The Taj Cape Town has always presented the perfect meeting place between the past and present: a magnificent heritage building with a proud history in the epicentre of an equally historic city, where the movers and shakers of the day meet. Now, the hotel is readying for an exciting future, thanks to a new reveal of its beautifully refreshed ground floor.

Mark Wernich, General Cluster Manager Africa for Taj Hotels, notes that there are many reasons to be proud of Taj Cape Town; not least the way it has graciously thrived through a tumultuous time for the entire hospitality industry. With both local and international arrivals on the up, the refurbishment of the hotel comes at the perfect time for Taj Cape Town to welcome a new breed of international tourists, business and MICE travellers and local guests on the lookout for exceptional experiences.

“The beauty of our spaces has always attracted people eager to indulge in a little opulent luxury – from barristers to members of parliament, from international guests who are already familiar with Taj Hotels’ exacting standards and commitment to Tajness to locals who want an inner city experience with a difference,” Wernich muses. “The elements which created this appeal remained unchanged – our warm hospitality and emphasis on helping guests create lasting memories of this beautiful city will always be a given. But we’ve upped the ante by modernising and refreshing the space, while also adding some fantastic new offerings.”

The Lobby Lounge is a case in point: the grand architecture of the old South African Reserve Bank, where Taj Cape Town made its home, are still intact (including the iconic fluted marble columns), but key touchpoints have been updated to create a fresher appearance to appeal to the modern traveller.

There is also a range of new experiences for the Taj guest to indulge in. The Lobby Bar, for instance, now features an even more spectacular view of iconic St George’s Cathedral, thanks to the installation of a large, customised bar positioned so that it is framed between the gorgeous sash windows that are one of the most noteworthy features in this space. Guests are also certain to appreciate the antique mirrors positioned at the back of the bar between the sash windows, made all the more remarkable by up lights that place the bar firmly in the spotlight.

Taj Cape Town has also introduced a Whiskey Bar, offering a wide range of fine whiskeys, where whiskey connoisseurs can relax and indulge in the nostalgic atmosphere created by elements such as framed heritage photographs, which recall the elegance of the past.

Meanwhile, the furnishings at Mint Restaurant have received a bold, dramatic update. The introduction of wood-fired grills add a new dimension to the space, introducing an element of theatricality, while a new small plates menu, which includes a variety of delicious wood-fired grills, means guests  can be in and out in an hour during lunch-time. It’s also full of great options to be enjoyed with after-work drinks.

Meanwhile, those with a sweet tooth will delight in the addition of the Pantry; where visitors are able to feast with their eyes and choose a delectable treat from a selection of golden baked goods, and enjoy it with a creamy cappuccino or fine Ceylon blend while relaxing in the newly furnished Lobby Lounge – the perfect venue for special occasions like baby showers, birthdays or reunions with friends.

“With the tourism industry in Cape Town swiftly gaining momentum once more, we are thrilled to be able to offer a range of experiences to suit everyone,” Wernich says, adding that this repositioning is part of an overall repositioning of Taj Hotels in Africa which has included a similar exercise for Taj Lusaka. “This places us firmly on the trajectory for growth; we wouldn’t be surprised to see performance in early 2023 outpace 2019,” he concludes.

About Taj Cape Town

Sophisticated and historic, Taj Cape Town offers visitors to this vibrant city, the perfect combination of refined luxury and an authentic Cape Town experience.  The hotel is located in Cape Town’s prime historical area, and is within walking distance to most tourist attractions, museums, monuments, shopping outlets, bustling restaurants and nightlife.

Taj Cape Town welcomes guests to its rich history and elegant contemporary architecture, which combines the heritage of the old with the luxury of the new.  This historic structure is home to Heritage and Tower rooms and Suites, the Presidential Suite and the Taj Club rooms. These 175 exquisite rooms offer guests a blend of sophistication and unmatched comfort.  Spread across heritage buildings, it retains the original marble pillars, vaulted ceilings, glass domes and architectural elements of the legendary Temple Chambers and the South African Reserve Bank Building, while its new tower dramatically rises above the city skyline.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 95 hotels in 54 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.  From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, the iconic flagship, has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth.  Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.