May 2015: The venerable art deco doyen of Durban’s Golden Mile is adding 30 new rooms to its existing 101 rooms in a renovation/construction process that will take approximately 6 months. The additions will comprise 27 standard rooms, two family rooms and one suite. 13 of the new rooms will be sea-facing.
The hotel underwent a full renovation inside and out four years ago, being redecorated in a style sympathetic to the overall elegance of the property.
Cool and calming colours in rich, sumptuous fabrics were chosen for the graceful furnishings, but a nod to the modern era also meant equipping the rooms with LCD TVs, new electronic door locks, comfortable executive work stations and safes.
Werner Geere, General Manager Protea Hotel Edward, says the latest construction work will take place between 9am and 4pm on weekdays, and will be completed before the Christmas rush that starts when industries close down in the middle of December. This renovation won’t inconvenience GUESTS nor impact on the overall GUEST experience.
Danny Bryer, Director of Sales, Marketing and Revenue for Protea Hotels, part of Marriott International, says demand for quality accommodation in this beachfront location has prompted Hospitality Property Fund (HPF), the OWNERS to invest in property by adding more capacity with these new rooms.
“KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches and Cape Town are still the main draw cards for domestic tourism and during peak times such as the Christmas – New Year period we’re experiencing massive demand.”
“Travellers know they will experience quality service and standards at Protea Hotels, so it would be illogical not to try to service this demand with additional rooms.”
Bryer says the year-round demand in Durban for both tourist and business accommodation – much of it from the MICE sector – will ensure the additional rooms are filled for more than just December.
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