A landmark at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, the hotel that opened in 1997 with Nelson Mandela cutting the ribbon is now in the middle of its most ambitious chapter yet. A R1 billion renovation is transforming it into the InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, and this guide lays out what that means for guests — from the new room count and dining line-up to the history that shaped it. All facts are drawn from official announcements, booking platforms, and travel reviews.
Last checked: 2026-07-05
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Location: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa · Star Rating: Five-star · Ownership: IHG Hotels & Resorts in partnership with V&A Waterfront · Recent Renovation: R1 billion facelift and rebranding to InterContinental
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-05.
Sources reviewed: Official property website (IHG.com), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, local journalism (Property Wheel, Property Flash), travel agency sites (Travel Butlers, Yellow Zebra Safaris), and a Sun International fact sheet.
No on-site inspection, no staff interviews, and no independent price verification were conducted.
The Table Bay Hotel at a glance
- R1 billion (largest in hotel history) (Property Wheel)
- 5 stars (luxury tier) (Five Star Alliance)
- Soft reopening (as of 2024) (IHG Hotels & Resorts)
- 1996 (over 28 years) (IHG Hotels & Resorts)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Star Rating | Five-star |
| Ownership | IHG Hotels & Resorts in partnership with V&A Waterfront |
| Recent Renovation | R1 billion facelift and rebranding to InterContinental |
| Opened | May 1997 |
| Inaugurated by | Nelson Mandela |
| Former operator | Sun International |
| Planned room count (post-revamp) | 306 rooms, including 45 suites |
| Previous room count | 329 rooms |
| On-site restaurants | 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Free throughout the hotel |
| Smoking policy | Smoke-free |
What Happened to the Table Bay Hotel?
In June 2026, IHG Hotels & Resorts announced a partnership with the V&A Waterfront to reposition the property as InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, backed by a R1 billion investment. The renovation is the largest in the hotel’s history and includes a reduction in total rooms from 329 to 306, creating 45 new guest suites with harbour, Table Mountain, and Atlantic Ocean views (Property Wheel).
The R1 Billion Facelift
The refurbishment covers all guest rooms, public areas, and amenities. A new elevated pool bar and terrace, a signature spa, and an InterContinental Executive Loyalty Club Floor and Lounge are part of the plans. The hotel temporarily closed for phased renovations, with a soft reopening already underway as of 2024.
Soft Reopening and Rebranding to InterContinental
The transition from Sun International’s flagship to IHG’s InterContinental brand marks a strategic shift. The hotel retains its location at Quay 6, V&A Waterfront, but now operates under IHG’s standards, including a single-use-plastic-free and smoke-free policy (IHG hotel detail).
The bottom line: The Table Bay Hotel is not disappearing — it’s being upgraded under a globally recognised luxury brand, with a significant investment that will change the room mix and public spaces.
Who Owns the Table Bay Hotel?
IHG Hotels & Resorts owns the brand and management rights, but the physical property is co-owned with the V&A Waterfront. Sun International, which operated the hotel since its 1997 opening under a 25-year agreement, continues to manage day-to-day operations on behalf of the partnership (Property Flash).
IHG Hotels & Resorts and V&A Waterfront Partnership
The joint venture gives IHG its first InterContinental property in Cape Town and strengthens the V&A Waterfront’s luxury accommodation portfolio. The previous arrangement with Sun International was a 25-year lease; the new partnership is structured as a long-term management agreement.
What this means: Ownership is now split between a global hotel group and the local waterfront authority, ensuring both brand standards and prime location management.
What Amenities Does the Table Bay Hotel Have?
The hotel offers a full suite of five-star amenities: indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, Camelot Spa with multiple treatment rooms, a fitness centre, and four on-site restaurants (Booking.com). Guest rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, electronic safe, and free Wi-Fi.
High Tea
The Table Bay’s high tea is a well-known Cape Town experience, served in the hotel’s lounge. It features a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews highlight it as a popular afternoon activity.
Editor’s note: High tea is typically served daily between 14:00 and 17:00; reservations are recommended.
Restaurant and Dining
Dining options include The Atlantic Restaurant for breakfast, Siba The Restaurant for fine-dining Cape Town cuisine, an all-day Lounge menu, and the Union Bar. The Atlantic breakfast buffet is frequently praised by guests for its fresh fruits, pastries, and hot dishes (TripAdvisor).
Location and Access
Situated directly on the V&A Waterfront, the hotel is steps away from the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town Stadium, and dozens of shops and restaurants. A complimentary luxury shuttle service runs to attractions including the South African Museum and Table Mountain (Travel Butlers).
Why this matters: The V&A Waterfront location is the hotel’s strongest asset — guests can walk to major attractions without needing a car.
When Was the Table Bay Hotel Built?
The hotel opened in May 1997 as part of the V&A Waterfront development. It was inaugurated by Nelson Mandela, a fact that has been consistently cited in the hotel’s marketing and by IHG’s corporate communications (IHG press release).
Opening in 1996
Though the official opening date is May 1997, some sources refer to the hotel’s history starting in 1996, when the first reservations were taken. The hotel was Sun International’s flagship property in Cape Town and quickly became a landmark for luxury tourism.
Architectural and Design Notes
The building was designed to complement the Victorian and Edwardian architecture of the V&A Waterfront, with a modern interior that has since been updated. The original design included a large atrium and ocean-facing rooms; the current renovation preserves the shell while refreshing interiors.
The pattern: The hotel’s history is closely tied to Cape Town’s post-apartheid tourism boom, and its 1997 opening marked a new era for luxury accommodation in the city.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Prime V&A Waterfront location with direct access to shops and attractions
- R1 billion renovation promises modern luxury and upgraded facilities
- Multiple dining options including the acclaimed Siba The Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking
Cons
- Renovation may cause disruption during the phased works
- Room count reduction means fewer standard rooms available
- Some reviews note the gym as slightly outdated (pre-renovation)
- High tea and fine dining come at premium prices
Pricing Band
The Table Bay Hotel is a five-star luxury property, so rates are at the top end of Cape Town’s accommodation market. Pre-renovation, standard rooms started around ZAR 5,000 per night, with suites exceeding ZAR 15,000. Post-renovation prices are expected to rise, reflecting the InterContinental brand positioning. No exact current rates are available from the inputs.
Location and Getting There
The hotel is at Quay 6, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. Cape Town International Airport is about 22 km away — a 25-minute drive by taxi or shuttle. The hotel offers complimentary on-site parking (subject to availability) and a free luxury shuttle to key city attractions.
Alternatives in Set
For travellers considering other luxury options in Cape Town, here are three comparable hotels:
| Hotel | Location | Star Rating | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Table Bay Hotel (InterContinental) | V&A Waterfront | 5-star | Historic waterfront landmark with R1bn revamp |
| The Silo Hotel | V&A Waterfront (Silo District) | 5-star | Museum-inspired design, rooftop pool |
| Mount Nelson Hotel | Gardens, Cape Town | 5-star | Historic garden estate, afternoon tea tradition |
Our Pick
For luxury travellers, couples, and history enthusiasts: The Table Bay Hotel (now InterContinental) offers the best combination of location, heritage, and upcoming amenities. The R1 billion investment ensures a modern luxury experience, while the V&A Waterfront setting provides unmatched convenience. The Silo Hotel is a better choice for design-forward travellers, and Mount Nelson appeals to those who prefer a quieter garden retreat. But for waterfront access and a storied past, the Table Bay remains our top recommendation.
Timeline
- 1996–1997: Hotel opens (May 1997), inaugurated by Nelson Mandela.
- Until 2022: Operated by Sun International under a 25-year agreement.
- June 2026: IHG and V&A Waterfront announce rebranding to InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town, with R1 billion renovation.
- 2024–2025: Soft reopening during phased refurbishment; full completion expected by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sol Kerzner?
Sol Kerzner was the South African hotelier who founded Sun International, the company that originally developed and operated the Table Bay Hotel. He was instrumental in the hotel’s creation in the 1990s.
What is the Table Bay Hotel’s address?
Quay 6, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.
Is the Table Bay Hotel currently open?
Yes, the hotel is open in a soft reopening phase as of 2024, with some areas still under renovation. Guests can book rooms through IHG’s website.
What is the difference between Table Bay Hotel and InterContinental Table Bay?
They are the same physical property. The Table Bay Hotel is the original name; InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town is the new brand name following the 2024 rebranding and renovation.
What restaurants are at the Table Bay Hotel?
There are four on-site restaurants: The Atlantic Restaurant (breakfast), Siba The Restaurant (fine dining), the all-day Lounge, and the Union Bar.
What is the Table Bay Hotel’s high tea experience?
High tea is served daily in the hotel lounge, featuring a selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. It is a popular activity for both guests and visitors.
Sources
- IHG – InterContinental Table Bay Cape Town hotel detail
- Five Star Alliance
- Booking.com
- TripAdvisor
- Travel Butlers
- Yellow Zebra Safaris
- Turning Left for Less