The Royal St. Andrews in Port Alfred, on South Africa’s east coast, is re-opening in September after a $10-million makeover, and is now part of the Mantis Collection.
The investment by owner Martin Bekker has seen the historic 10-room lodge built in 1924 being transformed into a 60-room 4-star hotel and spa, which blends tradition with modern design.
All 10 of the original “heritage” rooms in the hotel have been upgraded, with a new wing housing an additional 50 rooms.
Equipped with all modern amenities – including free hi-speed wi-fi – the hotel is designed to make the modern connected teen, business person or leisure traveller feel at home.
Retired businessman Bekker, who decided to buy the almost derelict St. Andrews Lodge after spending a Christmas holiday in Port Alfred, has retained the Highlander Pub – one of the best-known taverns on the Sunshine Coast.
Now with a combination of “gastro-pub” and traditional dishes, Highlander caters for the whole family, according to Wessel Benson, general manager of the St. Andrews Hotel.
The Thistle Restaurant has also been completely revamped and offers fine dining.
Breakfasts are served in the new Paper Nautilus Deli
The Eastern Cape’s second Camelot Spa will also be opened in the hotel.
A modern 180-seat conference facility, which is the biggest in Port Alfred, will attract national conferences to the town with, a spin-off for other accommodation establishments and restaurants.
The hotel is working with the Royal Port Alfred Golf Course nearby to promote golfing tourism to the area.