Despite GrandWest being the largest leisure and entertainment destination of its kind in South Africa and Sun International’s flagship, the property is set on expanding and presenting visitors with a fresh new face.
In July GrandWest announced that it is planning to build a bespoke 22,000sqm shopping mall with an additional 2,000sqm set aside for a health and fitness area.
Engineers are currently securing essential services ahead of excavators moving onto the site. Another development project underway is the remodelling of the space occupied by the old Hanover Street Nightclub.
- The launch of the R30-million renovation of the Grand Hotel’s new Salon Privé, lounge and dining area marks the first of the development milestones completed.
Grand Hotel and Privé
GrandWest General Manager Mervyn Naidoo said, “The renovation of our Union Castle dining room and Salon Privé has been a long time in the planning. It was interrupted by Covid, but became a priority when the Grand Hotel expanded to over double its size. But we wanted more than just additional space, we wanted an experience for our guests and our interior design specialists have achieved just that.”
The glamorous new makeover would not look out of place in a glossy décor magazine. It was created by interior design team David Muirhead & Associates, whose portfolio of clients includes five-star hotels, luxury guesthouses and exclusive game lodges.
Owner and founder David Muirhead said space was created by removing dividing walls, “Fortunately there was so much already in place that we could work with. The bones were there. The structure was good, but the partitioning between areas was more suited to 2000 when GrandWest was built.
“The timber work and wall panelling was magnificent so we kept that, as well as the columns framing the Union Castle dining room. In the newly opened space we created a large central bar that can be accessed on one side from the Privé, and from the dining room on the other.
“The original nautical theme of the Union Castle dining room was intended as a celebration of Cape Town’s century’s old seafaring history, which we wanted to honour.”
The marine theme is now reflected in the panelled walls painted in a deep, moody, nautical blue, “We extended the navy blue panelling across all the walls adding a bold, geometrically patterned navy and gold carpet to run the entire length of the floor. We then added magnificent colour combinations of golds and reds to introduce mood and capture excitement. The result is a chic and glamorous space.
To keep the dining room from being too dark, Muirhead’s team lit the triple volume ceiling from behind, casting light downward and emphasising the beauty of the original glass panelled ceiling. Decorative details and Corinthian capitals atop each column were painted gold to contrast the navy blue background. Red wall sconces draw attention to framed black and white Charles Johnston photos hung in each wallpapered wall arch. The dining area can now seat 94 people on comfy chairs upholstered in velvety pops of gold and blue.
At the opposite end is the Privé lounge with its indulgently cosy couches and seats, all covered in textured fabrics ranging from muted tones to bold jungle prints. Over at the bar, the luxurious creamy marble counter is complemented by blush pink upholstered seating.
Gold and red dominates walls in the gaming areas, while the daring use of red in the Chinese-themed private room is only overshadowed by a spectacular, custom-made dragon chandelier.
But possibly the most dazzling part of the makeover is a decadently massive chandelier above the lounge that was created from recycled glass by a Cape Town artist, and a rectangular light fitting floating above the length of the bar, also constructed from recycled glass. It took two full days to install.
Muirhead said he and his team, “set out to create a bold, colourful, glamourous, elegant, boutique-style experience, but a vibrant one that appeals to all the senses. We are pleased by the outcome and believe that although the styling is contemporary and sophisticated, it is well balanced by comfort.”
Licensed to thrill
At its core is a world-class gaming experience acknowledged to be one of the best in the country. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the stylish new surroundings of the ultra-excusive Salon Privé. Here, high rollers can indulge in a true Casino Royale fantasy.
The gaming areas have been fitted out with multiple bespoke digital displays and enormous custom-made curved LED screens manufactured especially for GrandWest.
But it is in the private rooms where GrandWest has really upped the game.
Few visitors to GrandWest will have seen the opulent Captain’s Cabin and the equally luxurious Private Room which offer a discreet space for punters who opt for privacy. Both rooms cater for players wanting to wager high denominations.
The dramatic red and gold interior of the Captain’s Cabin can accommodate up to 30 players at a time, but must be booked in advance.
Learn to Play responsibly
GrandWest encourages players to spend time learning how to play Tables before putting money on these games. Visitors can book a Learn-to-Play experience on the main gaming floor where dealers will share inside tips and teach players the ins and outs of classic games at no cost. It’s a fun experience with a serious message – knowing how to play a game before you wager a bet on it is the responsible thing to do.
