South African Hotels Architecture and Design: Innovative Hotels For 2010

Soon South Africa will host one of the world’s biggest and most popular sporting events, the FIFA 2010 World Cup. With an estimated 716 million people watching the 2006 Final, we can expect not only a hugely increased media interest in our country but also an excited throng of tourists piling in. There will certainly be discerning eyes falling on our architecture in general, but more specifically, on our accommodation – our hotel design and innovation. This month DesignMind looks at the architecture and design of a few hotels around South Africa and examines what we believe are exciting, innovative gems in the South African hotel industry.

| Protea Hotel Fire & Ice |

The Protea Hotel Fire and Ice is an exciting example of cool design in one of Cape Town’s hottest spots. In the centre of the city lies a hotel that has taken innovation and creation to a new level. Elevators themed towards different Cape Town attractions such as cable cars and shark cage diving, this is sure to be unforgettable accommodation. The rooms have an incredible view of Table Mountain and the design is an eclectic mixture of city chic and exciting adventure. It’s a design metaphor – a representation of what makes the city so extremely unique and interesting. The Protea Hotel Fire and Ice is seriously trendy and certainly luxurious. With intriguing added extras like lights outside the rooms that change colour whether you’re in or out and a coffin in the smoking room- this hotel is an adventure within itself.

| The Grand Daddy Hotel Trailer Park |

The idea of a trailer park has been re-examined by Cape Town’s swanky Grand Daddy hotel. Atop their roof, overlooking the eclectic bustle of Long Street is a cluster of Airstream Trailers all individually decorated by some of Cape Town’s hottest creatives. The seven trailers are something of an experiment in conceptual interior design. Design studio Whatiftheworld directed the ambitious project, which tasked local artistic minds with decorating the vintage trailers in a motif of their choice.

One of the most indigenous designs is the Afro-funk trailer by Carla Soudien. Using earthy colours, interesting textures and the recognizable face of our Nelson Mandela. Soudien was inspired by the street fashion and cosmopolitan yet distinctly African flavour of Cape Town; she creates an inspiring environment with her Afro-funk interpretation.

| Hotel Forum Homini |

The Cradle of Mankind is a historical gem. And within this reminiscent area- just outside Johannesburg- lies the Hotel Forum Homini. Combining history with exquisite cuisine and environmentally aware design, this hotel is surely a reminder of why the area itself is so treasured. Innovative detail and a traditionally African design ethic, the hotel itself represents a sure South African ethos.

| The Palace Of The Lost City |

The Palace of The Lost City is nothing new to resident South Africans. Its typically ‘African’ design mixed with a Tuscan essence might be seen by some as ‘kitsch’ and exorbitant. Yet, the visual masterpiece created, utilizing stained glass, stone and enchanting water features- one cannot deny the majestic ambience of luxury at its peak that this five star hotel encapsulates. The Palace of The Lost City commands a major tourist visitation and certainly provides all who stay there with deliciousness for all the senses.

| The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa |

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa welcomes guests with a breathtaking view of one of South Africa’s most sought after beachfronts. Nestled just past the trendy hub of Camps Bay The Twelve Apostles moves away from International rhetoric into a perfect blend of relaxed natural elements and opulence. The architecture is unobtrusive, unassuming and blends in with the natural surroundings.

We have found a few hotels in South Africa we consider innovative and interesting – if you can think of any others or disagree with our choices we want to know! Give us your feedback by commenting below.