SA’s first Hilton Garden Inn to open in Umhlanga in 2020

admin April 12, 2018April 13, 2018 Charles Thompson, Commercial property, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Hotels, hospitality, Hotels, King Shaka International, Michael Deighton, Mixed-use Developments, Patrick Fitzgibbon, Tongaat Hulett Developments, UA Hotel Company, Umhlanga Arch, Umhlanga Ridgeside.

Hilton hotels group has signed a management agreement with Durban-based UA Hotel Company to open a 207 guestroom Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch in the booming Ridgeside precinct of Umhlanga in 2020.

The new hotel will be part of the R1.3 billion Umhlanga Arch mixed-use development under construction in Ridgeside, a master-planned development by JSE-listed sugar and property giants, Tongaat Hulett.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s senior vice president for development in the EMEA region said: “Umhlanga is a terrific location in which to launch Hilton Garden Inn in South Africa. A popular upmarket commercial and leisure destination, Umhlanga is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing economic areas. The relocation of nearby King Shaka International Airport in 2010 and a significant boost in office space is driving considerable growth in corporate traffic, creating demand for what will be our first Hilton Garden Inn in South Africa.”

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s senior vice president for development in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Charles Thompson of UA Hotel Company, said: “We are pleased to announce Hilton as our international hotel partner. The hotel will operate under its Hilton Garden Inn brand, a quality, upper midscale brand with a proven track record of providing exceptional service – the perfect fit for Umhlanga Arch. Along with the hotel, this exciting project will include offices, retail space and contemporary apartments across 45,000 square metres of development.”

The 207 guestroom Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch will be situated within easy access to King Shaka International Airport, La Lucia Ridge, Durban and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The hotel will offer its own business and fitness centres, outdoor pool and various food and beverage outlets, including a garden and lounge bar.

Commenting on the deal to SA Property Insider, Michael Deighton, Managing Director of Tongaat Hulett Developments, said: “Research has revealed a need for additional hotel accommodation in the uMhlanga region and we are delighted to welcome the first Hilton Garden Inn to the Ridgeside precinct. Hilton is a prestigious brand and has selected a superb location for its expansion in the South African market.”

An aerial view of Ridgeside, the multi-billion rand mixed-use mega development node, which cascades towards the sea from uMhlanga Ridge and is being driven by Tongaat Hulett Developments. The construction site in the middle of the photograph is where the Umhlanga Arch development is underway and will include SA’s first Hilton Garden Inn hotel.

According to the Hilton group, Africa is home to nearly 90 Hilton hotels trading and under development across five brands, including Hilton Garden Inn. The brand has proven successful across the region with more than 150 hotels across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch will be located on Umhlanga Rocks Drive in Umhlanga Ridgeside, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.