Charles Esther
The iconic Ritz Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town, has finally been sold after years of sitting empty and forgotten.
The landmark property on the Atlantic Seaboard fetched a reported R240 million, sparking hope for its revival.
The Ritz Hotel, once known for its luxury and its revolving rooftop restaurant, has remained closed since 2018 following legal disputes.
Now, the sale marks a possible fresh chapter for one of Cape Town’s most recognizable buildings.
The Fall of a Seaside Landmark
Originally constructed in 1970, the Ritz Hotel stood tall with 23 stories and 213 rooms.
Its unique rotating restaurant made it a tourist attraction and a beloved venue for locals.
During its prime, the hotel maintained an impressive occupancy rate of nearly 80%.
However, despite extensive renovations in 2018, the reopening plans crumbled after a court ruling.
The Cape Town High Court found that the hotel’s management company failed to pay fees to Ritz Plaza, the actual property owner.
This halted any operations, and the building was left unused for nearly seven years.
New Owner Could Revive the Ritz Hotel’s Legacy
According to property broker Ash Müller, the hotel has now been bought and is poised for a new beginning.
The buyer remains unnamed, but the sale has stirred public interest, especially among Cape Town residents.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis even shared a personal memory, recalling dining at the restaurant on the night he got engaged.
His public post reflected the emotional connection many locals have with the building and the hope for its revival.
A Hotel Built Ahead of Its Time
The Ritz Hotel was known for its innovative construction during the 1970s.
Each room and bathroom was prebuilt off-site and carefully dropped into place from the top of the building.
This modular approach was unusual and earned the hotel several construction awards during that period.
The structure itself stands at 80 meters high and includes two penthouses.
Despite its abandonment, the interiors from the 2018 renovation remain intact, untouched since the closure.
Images shared online show modern updates to the rooms, pool, and dining areas done under the previous management.
Will the Ritz Hotel Finally Return to Glory?
With a new owner in place, hopes are high that the Ritz Hotel will be restored to its former elegance.
Tourism professionals, city officials, and Cape Town residents alike are eager to see progress.
The hotel’s prime location in Sea Point and its unique features make it a strong candidate for a successful comeback.
If revitalized properly, the Ritz Hotel could once again become a crown jewel of the Atlantic Seaboard.
