The President Hotel in Cape Town recently celebrated its landmark anniversary, 25 years after Nelson Mandela opened the rebuilt hotel on June 3, 1998.

The hotel has been an icon on the Bantry Bay coastline for more than two decades but its heritage and history date back 257 years when the property was originally the Society House, a social club for the middle class.

It was later named Sea Point House, The Wentworth, and eventually The Queen’s Hotel in 1887, coinciding with Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

After South Africa became a republic and left the British Commonwealth, the name was no longer relevant and so the ‘Hotel President’ was born.

Jeremy Clayton, current Director of The President Hotel said: “We’re constantly evolving, adapting and innovating to ensure we can offer our guests personalised, unforgettable experiences. In the last year alone, we became a pet-friendly hotel, and the first hotel in Cape Town to offer doggy high teas; we received a Crescent Rating of 5 (out of 7) for providing Muslim-friendly facilities and services and, staying on top of our game, we won The Lux Life Award for the Best City Hotel in Cape Town, as well as the World Luxury Award for Best Conference and Event Hotel – Africa. We’re currently in the running for the 2023 Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards – Best Hotel.

“The President Hotel is also passionate about sustainability and its impact on the environment. Efforts include switching from plastic to bamboo digital room cards, using glass and plant-based water bottles, and diverting organic waste from landfills, among other great initiatives. In May, we saved 31 985 litres of water and 39 565kWh of energy.”

With 350 rooms, it is Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ largest hotel in Africa and offers views across the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated close to the V&A Waterfront district.

Facilities include an outdoor infinity swimming pool and other on-site amenities such as a spa, beauty salon, kids’ play area, restaurant and bar experiences.