Following an extensive refurbishment, the iconic Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Western Cape, will reopen in February.

NH Hotels handed it back to the owners when the lease ended on August 31 last year.

The four-star hotel has been home to one of South Africa’s leading conference venues for the past three decades and has previously hosted former President, Nelson Mandela.

From next year, the property will now also maximise its leisure offering.

The refurbishment and upgrade of facilities includes everything from interior design to landscaping. The lawns, tennis courts, wedding venue and all other recreational facilities have all had a facelift.

One of the key managerial appointments has been that of seasoned hotelier, Julia Ward, who joins The Lord Charles as General Manager.

She has extensive management experience at properties such as the Fancourt golf and lifestyle resort and many years’ experience as GM of Luxury Villas and Homes in Thailand, and the Regent Hotel Group in both Bali and Montenegro.

Ward said she was very keen to welcome as many of the former staff as possible.

“The staff are the reason why guests return to The Lord Charles Hotel, and we will do our best to reach out and consider re-employing former staff, should they meet our requirements.”