaZulu Natal midlands; |