For ANEW Hotels & Resorts, strategic investments have significantly improved its offerings and guest experience across its properties in the past year.
Throughout 2024, the group substantially upgraded several key facilities, resulting in five hotels moving from three-star to four-star status. This “intentional and strategic move” has given impetus to the ANEW group’s desire to be the preferred brand of choice in the upscale four-star market in South Africa, according to CEO Clinton Armour, who is personally involved in every design detail at all ANEW properties.
He pointed out that the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa stars show ANEW’s continued investment in and commitment to understanding and delivering what today’s travellers value most. This includes quality, comfort, good food, and thoughtful details in their rooms and public areas.
The properties recently upgraded to four-star status include ANEW Hotel Capital Pretoria, ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe, ANEW Hotel Highveld eMalahleni, ANEW Hotel Hatfield and ANEW Hotel OR Tambo Johannesburg.
While many in the hospitality industry slowed investments due to the challenges of COVID-19, almost five years ago, ANEW Hotels & Resorts chose to look ahead from the onset, investing in its facilities and properties to align with modern guest needs.
“Our vision has always been to create spaces that reflect our guests’ expectations while maintaining accessibility for South Africans,” said Armour.
“The four-star upgrades reflect our belief in the resilience of South Africa’s hospitality industry and our dedication to delivering on the small details that truly matter to our guests the most.”
Armour’s hands-on approach extends to every aspect of the guest experience across the group’s current 19 properties, from the strategic placement of plug points to the selection of pillows in the rooms and the placement of plants in public areas.
“This meticulous attention to detail ensures that upgrades are not just cosmetic but enhance comfort and convenience for every traveller and remain visually pleasing to the eye and to the standard of the 2025 traveller,” he noted.
Current challenges in refurbishing
Mentioning the current challenges in refurbishing a space, Armour highlighted: “Upgrading a room today involves far more than aesthetic improvements. Refurbishments have become much more complex and now require a comprehensive approach of integrating sustainability with contemporary luxury.”
He said each project addresses practical considerations, from improved cabling to optimised room layouts and upgraded public spaces to meet the changing needs of South African and international guests.
Refurbishments will remain a priority for the group into 2025, with some properties still undergoing transformations to achieve the group’s goal of an entirely four-star portfolio.
Armour said these upgrades mark the beginning of a larger journey to balance quality, accessibility and innovation across all properties in the group.
