A HISTORY of a Bantry Bay LANDMARK Historical background The history of the President Hotel is entangled with the rich heritage of Bantry Bay and . A variety of fascinating buildings has stood on the site since 1766, from the Society House to the Queen’s Hotel

HE PRESIDENT HOTEL has a long and interesting history that can be traced back Cape, disembarking in this strange, but beautiful Tto the very beginnings of the areas now land,to go whereany further), he and and his hemen stopped climbed off the at thesoaring known as Bantry Bay and Sea Point. A hotel has granite rock formation now known as Lion’s , stood on the site for some 150 years, and before Head. They reputedly carved a cross into the rock face to honour God and the Portuguese king. building in the area – stood on this portion of Other European explorers followed, until in landthat, thatthe Society once stretched House – downthe first to thesubstantial sea and 1652 a contingent of ABOVE The Sea Point/Bantry Bay area was once a wild, up the slopes of Lion’s Head to Kloof Road. undeveloped place, used by the Khoekhoe people for Once the shoreline of the Atlantic Seaboard leadership of Commander Jan van Riebeeck, seasonal grazing for their cattle, and occasionally visited was roamed by indigenous nomadic people, landed(VOC) officials with instructions and employees, to set underup a refreshment the by early European explorers. Predators once lived on station at the Cape to supply passing ships with the mountain and roamed the shores looking for prey. the ocean’s abundant sea life as a source of food. fresh fruit, meat and grain. In those days, ship This fantastical looking ‘tyger’ (leopard) was drawn by who relied on the rock pools for shellfish and voyages were long, arduous journeys during astronomer, naturalist and artist Peter Kolbe in 1727. In attest to the fact that they lived in and around which passengers had to endure months of damp, the 17th century, a soldier was killed by a lion near where Their shell middens (piles of discarded shellfish) cramped and unsanitary conditions, where the the President Hotel now stands. Duikers (small buck) were European explorers set foot at the Cape. lack of fresh fruit resulted in scurvy and other still being shot on the rocks near the site of the hotel in the thousands of years before the first 1890s. Although these wild animals are long gone, whales But their unhurried lifestyle in this paradise diseases, and many died on the way. The founding de Goede Hoop kaap beschryving van en uitvoerige Naaukeurige and porpoises can still be seen in the waters of the at the foot of Africa was to come to an end when of the refreshment station at the Cape would Atlantic Seaboard. the age of exploration took hold in the seafaring alleviate both the length of these journeys, as well OPPOSITE An early photo of Bantry Bay. countries of Europe. In 1488, Portuguese as the lack of fresh produce and water on board. explorer Bartolomeu Dias was returning from

an aborted ship voyage to India (his crew refused vicinity of what is now the Fan Park next to Green from image Kolbe Peter Libraries 1727, University of California At first, Van Riebeeck tried to plant grain in the

2 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark Point Stadium. Lashed by gales sweeping off the Atlantic in winter and strong summer South- easter winds in the warmer months, the wheat would be destroyed before it could be harvested. The experiment was repeated – this time more successfully – in the more protected Liesbeek Valley (around , between what is discovered that the area below Lion’s Head was betternow Salt suited River to and grazing Bishopscourt). cattle and growingLater, it wasbarley. The coastline between the growing settlement at Cape Town and remained largely unoccupied (the indigenous Khoekhoe people, who once had the area to themselves, were being wild and untamed place where lions roamed and leopardsdisplaced and by the jackals European looked settlers). for prey Itfrom was their a hideouts on the rocky outcrops and in the kloofs above the bay. Fishing in the area could be perilous in the 17th century. Apart from the risk of being washed into Archives & Records Service: AG 4053 the cold Atlantic sea by massive winter waves, one also had to keep a lookout for land-based predators. Louis Labé, a French soldier, was taken by a lion in 1659 while angling from the rocks not Louis Labé, a French soldier, was taken by a lion in far from where the President Hotel now stands. His mauled, partially decapitated body was later 1659 while angling from the rocks not far from where found in the vicinity of the appropriately named Lion’s Head! the President Hotel now stands 3 Engraving by Philippus Velijn from Jacob Haafner’s Lotgevallen en Vroegere Zeereizen (Amsterdam, 1820), from the Collections of Parliament, Cape Town: 267 & 33762

much else. There were, however, also springs and rivulets that would provide vital water for household uses and quench the thirst of men,

be cultivated (barley was later planted on the horses and oxen, and flattish areas that could

asproperty). it still does The today, land Berghwith unobstructed and Van Schoor views chose of (just under a hectare) had an enviable position, a beautiful backdrop provided by Lion’s Head. theMuch sea, likeBantry most Bay of (asthe it buildings is now known) that were and later built in the area, the Society House was

farmhouses of Gardens in Cape Town, and the flat-roofed (not thatched and gabled like the It was a rather substantial building for a holidayhomesteads retreat, that not lined some the wooden Liesbeek shack, River). but

built it, and to accommodate their families (and befitting the status of the wealthy burghers who THE SOCIETY HOUSE (SOCIETEITS HUIS) Adriaan van Schoor, who wanted a country been brought from West Africa and the East, It was not until the mid-18th century that any retreat for recreation, to alleviate boredom wereslaves used no doubt). for everything At that time, from slaves, manual who labour had sort of building of consequence was erected in the Bantry Bay/Sea Point area, thereby grime of the growing Cape Town (then known and water. (Wealthy citizens would sometimes (the curse of the rich) and escape the filth and to household chores, such as fetching firewood substantial building here was the Society House, which was eventually granted by then Governor The building had a covered veranda supported built‘taming’ in 1766 this previously (where the wild President expanse. Hotel The now first Rykas Kaapse Tulbagh Vlek). in October They requested that year. a parcel of land, byown pillars, up to no30 doubt or 40 toslaves.) provide shade in summer It was situated in a wind-protected area from the heat and the blinding glare off the by wealthy burghers Martin Oloff Bergh and surrounded by dunes, scrub, rocks and not ocean. By 1767, it had become somewhat of a stands) for the African Society, a club formed

4 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark W. Austin. The arrival of the French generals Jarmin and Collineau at Sea Point House, to be received by Chief Justice William Hodges, on their way to China in 1860. From the Collections of Parliament, Cape Town

OPPOSITE PAGE An early portrayal of the Society House by traveller Jacob Haafner, from 1769, three years after it was built. It was the first building of consequence in the Sea Point/Bantry Bay area. The modern President Hotel stands on part of the old estate today. Note the long covered veranda supported by pillars, which would have provided much-needed shade from the sun’s glare off the sea during summer, as well as shelter from lashing winter gales. Wild animals still roamed the slopes of Lion’s Head (seen behind). RIGHT In the 19th century, after a period of neglect, the Society House was remodelled and became a private home, named Sea Point House, with a new central tower, Gothic windows and stoepkamers on either side of the veranda.

neighbour when a German botanist, The grounds of the Society House stretched up to St John’s Dr Friedrich Ludwig Liesching, was granted a piece of land behind the house, high Road, Sea Point, during Henry Alexander’s time up on the granite hill in what is now Bantry Bay. Around that time, the old Society House was landmark, and everybody who was anybody in impressed. Lady Anne commented that when acquired by a farmer, Marthinus Keet, who was Cape Town high society would travel there to be Andrew rode out to inspect the place, he found probably responsible for the planting of barley ‘seen’, hence the name Societeits Huis (Society it ‘out of repair and low...’ and they declined, Heerenhuis despite its wonderful outlook and tempting come though, when in 1810 another wealthy Its heyday must have been brief though, as private bathing opportunities. landownerin the surrounding took possession fields. Big of changes the Society were to whenHouse), Lady also Anne Barnard (House and her of thehusband, Gentry). House. Englishman Henry Alexander bought Colonial Secretary of the , SEA POINT HOUSE the property and added two extensive portions Andrew Barnard, arrived at the Cape in 1797, The early 19th century (by which time the the Society House was vacant, and was one of total. He then owned much of what is now Sea the places they were offered as accommodation Point,of land Bantry measuring Bay and 70 morgen Fresnaye, (60 stretching hectares) up in during their years-long stay. They were not founders of the Society House had died) saw the slopes of Lion’s Head – a parcel of land that more expansion from the confines of Cape Town, and in 1808, the Society House acquired its first 5 Western Cape Archives and Records Service: E8095 In 1835 a senior judge of the , Justice William Menzies, bought Sea Point House

would today be considered priceless. A man of situation: was occupied for a considerable time means and vision (he was the Colonial Secretary by Captain Carnack ...’ The Captain, a tenant, was leaving the Cape. Despite having a few decrepit Society House. Renamed Sea Point House neighbouring estates by then, Sea Point House (supposedlyof the Cape), afterAlexander the rocky also outcrophad plans below for the the now was still very much a country getaway in those

escape, and he must have spent a fair amount of for sport on the rocks below the house in the late moneyhomestead), on renovations it now became to make his itfamily’s both habitable country 19thdays, century,and duiker while (small leopards buck) still were hid still out being (albeit shot in and suitably impressive for a man of high status. Although he unwittingly named the future of the mountain nearby. Only a rough track led to suburb of the same name, he doesn’t appear to theever-decreasing house, since replacednumbers) by in Regent the kloofs Road, and and caves for have used Sea Point House much , and he much of the 19th century, Sea Point was eventually settled at Kirstenbosch, on occupied by only a handful (about 10 the other side of the mountain. It was during his ownership In 1835 a senior judge of the Cape orColony, 12) families. Justice William Menzies, advertised for accommodation. bought Sea Point House from the TOP The Wentworth Hotel was yet another incarnation Thisin 1817 began that a thelong house history was of first seaside previous owner Wentzel’s widow. of the old Society House and later Sea Point House, clearly stayovers that continues to this day. He set about turning the old building incorporating much of the old structure (see the previous Following Alexander’s death in 1818, his large into a luxurious villa with 11 bedrooms, adding pages). When one of the influential Solomon family’s girls and estate was subdivided into smaller portions, a central tower and Gothic-style windows and her governess drowned nearby, their bodies were brought to thus beginning the development of the Sea Point stoepkamers on either side of the veranda. the hotel. It was a sad day for the Sea Point community, which suburb in the process. The portion with the Much like Alexander before him, he doesn’t was still fairly small in the late 19th century. appear to have used the house much, despite the OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP An early photo of Bantry Bay, looking Erasmus Wentzel, who let it out as a ‘country improvements. Although he was a man of high towards Sea Point, with the Queen’s Hotel in the distance. place’.house Anon itadvert (some placed 16 hectares) in the went to Christiaan standing, he died insolvent in 1850, and the house BOTTOM The Victorian Queen’s Hotel in the 1890s, Government Gazette its heyday. in February 1820 stated that ‘The Sea Point, went to Samuell Bushell in 1852. By 1860 it was formerly the property of Henry Alexander home to Sir William Hodges, Chief Justice of the Esq. and much recommended for its healthy Cape Supreme Court.

6 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark looking from the slopes above Bantry Bay towards the Queen’s Hotel (background top left). The large homestead in the foreground was known as Seacliffe House, the home of the Saunders family (after whom Saunders Rocks were named). A large block of flats of the same name stands on the site today.

THE WENTWORTH HOTEL J.M Thorpe, undated. University of Southern California Libraries Digital Collections The name Sea Point House gradually faded into obscurity (as the surrounding suburb took its

Rennie and renamed Sea Point Hotel. In 1880, it becamename), having the Wentworth been bought Hotel in when1876 byJ.H. Francis Munks line of others that led to the current President. tookMunks ownership made his – theown first improvements, major hotel includingof a long adding a new Victorian bar. Although it was and pool on offer for guests, the Wentworth is mainlyadvertised remembered as a ‘first-class for its hotel’ association with billiards with the tragic death of neighbour Henry Solomon’s daughter and her governess, who drowned in a nearby reservoir. Their bodies were taken to the hotel after they had been retrieved from the water, and the sad event lingered in the memory of locals in the area. The Queen’s Hotel, 1890s. Courtesy of Reginald de Smidt

THE QUEEN’S HOTEL Perhaps its association, albeit tenuous, with the Solomon family drowning was bad for business, because the Wentworth, which supposedly incorporated the old Society House walls, was demolished in the late 1880s. In its place rose the entirely new Queen’s Hotel, and a fresh chapter began for this more-than-century-old site. Built by William Fletcher (co-founder of named after Queen Victoria, was designed by theFletcher architect & Cartwrights), G.M. Alexander. the Queen’sCompleted Hotel, in 1887 to coincide with the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, it was officially opened on 1 October that year. 7 Back in the day, there were only two hotels in Cape Town. Tthe Queen’s was the seaside hotel and Mount Nelson was the city hotel

The Queen’s Hotel became a Sea Point landmark, THE PRESIDENT HOTEL especially after James Cavanagh took it over in 1888. A respected hotelier, his CV included Cape history began in 1967 when it was renamed. Town’s Criterion and the iconic Grand Hotel in SouthA new Africa and final had chapter left the Britishin the illustrious Commonwealth hotel’s . Guests included British ‘Nobility in 1961 when it became a republic, and The and Gentry’ according to one of his newspaper Queen’s Hotel name was no longer relevant. adverts for the Queen’s. The newly constructed nearby tram terminus and Sea Point railway it was shorn of its British associations, as meant the old days of horseback journeys to memoriesRebranded of as the The old President era faded (or into Hotel obscurity. President), access the property were over. The little beach By then, Sea Point had become largely built below the hotel, later superseded by the pavilion, up. It had long ceased to be the country getaway was used by guests for private swimming. that it had been a century earlier. Huge blocks Cavanagh’s success with the hotel was built upon in the late 19th/early by John seaside villas and aging boarding houses, as Alexander, who took it over in 1896. After decades everyoneof flats were clamoured replacing to smaller get a piece apartments, of the now- of successfully catering to well-heeled clientele, famous sea view. its attractive Victorian front was altered to a more The four-storey President Hotel with its modern look in 1924 when a new facade was Mediterranean look and tiled roof was a far cry ABOVE An old sticker and baggage label from the Queen’s added. It was now well into the 20th century, and from the Society House, but its covered stoep Hotel, now collector’s items for those who are interested in the building needed to move with the times. echoed that of the original building on the site, old Cape Town memorabilia. More alterations and additions followed in constructed exactly 200 years earlier. OPPOSITE, LEFT The first President Hotel was a reconfiguration of the previous Queen’s Hotel, which itself Its spacious lawn and garden (a remnant of the had been remodelled from the earlier Victorian building. 1936. One of the Queen’s Hotel’s (also briefly OPPOSITE, RIGHT The view from a room at the current Harris, MP for Kimberley. When he came to Cape down to the sea, but the ‘green belt’ (itself a called the Marine) regular guests was Sir David old Queen’s Hotel) extended in front of it, leading President Hotel, showing the pool and shimmering ocean in Town to attend Parliamentary sessions, he always the background. Guests still enjoy the beauty of the site, just booked the same suite. Once, when the suite like those in the earlier hotels that stood there. wasn’t available, he acted on impulse and bought beenremnant sold of off the for Society development. House’s The barley swinging fields and the hotel to avoid this happening again! When he 60spastures) were succeededthat abutted by the the hotel darker had 70s long and since

died in 1942, his daughter took ownership. 80s, a turbulent time in ’s history. Teper of Hilton courtesy Images

8 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark In 1990, was released after taking 18 months to complete. Managed by almost three decades in prison, and in 1994 Protea Hotels, it became South Africa’s second successful sectional-title hotel. President of South Africa. Beaches were again This year marks 20 years since the new With in full swing, whites and people openhe became to all races,the first and democratically as positive change elected swept President opened. Although the hotel has been of colour were not allowed to share beaches, through the nation, it was again time for the outside areas and public transport. A giant fence hotel to move with the times. It was Nelson heritage and the special place it has in the Atlantic was erected on beach to keep the Mandela himself who opened the newer, even Seaboard’ssignificantly history. modernised, The new it is President still very nowproud of its races apart. The once-vibrant neighbourhood more impressive, entirely rebuilt, 351-bedroom operates as South Africa’s largest independent of was demolished and its 60 000 President Hotel on 3 June 1998. A joint venture hotel, and under the guidance of its trustees and residents were forcibly removed to the Cape leaders, is once again establishing itself as a place Flats. Violence raged in the townships and the and M2PM, building started in August 1996, modern suburb of Sea Point became notorious between developer (Chaim) Meyer Budow for its seedy nightlife. During this turbulent of fine dining and luxurious seaside holidays. era, the hotel provided a haven for celebrities as diverse as Tom Jones, Trini Lopez and heart Who knows what the next 20 years holds for this iconic surgeon Dr Christiaan Barnard. But change was

Images: Wil Howard, eBay, supplied eBay, Wil Howard, Images: again afoot... grand dame of the Atlantic Seaboard...?

9 1818 Maps ATLANTIC OCEAN BOTANY The development of the Society BAY House/Queen’s Hotel estate, from the early to late 19th century

REGENT ROAD

QUEEN’S ROAD

KLOOF ROAD RIGHT An early map of Sea Point (part of the Elemans survey of 1818) showing the first properties in the area, which were mainly spacious farming estates with fields of barley and pastures for cattle grazing, depicted here somewhat like a patchwork quilt. The Society House is shaded red, while the black rectangles are early farmhouses and villas. Modern street names have been superimposed. This was the year that Henry Alexander, who owned much of this area (including the Society House), died. OPPOSITE PAGE The same area in 1897, showing the Queen’s Hotel on the site of the Society House. Sea Point was now easily accessible to the general public thanks to public transport (note the tramlines and train stations, which sadly are long gone). Elemans map: ; 1897 map, UCT Libraries Special Special Libraries 1897 map, UCT Town; Elemans map: City of Cape Teper of Hilton courtesy image train Sea Point Collections;

10 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark 1897 A UNIQUE ROCK FORMATION BELOW THE PRESIDENT HOTEL ATLANTIC OCEAN BOTANY BAY

REGENT ROAD

JUST BELOW QUEENS BEACH, opposite the President Hotel, there is an interesting rock formation that attracted interest as early as 1818, when British naturalist Clark Abel wrote about it. When evolutionist KLOOF ROAD Charles Darwin visited the site in 1836, he deduced that the contrast between igneous and sedimentary rocks proved that rocks can be formed from molten materials. Created during volcanic eruptions 540 million years ago, the red-hot white molten granite merged with dark Malmesbury shale, then cooled and baked into one rock form. A rather faded plaque marks

This, South Africa’s oldest historic site, was There was once a railway station and tram terminus thedeclared site (now a National known as Monument Darwin’s Rocks).(now situated conveniently close to the Queen’s Hotel a Heritage Site) in 1953.

11 Lady Barrow, c1800, MuseumAfrica From The Cape Town Guide (Dennis Edwards c.1897). Scrapbook Collections of Parliament, Cape Town: 10115 Some more photos of the various buildings that have occupied the site of the President Hotel since 1766

Courtesy of Martin Plaut Courtesy of Etienne du Plessis

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The Society House, painted by Lady Barrow in c.1800, when it was lying vacant, around about the time that Lady Anne Barnard’s husband Andrew considered it as a possible home for the couple (he decided it was too decrepit); the lushly decorated, and rather cramped Victorian interior of the dining room at the Queen’s Hotel in c.1897; a luggage label from the old Hotel President; an aerial view of Bantry Bay and Sea Point from 1984, showing the old President Hotel (demolished in the late 1990s) with its big front garden. Darwin’s Rocks can be seen in the foreground; the pathway running through the garden from the sea to the original Queen’s Hotel in the early (designed by architect George Murray Alexander). Luggage label image: Hilton Teper Hilton image: label Luggage

12 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark Images supplied

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The modern President Hotel is frequented by many well-known South Africans, as well as foreign guests. Here, Nico and Christi Panagio enjoy time off at the pool; the hotel’s inviting, light and airy interior is a far cry from the overstuffed Victorian interior of the Queen’s Hotel (see the opposite page) that was one of its predecessors; the hotel is known for its delectable food; big smiles and the best service can always be guaranteed at the President Hotel; the present building was designed in a curved shape, surrounding the enticing-looking pool. For more than two centuries people have been coming to this wind-free and sun-soaked part of the Atlantic Seaboard to recharge, relax and enjoy the sea air.

13 People of interest Numerous interesting people have been associated with the old property on which the President Hotel now stands

MARTIN OLOFF BERGH AND ADRIAAN have been regular visitors at the Society House. Their VAN SCHOOR homestead, The Knoll, was only recently demolished Both wealthy burghers of Cape Town, who moved in high society, Martin Oloff Bergh and Adriaan van MARTHINUS(see page 26). KEET foresight to see the value of the piece of land on which One of the area’s early landowners, Marthinus Keet theSchoor Society (one-time House landdrostwas built, oflater Stellenbosch) to be superseded had the bought the extensive Society House (forerunner of

President Hotel. Who knows what would have been erectedby the Queen’s, on the site, the Wentworthor if its history and would finally have the current been the pastQueen’s few Hotel) decades, property mostly in planting the early barley. 19th Hecentury. may far different if they hadn’t petitioned for this piece alsoHe farmed have built the fieldsanother that historic had been house established in Fresnaye over that of land for a country retreat in 1766? Perhaps the President Hotel would never have existed! after he acquired the property in 1803. became known as Bellwood (later The Homestead), ABOVE Justice William Menzies, an esteemed judge of the then rebuilt as a two-storey mansion (see page 25 Cape Bench, added the tower and Gothic features to Sea Point DR FRIEDRICH LUDWIG LIESCHING German-born military surgeon-major Friedrich Bellwood was partially destroyed by fire in c.1900, House, which can be seen in this wonderful 19th-century Ludwig Liesching arrived at the Cape in 1787 after ). painting of the building. In those days, Sea Point and Bantry HENRY ALEXANDER a harrowing ship journey when numerous soldiers In 1808, Henry Alexander, a cousin of the Earl of Bay were still relatively remote from central Cape Town, and in his care died during the months-long voyage. Caledon (after whom the town of Caledon was considered to be ‘in the country’. Cows still grazed lazily in Along with his friend Johann de Ziegler (they the fields nearby. The modern President Hotel now occupies appointed Colonial Secretary. the historic site. named),He began came accumulating to the Cape largefrom piecesEngland of afterland inbeing what OPPOSITE, RIGHT Queen Victoria provided the inspiration establishmentwere both keen of botanists), a botanical he garden was granted next to a a piece ravine of in was to become Sea Point, Bantry Bay and Fresnaye, for the renaming of the Wentworth Hotel, which became the land (20 hectares) behind the Society House for the until he became somewhat of a property baron. He Queen’s Hotel in 1887, to mark her Golden Jubilee. they planted rare botanical specimens, which were acquired and remodelled the Society House, which what is now Bantry Bay (previously Botany Bay). Here then became known as Sea Point House (later

Being well-respected in Cape society, they would de Smidt. Abraham to attributed unknown, date House image: Sea Point 33762 Town: Cape of Parliament, the Collections From watered by the stream that flowed down the ravine. 14 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark replaced by the Queen’s Hotel). Accustomed to living in lavish style, he also bought farms in George and Stellenbosch. a popular architectural feature at the time. He died He was described by Lord Charles Somerset insolvent,Point House), a shameful adding theprospect Gothic for elements his family that who were THE NAMING OF THE QUEEN’S as: ‘‘A man perfectly eccentric in both person and survived him, as they’d been members of high society. HOTEL AND QUEEN’S ROAD character ... He knew everything, discussed everything and usually confused everything he meddled with!’’ JAMES CAVANAGH Irishman James Cavanagh made a name for himself as GEORGE MURRAY ALEXANDER a respected hotelier in Cape Town during the Victorian Born in Edinburgh, George Murray Alexander trained era of grand hotels. After the old Wentworth became as an architect in his hometown before relocating to the Queen’s Hotel, it was largely due to Cavanagh (as South Africa in 1879, where he established a practice in Cape Town. He is credited with designing numerous such a good reputation. buildings of note, from the Queen’s Hotel and the Cape well as John Alexander) that the establishment earned AND BRUNO CORTE Both hoteliers of great renown, Sol Kerzner and Bruno DutchTown OperaReformed House Church. (demolished), He founded to the Engineering Town Corte managed the old President in the 1970s. As part andHall Architectural(now the Rondebosch Association Library), of South and Africa the Wynberg in 1884, of his ambitious Southern Sun hotel chain, in 1979 the South African Society of Architects in 1899, and the Kerzner developed , at the time Africa’s biggest Cape Institute of Architects in 1902. resort. He later launched the exclusive One&Only He died in in 1904. It would be logical chain, which has resorts around the world, including to assume that Alexander Road, leading up to the at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. He continues to open President Hotel, was named after Henry Alexander, hotels throughout the world. who did so much to establish the Sea Point suburb, but Fellow ex-President Manager Bruno Corte was IN 1887, THE OLD Wentworth Hotel, with it was in fact named after George Murray Alexander an imposing but popular, family-oriented man its sad associations of the Solomon family to commemorate his design of the Queen’s Hotel. who earned a name for himself as one of the South drowning in a nearby reservoir, was renamed. Africa’s foremost hoteliers. He had a 23-year career South Africa was part of the sprawling JUSTICE WILLIAM MENZIES at Kerzner’s Southern Sun hotel group, being its British Commonwealth, and this was a period Justice Menzies was a respected member of the Managing Director for 10 years. of patriotism. It was therefore decided to call it Cape Bench. He had a long career as a judge, and He was killed in 2002 while attempting to save a the Queen’s Hotel instead. presided from 1828 until his death in 1850. He made hostage during a botched armed robbery attempt 1887 was the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden alterations to the Society House (by then called Sea at a chain store in . Jubilee, which marked the 50th anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1837, and so the hotel was named after the British monarch to mark this milestone in her reign. Alexander Road was named after George Murray Queen’s Road and Queen’s beach were then named after the hotel.

Queen Victoria image by Alexander Bassano Alexander by image Queen Victoria Alexander, the architect who designed the Queen’s Hotel

15 NELSON MANDELA On 3 June 1998, a year before the end of his term as

and eight years after being released from 27 years as South Africa’s first democratically elected President, the new President Hotel, unveiling a commemorative plaquea political with prisoner, his name Nelson on it. MandelaHis plaque officially can still opened be seen at the hotel, where it has pride of place.

(CHAIM) MEYER BUDOW Chaim Meyer Budow was born in 1936. An ambitious property developer and chief executive of Anchor Trade Finance, it was Budow who envisioned the current, ultra-modern President Hotel. Taking 18 months to complete, it was a proud moment when he could meet Nelson Mandela at the grand opening of Having visited the hotel the building in 1998. He was also responsible for the development of the many times as a kid, it’s Villa Via Hotel in Granger Bay. He died in 2016 after seeing his vision realised of the new President as such a pleasure to once a successful hotel for the new millennium. again be associated with SIYANDA SABELO DLAMINI Over the decades, the President Hotel has opened the magnificent hotel and doors for many people who have proved hard workers TOP Meyer Budow (far left), the visionary and developer with vision. Born in KwaZulu-Natal, and raised by his team. I am determined for the new President Hotel, opening the new establishment mother, Siyanda Sabelo Dlamini came to Cape Town with Madiba in 1998. The commemorative plaque can be seen and got a job at the President Hotel in 2006 after to see it reach its true behind them. studying hotel management at the Cape Town Hotel ABOVE Siyanda Sabelo started his hotel career at School. Here he gained valuable experience managing potential and become the The President in 2006. He recently launched the the operations of the food and beverage outlets. R350-million Regency Apartment Hotel in Pretoria. Work at other Cape Town hotels included the Victoria iconic Cape Town hotel OPPOSITE, TOP DJ Robin Hodgson, aka Blackwood Hodge, Junction and The Marriott Crystal. He became a Protea with his friend Clive Samra, mid-70s. Comedian Peter Sellers Hotels General Manager from 2010. He has since it once was was one of many celebrities who stayed at the old hotel. relocated and launched the R350-million Regency Apartment Hotel in Pretoria, the crowning moment – Jeremy Clayton (Shareholder and Manager)

of his impressive career thus far. supplied Images

16 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark Quotes & memories The Queen’s and President Hotels have seen their fare share of interesting characters and celebrities over the decades

for his heart problem. Tonia Courtesy of ROSEMARY HAMPSHIRE Peter Newall ‘‘My brother Robin Hodgson was a DJ [at the old Berne-Campbell worked at the President] for a while in the 1970s. His disco was called hotel for a short while too (the Blackwood Hodge. He and his partner Arthur were widow of Donald Campbell also legends at the old Clifton Hotel; he was a great who died in 1967, racing the Bluebird K7 jet- DJ and especially well known for his Rocky Horror There was a nightclub/disco impersonations! Robin passed away in August.’’ JOHNengined AND hydroplane).’’ JENN GREENING – THE ‘NEW’ called Raffles. Sunday MARGIE JOHNSON PRESIDENT’S LONGEST-STAYING GUESTS ‘‘When I was a kid, we used to be dropped on Lion’s ‘‘The reason we’ve loved coming smörgåsbord lunches at Head and had to walk down to the Queen’s for Sunday back for the past 11 years, is it’s such a lovely, friendly hotel; the the President were also staff are always on hand to assist CHRISlunch ,where KROGER, the grown-ups FOOD AND were BEVERAGE quaffing G&Ts.’’ you in anything you need, which famous, and my Dad ACCOUNTS – OLD PRESIDENT HOTEL, 1970S is always done with a smile. ‘‘Petula Clark, Rolf Harris, Sidney Poitier and Uri Geller took us there on my 21st all stayed at the old President in the early 1970s. Dr light and airy and overlooks the Christiaan Barnard used to come in regularly, as his swimmingThe room pool we occupyand the (134) Atlantic is birthday, which seemed wife Barbara Zoellner used to have her hair done there. Ocean. One could not ask for anything better than The Nederburg Room was used for functions. My to wake up to the view and the sun. The hotel is in wonderfully posh to me a perfect location, close to shops, restaurants, bus Kerzner was Manager then, with Bruno Corte (see page routes, and only 10 minutes by car to the Waterfront.’’ at the time! 15office was over the entrance, with a wonderful view. Sol [The Greenings like to walk.] – Graham Sonnenberg, long-time we had to have a longer bed made for him [he was 1.96 John Greening: ‘‘We were having breakfast one metres). Ivan tall]! Rebroff Peter [Greek Sellers vocalist] came to was visit booked Chris Barnard in, and morning, when a German guest came to our table to resident of the area, reminiscing about ostensibly to play backgammon, but we were told it ask me if I was the owner of the hotel, as he was very the old President Hotel

Peter Sellers image: public domain; Robin Hodgson image: courtesy of Rosemary Hampshire; Greening image: supplied image: Greening Hampshire; of Rosemary courtesy Hodgson image: public domain; Robin image: Sellers Peter was because he was desperately looking for a solution impressed with the breakfast and the hotel in general.’’

17 Raffles nightclub The nightclub at the old President Hotel was a favourite weekend dancing spot for Sea Point locals, many of whom remember it fondly

GRACE GALLAND (OWNER OF THE HAIR JOHN MILBURN SALON AT THE PRESIDENT HOTEL) “I loved going to eat there in the early 80s. They had a huge buffet with as much as you could eat for R3.50 per head.” MARIETTE“If I am to die, VAN let it SCHALKWYK be on Raffles dancefloor.” In true Raffles style, HELEN HAYS had membership cards. We also had happy hours “It was the most beautiful disco. I remember dancing everyone dressed up, certain“Raffles days was beautifulwhen the inside.drinks Iwere remember more affordable. that we right next to Barbara Barnard, who looked extremely Lekker vir die werrrsklas!” and the results were a fabulous nightclub.” ISOBEL LIVINGSTONE-BLEVINS elegant but very thin at Raffles (late 1970s). It was quite delicious! “I remember back in our youthful day, that it was LEX TIZZARD – Gavin Dingle, photographer the black cat logo. I managed to get one before my conscienceour ambition got to the pinch better one of of me! the ThatRaffles was glasses about with took“I went your dancing breath at away. Raffles Great in the memories.” late 1970s. All glass 42 years ago.” and flashing lights. When you walked in, WOW, it ABOVE Lynn Platt of Mulligan’s Models in Wandel

RAY CLELAND Street, poses on the dancefloor next to the back-lit glass “Great place, us CT DJs used to meet up there ... OWEN ERIC BELL octagon with a silhouette of the Raffles cat. Monroe’s, Blaises and the DJs from Piggies Discos.” OPPOSITE, TOP Few other venues were as opulently R280 when they closed it. I was the awarded the adorned with a dizzying array of glass and mirrors. membership“I had lifetime by membership a panel in about to Raffles. 1979/80, They because paid me All quotes on this page (except the first quote, which was supplied by the President Hotel) are courtesy of the Cape Town - Down Memory Lane OPPOSITE, BOTTOM This couple arrived in a Rolls I was the main that one night.” boytjie Facebook group Royce and easily won the ‘Best-dressed’ prize. The disco was huge fun. A friend had her 50th there. (Captions and photos by Gavin Dingle)

Great era that! - Simone Williams unknown photographer image: Platt Lynn

18 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark GAVIN DINGLE, PHOTOGRAPHER Sunday lunches and dinners in the terrace (REMINISCENCES AND PHOTOS OF RAFFLES) restaurant were always a treat, and the food and “In the 1980s, I worked as a photographer for beverage manager would occasionally invite me the late John Bright, who had previously been to entertain diners on the white baby grand piano. I later did a lot of electronic work for Murray fashion shoots, and enjoyed the cabaret shows & Roberts, the developers of the new complex thata DJ atwere Raffles. regularly We used presented the venue there. for I numerouslater became planned for the President site. So, when the old hotel was being demolished in 1991, I taking pictures for their yearbooks, includingthe official various photographer premier for events. Ster-Kinekor, they considered valuable before doing The most memorable, by far, was confirmeda bit of urban that they’d exploration salvaged myself, anything and the re-release party for the Rocky seeking a souvenir or two. Bulldozers Horror Picture Show to celebrate had already removed the upper levels, and were busy on the exposed third everyone dressed up, and the results wereits unbanning. quite delicious! In true Raffles form, While most guests granted permission directlyfloor above as I crept my head. around I had the just second loosened for their pictures to be used, some didn’t. At least the Rawlfloor, bolts deafened securing by an the old intense safe to arumbling wall in one guest asked not to be photographed because he was attending the function with someone other the ceiling. I hurriedly dragged the metal box down than his wife! Other exciting events that I attended the rubble-strewnsecretary’s office, passage, when anda crack on reachingappeared the across at the President Hotel, included HiFi shows that stairs, turned to watch the concrete roof collapse where I’d been standing moments before. Blinding technology, before the digital age replaced it withfilled computers. every available room with the latest audio as I lugged the old safe to a friend’s stationwagon.” sunlight streamed in, reflecting off the choking dust At least one guest asked not to be photographed because he was attending the function with someone other than his wife!

19 RIGHT A Raffles compliment slip in Gavin Dingle’s collection, showing the richly decorated interior, plush seating and dancefloor in the foreground. BELOW This is not just a picture of the waitress, but an accurate rendition of the colour scheme in the room. INSET The safe Gavin Dingle risked his life to save during demolition of the old Hotel President. Dymo tape denomination labels inside the door reveal that it also held a cash float. (Captions and photos by Gavin Dingle)

“After dusting myself off and regaining some The safe I foolishly risked my life to save now holds the negatives from which these images (on

theconfidence, dusty darkness, I returned but to I findmanaged the room to that It was probably welded together extracthad been an Raffles. extremely Visibility heavy waschunk limited of in pagesfrom 19 and scrap 20) metal were inscanned. the old Hotel 40mm glass that formed a back-lit President ’s workshop, and octagon in the middle of the it hardly represented I gave the glass octagon to my high security. friend,old dancefloor. as thanks for the use of his I know that vehicle, and he used it as a coffee it held keys at one time, he reported that it had become the because I waited table in his flat. Many years later, for the secretary his front door. Sadly, it broke when it fell into to fetch one while on thecentrepiece empty pond of a bridgeduring oversome a construction fish pond to work. a job there.” I gave the glass octagon to my friend, as thanks for the use of his vehicle, and he used it as a coffee table in his flat

20 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark The hotel’s 2018 renovations included a new kiddies’ play area, reception, The Point lounge and deck, Owners’ lounge and deck bar, and refurbished rooms

Timeline 1766 The Society House is built 1810 Henry Alexander takes ownership; the property becomes known as Sea Point House 1835 Justice William Menzies buys the house and transforms it into a Gothic-style villa 1880 Sea Point House becomes the Wentworth Hotel 1887 Becomes The Queen’s Hotel to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee 1924 and 1936 The Queen’s Hotel is remodelled 1967 The Hotel President replaces the Queen’s Hotel 1998 The newly rebuilt President Hotel is opened by Nelson Mandela 2018 The ‘new’ President Hotel celebrates its 20th anniversary. Main image and far right image: supplied; postcard courtesy of Wil Howard; other timeline photos courtesy of Hilton Teper, Teper, of Hilton courtesy photos other timeline of Wil Howard; courtesy supplied; postcard and far right image: Main image 10115 Town: Cape of Parliament, c.1897). Collections Guide (Dennis Edwards Town right, from The Cape second from except

21 Clarensville Not far from the Queen’s Hotel, Clarensville was a neighbouring estate that became home to the Solomon family from the 1860s. It was later converted into a private hotel, much like Sea Point House

NE OF EARLY SEA POINT’S landmarks, of their guests in 1879 during his captivity at the Cape, after the British had forcibly taken him Oa covered veranda and large Georgian-style from his homeland of Ulundi. He sent a letter of sash windows.Clarensville It stood was on a flat-roofedlarge grounds, homestead planted with condolence to his hosts after their daughter extensively with pine trees, and there was a circular Maggie drowned. carriage drive with a fountain in front of the house. After Saul Solomon died in the early 1890s, The property stretched from the shoreline in the Clarensville estate was broken up for building lots, north (with a little beach that was at the owners’ and the large garden became a distant memory. disposal until the building of the Sea Point pavilion The suburb of Sea Point was gobbling up the vast old estates of the past, and the Clarensville grounds Clarens Road in the east and Cassel Road in the west. became part of this growing suburb, where shops Anotherand promenade) house, Camelon and Regent (occupied Road in by the a son south of theto and new houses sprang up along Clarens Road. ABOVE The rambling additions at the back of Clarensville The old homestead was turned into a seaside in its later days when it served as a boarding house. Although Clarensville was owned by James King boarding establishment, much like Sea Point OPPOSITE, TOP Clarensville in its heyday, during the (ofSolomons), the mercantile also stood house on Phillips this large & King,piece whoof ground. House. It was added to and altered over the Solomons’ ownership. The huge covered front stoep, which looked onto the sea, could easily accommodate the best remembered as the home of the well-known its grandeur fading until eventually it had been growing family, providing a safe haven for the Solomon Solomons,mined copper who in bought Namaqualand) it that year prior and to made 1861, it ittheir is engulfeddecades (including by its additions. two double-storey side wings), children. Note the floor-to-ceiling sash windows and elegant family home. Here their children had the run of the Clarensville was eventually demolished during Georgian-style spoke fanlight. house and its rambling garden that led down to OPPOSITE, BOTTOM During its later period as a seaside the sea. and was in full swing by 1960, when it was replaced private hotel, Clarensville underwent numerous additions, Saul Solomon, a printing magnate who owned the flat-building boom that had begun in the 1930s as can be seen in this old postcard. The , and his wife Georgiana, were somewhat building of the same name in the Main Road (built OPPOSITE, RIGHT Saul Solomon, the printing magnate. Cape Argus of a Sea Point power couple, who entertained a by a block of flats. Along with an attractive Art Deco number of prominent and interesting people at Clarensville Flats keeps the name of the famous Clarensville. , King of the Zulus, was one Solomonon part of homestead the old estate), alive astoday. well as Clarens Road,

22 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark SAUL & GEORGIANA SOLOMON

BORN IN ST HELENA IN 1817, Saul Solomon came to the Cape and founded Solomon & Co printing company with his brother Henry, printing The Cape Argus and Government Gazette. He was also a co- founder of Old Mutual. Due to a birth defect, he was tiny in stature, but a big personality nonetheless. He became a strong voice in politics, and his liberal attitude was far ahead of its time. Clarensville was a landmark His wife Georgiana was equally liberal, and was a social activist and a member of of old Sea Point, first as the British suffragette movement. When their daughter Maggie drowned near the an imposing family home, and Wentworth/Queen’s Hotel, the couple were devastated and left the country.

Main image: Western Cape Archives & Records Service: E7682; other images courtesy of Service:courtesy E7682; other images & Records Archives Cape Western Main image: solomonmossfamilyarchives.blogspot.com Saul Solomon image: except Wil Howard, later as a boarding house

23 The Saunders family once owned much of Sea Point and Bantry Bay. Sea Cliffe Sea Cliffe,and Bellwood Roads and Saunders Rock are reminders of this family’s presence here

One of the Queen’s Hotel’s immediate neighbours was Sea Cliffe, a rambling house with a big garden perched just above Saunders Rock

RIGHT This photo, dated 1868, is probably of Sea EA CLIFFE WAS THE BEAUTIFUL HOME of the same role for the Harbour Board until Cliffe house. The site is now occupied by Sea Cliffe flats Saunders family. Situated on a rocky outcrop at his retirement. and holiday lets. the eastern edge of Bantry Bay, the house had Sea Cliffe was a sizeable house, with a pitched roof OPPOSITE, TOP TO BOTTOM Looking towards Saunders S previously been known as Rock Cottage, because of Rock in 1900, with Sea Cliffe in the distance; a girl (probably its position. extensive additions at the back, no doubt built to from the Saunders family) poses in front of Bellwood during John Saunders senior was born in Paarl in 1828. accommodateand covered stoep the large(like mostVictorian of its families neighbours), that lived and its heyday in the 1850s; the ruined shell of Bellwood in the Like the early owner of Clarensville nearby, James there during the 19th century. early 20th century, after it had been unoccupied for some King, Saunders was also caught up in the copper After Saunders died in 1908, the house (which can time. It was subsequently rebuilt as a double-storey house boom in Namaqualand. and finally as a sprawling Fresnaye mansion, which today Among other things, he was secretary of the Anti- boarding establishment, much like many other old may still incorporate some of the original walls. Convict Movement (formed to stop the Neptune, a Seabe seen Point in houses. many old Sadly, photos) it was was demolished converted in into 1961 a ship of British convicts, from disembarking at the to make way for Sea Cliffe Flats, and another old Sea Point landmark was lost. Image: from the Curtis Album, 1868. Collections of Parliament, Cape Town: 10113 (21d) Town: Cape of Parliament, 1868. Collections Album, the Curtis from Image:

Cape), as well as very competently occupying the 24 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark Bellwood SAUNDERS ROCK & BEACH Another Saunders property, Bellwood was a flat-roofed homestead that stood high on the hill at the top of Alexandra Avenue in what is now Fresnaye

HEN HENRY ALEXANDER (see page it had stables, a coach house, various outhouses 14 Wto become his Sea Point Estate cottage, apart from the main homestead. ) bought up much of what was (includingIt was old this slave complex quarters) that andJohn a Saunders separate 1800s, his land included what was to bought in 1850, owning it until 1873. become(including known Sea Point as Bellwood, House) in situated the early in In the 1880s, a mine shaft was sunk a spectacular position high up on the at Bellwood in search of gold, after gold slopes of Lion’s Head at the top of what quartz had been found on Lion’s Head. is now Alexandra Avenue, Fresnaye. Luckily it turned out that no gold could After Alexander died in 1818, J.J.F. be found, or much of Lion’s Head would have been blasted into oblivion. NAMED AFTER JOHN SAUNDERS who part of Sea Point By 1900, the old lived at Sea Cliffe house, this rock and beach estate,Rosselt followed (a translator) by bought this upper homestead, with is a natural landmark of the Bantry Bay/Sea W.A.J. Stoll (Treasurer- its massively thick Point area. According to the late historian General of the Cape walls, was vacant, Marischal Murray, the rock got its name when and gradually fell the one-time owner of Sea Point House (later Either Rosselt or into ruin. StollColony) built in the 1831. house, It has since been Menzies, strode over from his home, ‘‘bewigged which boasted one rebuilt numerous superseded by the Queen’s Hotel) Justice times, namely as dubbed the highest point Saunders Rock. the Atlantic Seaboard, Bellwood Villa and andThe with little gown protected fluttering tidal in pool the breeze’’,of the same and sweepingof the finest across views of The Homestead, name below the rock (somewhat of a local the bay. until its present When the following incarnation, which owner (H.B. was advertised for secret) was a muchfavourite as it swimming is today. and fishing sale at a record R185 area of many of the area’s children (and adults),

Main images: Western Cape Archives & Records Service; sidebar image: Etienne du Plessis Service; image: sidebar & Records Archives Cape Western Main images: Bellwood in 1841, million in 2017! Rutherford) sold 25 Botany Bay LEFT The cluster of thatched cottages erected by Dr Liesching in the early 19th century, high up on the cliffs at Botany Bay. There were terraces of herbs and shrubs planted in neat rows overlooking the ocean below. Dr Liesching’s home became known as The Knoll, and was demolished in 2001, despite being one of the area’s oldest houses. BELOW A postcard view from rocky slopes of the hill at Bantry Bay (the thatched Knoll homestead can be seen at the bottom right) in the early 20th century, looking down towards Sea Point, with the Queen’s Hotel on the middle left. The area still had a spacious country feel.

The Botany Café at the President Hotel commemorates the bay of the same name, renamed Bantry Bay during the First World War

ERMAN BOTANIST and VOC (Dutch East Dr Liesching took over the estate, which he then enlarged. Over the years the house (later GLiesching arrived in Cape Town in 1787. In 1807India he was Company) granted surgeon-majorland in what is Drnow F.L. Bantry becoming an interesting and unique mix of Bay, where he created a botanical garden for the Capecalled architectural The Knoll) was styles. gradually added to, growing of medicinal herbs. This is how the bay Despite its history, and great age (it was one of the below became known as Botany Bay. It’s possible that there was already a simple Dutch was demolished in 2001 to make way for a housing oldest houses on the Atlantic Seaboard), the house Hotel’s Botany Café keeps this history alive. East India Company (VOC) structure (like an old development. It’s fitting then that the President Sonnenberg of Graham courtesy image 93; postcard Service; DOY & Records Archives Cape Western Main image: post-holder’s house) on the property when 26 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark SEA POINT COTTAGE, HOME OF THE WICHTS & WEPENERS Sources & credits Murray, Marischal, Under Lion’s Head (A.A. www.geni.com/people Balkema, 1964) The Solomon Family (wikispaces.com) De Beer, Mona, The Lion Mountain (A.A. Balkema, 1987) HISTORIC IMAGES, MAPS AND INFORMATION Walker, Michael, The Early Architects of Cape Western Cape Archives & Records Service Town (2012) UCT Libraries Special Collections Notes on the Society House and Sea Point House, Collections of Parliament, Cape Town Collections of Parliament, Cape Town Gavin Dingle (special thanks!) J.M Thorpe, undated. University of Southern California Libraries Digital Collections The Cape Town Guide (Dennis Edwards c.1897) Hilton Teper Graham Sonnenberg STANDING JUST BEHIND the Queen’s Hotel, ONLINE RESOURCES on the corner of Craigownie and Victoria citymaps.capetown.gov.za/EGISViewer/ TITLE PAGE IMAGE Sea Point House, date unknown. roads, there once stood a quaint thatched gis.elsenburg.com/apps/cfm/ Attributed to Abraham de Smidt. From the Collections cottage (built on part of the property that once artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/ of Parliament, Cape Town: 33762 dated from 1790 or earlier, that can be seen in www.flickr.com DISCLAIMER Every effort has been made to trace the credits/owners of the belonged to the Society House), said to have images and information reproduced in this book. Please contact Cape Town numerous old panoramas of Bantry Bay and Sea www.facebook.com/groups/102476831771/ Property Histories for more information. Point, as well as on old postcards of the area. The Wicht family, who were big property owners in and around Cape Town, bought this seaside cottage in 1852. Produced by Jim Hislop They let it out to various tenants, most notably the Wepener family. One of the Wepeners CAPE TOWN PROPERTY HISTORIES earned a reputation as being one of the best 5 Upper Chamberlain Street, Woodstock, Cape Town drivers of the old Sea Point horse trams. Call Jim Hislop: 083 950 9586 Email: Unfortunately, the old cottage was demolished [email protected] in the 1930s for the building of Florida © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, Text, research,electronic, layout andmechanical, photography photocopying, (unless recording otherwise or otherwise, specified) without byprior Jim permission Hislop. from Proofreader: the publisher. Marcelle Lang

Court flats.

27 Image: supplied

As one of Cape Town’s iconic hotels, The President celebrates and pays tribute to our incredible city and its surroundings. Guests who visit the hotel will enjoy friendly and welcoming hospitality, extraordinary Cape Town experiences, delicious food and drinks, and spacious and relaxing rooms - all while enjoying our incredible views and location – Jeremy Clayton, Shareholder and Manager

28 – THE PRESIDENT HOTEL – A History of a Bantry Bay Landmark