After nearly three decades of welcoming guests from around the world, Sun International’s beloved Grand Dame, The Table Bay Hotel, officially closed its doors on 15 February to embark on an exciting journey of transformation.

The iconic The Table Bay Hotel has closed its doors

Come December 2025, the hotel will reopen as InterContinental Table Bay, Cape Town, following a major refurbishment that will elevate its offering while preserving its signature warmth and hospitality. Sun International will continue to manage and operate the hotel on behalf of the V&A Waterfront (Pty) Ltd, the property owner and developer, under a new franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies.

An aerial view of the iconic The Table Bay Hotel

Reflecting on this moment, Table Bay General Manager Joanne Selby shared, “Our last guests checked out on Saturday, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter. As we pack up furniture, fixtures, and cherished memories, we do so with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. This is not goodbye - it’s au revoir. When we reopen, the heart of the Table Bay will remain the same: our incredible staff, whose warmth and dedication have made this hotel feel like home to so many.”

The front of the iconic The Table Bay Hotel

In a testament to the hotel’s enduring spirit, staff will stay on and will return for the grand reopening. “Over the years, we’ve welcomed guests who first visited as children, then returned with their own families. Some even made the Table Bay their home because of the deep connections they formed here. While the hotel’s look may change, its soul - its people - will remain unchanged,” said Selby.

Michael Jackson when he stayed at the iconic The Table Bay Hotel in 1997

Since its grand opening in May 1997, graced by Nelson Mandela, the Table Bay has been a beacon of world-class hospitality. From royalty and rock stars to world leaders and sports legends - including England’s famous Barmy Army, who famously drank the bar dry in 2016 - it has hosted some of the most remarkable guests.

President Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel when they opened the hotel on 30 May 1997

Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming reflected, “For almost 30 years, we have proudly owned and operated the Table Bay, positioning it as an award-winning icon of elegance and excellence. While this marks the end of an era, we eagerly anticipate its next chapter. Together with the V&A Waterfront and IHG, Sun International is honoured to be part of this incredible hotel’s transformative journey to becoming an InterContinental Hotel, at what is undeniably one of the best hotel addresses in the world, and to delivering an even greater experience for our guests.”

The InterContinental Table Bay, Cape Town will feature 306 beautifully designed rooms and suites, offering breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the harbour, and the Atlantic Ocean. Guests will continue to enjoy direct access to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, home to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment, attracting millions of visitors each year. As one chapter closes, a thrilling new one begins—promising an even more spectacular future for this legendary Cape Town icon.

These are the first guests that have stayed at the hotel and some of their comments in the guest book:

Michael Brown, Washington DC USA

The Ronald H Brown Foundation

“This hotel is amazing you should be very proud. The staff is some of the best I have ever seen. I can’t wait to come back.”

Michael Jackson: August 1997

“I love you”

Wesley Snipes

“I would say that The Table Bay hotel is the perfect complement to the stunning views so abundantly blessed upon this country. Great accommodations, excellent staff.”

Boris Becker

“Thank you very much! It was very, very good”

Michael Schumacher

Written in German

Kelly Clarkson

“Thanks so much for having us. We love Cape Town”

Sir Tom Jones

Thanks for a wonderful stay. “Great hotel”.

Engelbert Humperdinct

“Thank you for a wonderful stay. I shall return”

Duff McKagan

“One of the most hospitable hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure to stay at!”

Andre Rieu, Arnold Schwarzenegger 2001, Celtic Woman, Chris Brown, Il Divo, Manchester United (team), Naomi Campbell, Percy Sledge, Robbie Williams, Robert de Niro, Rodriguez 2013, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder The Beach Boys 2010, The Script, Vanessa Mae, Vanilla Ice.

HEADS OF STATE AND ROYALTY:

President of Finland: Martti Ahtisaari:

“Many thanks for the most enjoyable stay in your new hotel. Great future for you.”

Prince Albert of Monaco

“A truly great pleasure to be here for my first visit to Cape Town”

King Letsie III of Lesotho

“A most enjoyable stay; I am very grateful for the warm hospitality”

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Vice President of India

“I was delighted to be in Cape Town, in The Table Bay hotel. Truly, this city is the jewel of South Africa. I was deeply moved when I visited Robben Island – the prison that became the crucible of this country’s leadership”

President of France: Jacques Chirac:

Written in French

Queen Sonja of Norway:

“Thank you for the most comfortable stay at The Table Bay on my way to Queen Maud Land, and after returning from Antarctica, when the Norwegian research station ‘Troll’ was opened on 12 February 2005”

Festus Mogae, President of Botswana:

“On the occasion of my state visit to the Republic of South Africa, my delegation stayed at this hotel. We found the accommodation luxurious and the staff courteous and pleasant. The views of the city are of course magnificent.”

Jakaya Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania:

“It was great and enjoyable to stay here at this magnificent Table Bay hotel. The services were superb, the rooms and everything else gave us a lot of comfort. It was a memorable stay Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality.”

Senator Barak Obama (in 2006 before becoming US President):

“Thank you for the wonderful hospitality”

Pratibha Patil – President of India:

“Thanking you and your team for the hospitality rendered to me, my family, and the entire Indian delegation.”

Rupiah Banda, President of Zambia:

“My stay has been very enjoyable and the service first class!! I will certainly come back in the near future.”

Fredrik Reinfeldt, Premier Minister of Sweden:

“This was a fantastic view! Lovely.”

Chinese Tourism Minister Mr Shao Qi Wei 2010

His Excellency Mahmoud Abbaj President of the State of Palestine

King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway

King Mohammed VI of Morocco

King Philippe of Belgium

Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of Finland

Paul Kagame president of Rwanda

President Ghaddafi

Theodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasongo, President of Equatorial Guinea

Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda

Famous South Africans who stayed at the hotel:

President Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel: Opening on 30 May 1997

“Visiting The Table Bay has been an unforgettable experience and pleasure.”

Sol Kerzner

“A great occasion and best of luck – a super hotel, all the best.”

Dali Tambo

“To the staff of the Table Bay, wishing you all outrageous pleasure, maximum joy and eternal love under our southern Sun.”

Mark Shuttleworth

“Thanks for your wonderful hospitality and Cape Town charm!”

Quinton Fortune aka The Happy Prince

“Thanks to every single staff member who has made us feel so welcome. We are truly grateful for your kindness. We can’t wait to come back, and if we win the World Cup, I want room 834.”

Benny McCarthy (10)

“Best wishes and thanx for the best service you gave me.”

Jonathan Butler 20011

“Thank you and God bless you. The best place ever.”

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