The lady of Durban’s Golden Mile is undergoing a facelift

The venerable lady of Durban’s Golden Mile, the Protea Hotel Edward, is undergoing a facelift, with the first phase of its refurbishment due to be completed by mid-December.

The first phase of the upgrade comprises the public areas and bedrooms on the fifth and seventh floors, but the hotel has assured guests that no other facilities within the hotel will be affected. The exterior of the building has been completely renovated and has ensured that the art deco facade is the most immpressive on Durban’s Golden Mile beachfront. All exterior signage has been upgraded and improved  with additional signage in place facing the city. The second phase will commence in the New Year and will involve refurbishing the remaining bedrooms.

The hotel’s conference rooms are part of the refurbishment plans, while bedrooms are being redecorated in a style similar to the overall elegance of the hotel. Cool and calming colours in rich, sumptuous fabrics adorn graceful furnishings, but a nod to the modern era means rooms are equipped with LCD TV’s, new electronic door locks, comfortable executive work stations and room safes. All corridors have had their carpets replaced and graphics and wall finishes upgraded.

Interior designer Sarah McVicar of Sarah M3 Design said the intent for the hotel was to give it a crisp, refreshing face-lift whilst still retaining the quiet traditional presence of the Protea Hotel Edward.

“The existing classical furniture in the bedrooms is being restored and colours have been drawn from the lush flora of Kwa Zulu Natal and the ever-changing hues of the Indian Ocean outside to create a cool and tranquil retreat from the heat of the day in Durban. A mixture of deep greens, crystal blues, antique silvers and velvety charcoals, the fabrics and finishes are rich and opulent, with sumptuous textures to re-capture the historical elegance of the hotel.”

Situated within five minutes of the city centre, the Protea Hotel Edward harks back to a time of Victorian elegance. This world–famous hotel has played host to princes and presidents, field marshals, millionaires and movie stars since 1911. The hotel is a graceful and comfortable springboard from which to explore the rich Zulu culture and game reserves of KwaZulu Natal. The sea views from most of the well-appointed rooms, the personalised service on offer and a sub-tropical climate combine to offer a luxurious holiday experience.

Andrew Rogers, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Hospitality Property Fund (HPF) said the hotel’s upgrade was part of a broader refurbishment of existing stock owned by HPF and managed and marketed by Protea Hotels.

“We have superb and varied properties in the Protea Group and we always strive to deliver more than guests expect. The ongoing reinvestment in hotels within the portfolio is indicative of the faith we and our respective hotel Owners have in the health and growth potential of the hospitality industry in South Africa” said Danny Bryer, Director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue for the Protea Hospitality Group.

-end-