SLC (Shimmy Luxury Collection) announced that it has obtained full control of the previously held JV Management company and is now the sole operator of the new Ritz.
Due to protracted negotiations and delays in the works program as a result of the ever increasing standards and scope required, The Ritz is opening its doors in February 2017.
This conclusion is yet another milestone for the newly formed, equity based management company which launched earlier this year with its announcement of the redevelopment of the iconic Ritz Hotel in Sea Point. The aim of SLC is to offer superior management solutions by vertically integrating into the business and securing the best possible teams comprising of industry leaders and hospitality stalwarts to support this.
"Our company ethos is simple – we invest in the businesses we manage and ultimately operate as business partners and not simply as a management company. This commitment is evident in both our initial outlay of over R120 Million into the refurbishment of The Ritz and subsequent full management buy-out" says CEO, Nicky van der Walt.
"Our management team has been working closely with key tourism industry experts and role-players and we have great faith in their ability to guide our new and old partners through this period of transition" continues van der Walt.
Due to the fact that the room configuration and quality of the overall Ritz experience will be changing significantly, a review of all 2016 rate agreements will be conducted and engagement with tourism partners planned accordingly.
The Ritz is speculated to be not only a hospitality solution to the growing demand in Cape Town, but as a destination in its own right.
The Ritz Hotel, Cape Town has been undergoing an extensive R120 million makeover, spearheaded by SLC (Shimmy Luxury Collection), which will reinstate this Cape Town landmark as the place to be for locals and visitors alike. Benchmarked against the most exclusive collections in the world, SLC is set to shake up the hospitality landscape in South Africa. With a unique approach to equity based, owner-management, the SLC team provides 360 insights covering all bases from legal support, financial investment and operational modelling through to design and brand building.
This historic and well positioned iconic hotel, with 212 luxurious bedrooms, will open its doors early 2017. The new Ritz Hotel will boast a host of luxury designs and amenities to ensure guests have a uniquely tailored experience. “We are about design driven accessible luxury in a manner which is incomparable and unconventional.” says Group CEO and Co-Founder, Nicky van der Walt.
The entrance hall and guest lobby will consist of smooth white marble with gold inlays, depicting utter sophistication and refinement. Top of the Ritz will revolve again with South African celebrity Chef Bertus Basson’s innovative yet accessibly extravagant dining experiences; bringing new life to the Mother City’s only revolving restaurant.
Located on the floor immediately below the revolving restaurant, a spectacular champagne bar will be enchanting guests with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Seaboard. The newly reconstructed Ritz will also be opening an exclusive nightclub on the basement level, adding to the vibrant Cape Town nightlife.
The plush pool area, complete with new decking and an outdoor bar service will flow from the open plan 1st floor restaurant. This will be the perfect place to unwind and bask in grandeur, enjoying a relaxed tropical Cape Town Summer.
State-of -the-art conferencing and event facilities that can hold up to 1000 guests are available for reservations immediately and once fully upgraded, will transform into the perfect spot to mix business and leisure. All five conference rooms are positioned to allow for the flow of natural light and breakaway options are available on a separate level within The Plaza. The fitness centre, Switch Playground, powered by athlete Steve Uria, will ensure guests maintain physical fitness throughout their stay.
Phase two of the development project will see The Ritz Plaza transform into an upmarket retail component with a strong pipeline roll out plan for the upliftment of the entire precinct.
