Central to this ambition was the introduction of a series of new experiential amenities designed to strengthen both the social and commercial positioning of the property. These included a refined wine bar showcasing South African wines and premium local spirits, celebrating regional provenance while complementing the hotel’ s existing food and beverage offering. A new restaurant concept was developed to integrate seamlessly with surrounding social spaces, encouraging longer guest dwell time and creating a more dynamic, interactive environment.
Additional interventions included a canal-facing terrace to activate the waterfront edge and enhance indoor –
outdoor connectivity, as well as a heated splash pool to elevate the leisure offering within the constraints of a compact urban footprint. A new fitness centre was introduced to support wellness-focused travel trends, while a contemporary co-working space responded to the growing demand for flexible and hybrid work environments. Two new meeting rooms, accommodating 12 and 6 people respectively, were designed to facilitate executive-level discussions and smallgroup collaboration.
Collectively, these elements support the overarching objective: repositioning the hotel as more than an accommodation provider and establishing it as a
multifunctional urban hub. Throughout, the design needed to align with established City Lodge brand standards while remaining cost-conscious, operationally efficient, and durable. Spatial optimisation within existing structural constraints was critical, as was ensuring ease of maintenance and long-term performance, all without compromising the accessibility that defines the brand.
Fynbos Narrative Situated within the dynamic V & A Waterfront context, the refurbishment is conceptually anchored in the Western Cape’ s indigenous Fynbos biome. The design journey began in 2022, at a pivotal moment as the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Following an extended period of isolation, there was a renewed global desire for environments that feel grounded, restorative, and connected to nature.
From this cultural shift, the Fynbos narrative emerged. Rather than adopting a literal or decorative botanical approach, the concept interprets the resilience, diversity, and layered textures of the biome in a contemporary and abstract manner. This translation allows the interiors to feel deeply rooted in place while maintaining a refined, modern sensibility aligned with the City Lodge brand.
The result is an environment that balances emotional warmth with clarity and functionality. The spaces are restorative yet efficient, expressive yet commercially viable.
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