The Queen Victoria, a luxuriously appointed, five-star boutique hotel in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is Newmark Hotels' latest project in Cape Town's historical Waterfront precinct.
Scheduled to open in March 2011, it is currently under construction. Peerutin Architects were appointed to transform an existing building into a series of light-filled spaces that make the most of views in all directions.
A spectacular triple-volume atrium, featuring a spiral staircase and glass elevator, is at the heart of the hotel and will form an exciting focal point. From the lobby, a restaurant and bar lead out onto a terrace with fantastic views.
There are 35 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, including a penthouse suite with a generous terrace for al fresco entertaining.
The new hotel will be the jewel in the crown for the local hotel group that already enjoys a high profile in the Waterfront with two other properties, the Victoria & Alfred Hotel and Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Echoing the V&A Waterfront's royal connections, the hotel is named after Queen Victoria of England, who famously visited the Cape in 1870 with her son, Prince Alfred. The Queen Vic (as it is affectionately known), is not dissimilar to sister property Dock House in terms of its location and exclusivity and has been designed with the needs of discerning global travellers in mind.
Although grounded in historical and royal references, the hotel will be thoroughly contemporary in style. Francois Du Plessis Interiors, responsible for pulling together the glamorous modern interiors of Dock House, has been commissioned to create highly contemporary interiors with an extravagant, cosseted feel. The overall look will not only reflect the hotel's unique Waterfront location but also encapsulate the luxurious style and attention to detail that defines small, luxury retreats around the world.
The brief to design guru Francois du Plessis was to create a luxurious urban sanctuary above the hustle and bustle of the Waterfront. Floors in solid marble and exquisite wood provide an authentic backdrop for custom-designed wallpapers, contemporary chandeliers and sensuous, shimmering fabrics in soothing, muted shades of oyster, taupe, grey and silver complemented by accents of purple and mauve - the colours of royalty.
In the rooms and suites, padded headboards, curtains glamorously lit with concealed lights, plasma screen televisions, mirrors framed in gilded silver, and lush velvet ottomans and sofas will provide lashings of understated glamour.
Like the smaller Dock House, the Queen Vic enjoys an elevated position in the exclusive Portswood precinct with spectacular views encompassing harbour, city, mountains and ocean.
Despite being tucked away, it is within strolling distance of everything that the V&A Waterfront has to offer in the way of shopping (from designer stores to craft markets), dining and entertainment options, plus easy access to some of the city's top tourist attractions including the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Queen Vic guests will also have full access to Elements Spa at Dock House, as well as its swimming pool, poolside bar and spacious garden.